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War Diary: 1st Battalion The East Lancashire Regiment

Month and year: August 1944

The 1st Battalion The East Lancashire Regiment August 1944 War Diary covers their time pushing deeper into France from Gavrus, Normandy across the Seine to Bosquetin.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1330

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Page 1 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
GAVRUS 1 Quiet morning, but frequent mortaring in the afternoon causing casualties,
2000 Unexploded rocket projectiles landed in 'A' Coy area. Bde informed. Shell
had blackened base with holes, presumably for ejection of gases, and
percussion cap. Bottom 6" of base was threaded on to remainder. All found
were open at top showing explosive. Size 18" long. 2 1/4" dia.
2200 At conference told enemy likely to be withdrawing - energetic patrolling
ordered.
2330 Patrol under Capt. Jeavons set out to recce enemy positions.Appx 'A'
2 0100 Patrol under Sjt Swain set out to recce enemy posns,Appx 'B'
0100 An espionage agent was arrested in 'A' Ech by Ptes Graham & Cfn Butler. He
was later found to have come from Paris with the obj of finding Div Bdys.
0400 Above patrols carried out well, and useful infm obtained.
0530 L.O. brought Bde Op Inst No.1 dated 2 Aug.attd as Appx 'D'
1300 Daylight patrols sent out to see if enemy was withdrawing.
1600 2 Frenchmen brought in trying to get to EVRECY - sent to Bde though they
seemed genuine.
1830 Orders given for Ex 'Bayonet', followed by recce.Orders shown as Appx 'D'
(Raid by 'C' Coy with tank, arty, MMG, Mor & Crocodile sp)
2100 - 2300 Heavy enemy mortaring while 4 Welch make a raid on left flank towards ESQUAY.
3 0400 Both Patrols returned with valuable infm of enemy localities.
0900 Ex 'Bayonet' cancelled.
1345 It is thought enemy in front have withdrawn.
Daylight OPs ordered to be sent fwd from 'D' Coy & adv Carrier Secs.
Ex 'Bayonet' now merely postponed.
1600 Op Instr No.2 received. No.1 cancelled. Deals with advance to line ofAPPX. E
R.Orne at Amaye sur Orne. Not to be implemented till ordered.
During the night, three patrols were sent out. One patrol from 'D', oneAPPX 'F'
from 'B', and one from 'A', with the object of discovering whether the energy
Page 2 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
GAVRUS 3 was withdrawing.
4 The information received was illuminating. By 0500 hrs it was apparent that
the enemy was withdrawing from his known positions along the road NE from
EVRECY to LE BON REPOS and NNW from EVRECY to GAVRUS. Daylight patrols sent
out to these roads & established there confirmed this, particularly oneAPPX 'G'
patrol under L/Sjt Chapman of 'B' Coy (Killed in action). An enemy mine-
field was located along the latter road. This infm was passed back quicklyAppx 'H'
and produced in due course a congratulatory message from the Div Comd.
During the morning, we were waiting for Op Order No.2 to be implemented
i.e. the pursuit of the retreating enemy, but it was considered by Higher
Formation apparently, that we were so thin on the ground as to make pursuit
without ample reconnaissance, a dangerous proceeding. Moreover, away on
our left flank recce patrols had encountered enemy tanks in LE BON REPOS at
about 0600 hrs. Armoured recce patrols penetrated some 10 miles almost to
the banks of the ORNE and found only two coys of enemy who, thinking they
were secure, had halted for tea. All other enemy had gone.
1800 C' Coy sent Battle Patrol to hold Evrecy Br.
A Carrier Patrol was sent out in the evening to the SW and though it made
a detour of some 8 miles, no enemy was seen. Taking advantage of the
enemy's withdrawal, the Bn assumed new dispositions during the evening
and night of 4 Aug. 'B' Coy left, SW of Evrecy at 9259, 'C' Coy on their
left extending to the Evrecy bridge 931593, while 'A' Coy moved fwd to
N side of Evrecy 923599, 'Dr Coy moving to Pt.113 as counter-attack force.
Nothing further happened that day. Evrecy itself was a shambles, with
roads navigable only by Jeeps, with 90% demolished buildings, and the remainder allLog sheet Appx 'I'
damaged.
5 In the morning we were ordered to concentrate the Bn. and this was done
Page 3 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
EVRECY, 5 by 1400 hrs around Bn. H.Q, which was still in the old location. Almost
immediately afterwards, we were told that the Bn would join 158 Inf Bde
replacing 7 RWF, and recce parties were despatched to FEUGUEROLLES SUR
ORNE, to contact opposite numbers of 7 RWF, whose posns we were ordered
to occupy. The move was ordered to commence at 1700 hrs, and the first
coy actually moved off at 1730 hrs. The 4 RWF were met on the road, and
the congestion caused some delay, with the result that the Bn having
marched some 7 miles, were only reported in at 2200 hrs that night. PartLAYOUT OF POSNS AT APP 'J'
of the road had not been checked for mines, which caused further delay,
although no mines, were in fact, encountered. During the night, short
patrols were sent forward to the bank of the ORNE, but no enemy were
met. Some signs of enemy defensive preparations were seen and heard on
the far bank.
FEUGUEROLLES SUR ORNE. Apart from a few occasional shells and mortaring on a fwd OP., there was no
enemy activity directed against us. It was anticipated that the Bde would
be asked to cross the ORNE in this sector, and consequently, patrols were
ordered to cross the river at night. This they succeeded in doing.Reports Appx 'K'.
7 At 2330 hrs the Bde was warned to move to area of LE HOMME 928574, South of
EVRECY, It was considered essential to get the tpt away before daylight
Certain adjustments had therefore to be made to the patrols mentioned above
to get them back by 0500 hrs, The tpt had to start getting book at 0530
hrs. This involved continuous organising work during the night i.e. calling
up tpt from 'A' Ech, loading up trucks with stores dumped on the ground,
preparations of breakfasts and cutting of haversack rations for dinner
meal, All this had to be done before the tpt moved offs. The morning was
misty, and the early move of tpt did in fact become unnecessary, but was
nevertheless carried out. The Bn commenced marching at 0930 hrs and
Page 4 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
7 arrived in the rest area at 1200 hrs. On the way some war reporters were
met who were dealt with by the 2IC. The day was very hot and dusty and the
stench of decaying bodies unbearable in places. The Bn was at 6 hrs notice
to move, the idea being that we should cross the ORNE where a bridgehead
had already been made by 156 Bde which included 5 E.Lan.R. at GOUPILLIERES
9553
8 The day was spent in adm by the Bn. CO and Coy Comds were called fwd today
to recce posns for an attack EAST of the bridge over the ORNE
Instead of taking over from the N.Staffs, as was expected, the Royal
Warwicks were found to be in those positions and they knew nothing of our
impending move, therefore alternative posns were reconnoitred to be
occupied if they were still in position when we eventually arrived.
9 The Bn moved off on a reduced scale of tpt at 1830 hrs. Due to heavy
traffic on the roads there were numerous hold-ups, and the Bn was not in
its posn on the EAST side of the ORNE until dark. The Royal Warwicks were
found to have moved forward and the Coys occupied their posns. Tpt was
sent forward to arrive about midnight. Congestion on the bridge was very
great; a continual stream of traffic was passing over the Bailey bridge
and was being halted only for maintenance of the bridge, and on occasions
when the fwd area reached saturation point. It was obvious that everything
was being pushed Lwd with the greatest possible speed from artillery
to field ambulances.
10 The Bn made no move this day, but orders were given for an advance, expected
to begin at 0600 hrs on the following morning, together with 147 RAC
(Churchill Tank Bn) and the plan was made to capture pt 205 and the DONNAY
X-rds, sending 'C' Coy to one Plank to capture BOIS HALBOUT
Page 5 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
11 0430 As ordered the Bn left the area of the bridge over the ORNE and marched
0600 about three miles EAST on to the main road running N & S through LES MOUTIERS
EN-CINGLAIS 153 RAC was already there and 'A', 'B' & 'C' Coys practised getting on and
off the tanks which were to carry them into action ('B', 'A' & 'C' Sqns
respectively). The plan was that the two fwd coys should take the Donnay
X-rds (MR994444) 'C' Coy being pushed north to BOIS HALBOUT to seize and
hold it till relieved by the 1/5 Welch, advancing on our left. The Bn was
then to reassemble and capture point 210 (MR 025409 ). Units to the South
reported, however, heavier opposition than was expected, particularly at
ESPINS and this advance was cancelled. In the evening the Bn was warned
for an attack on BOIS HALBOUT, This was later cancelled as obviously
insufficient time was available to prepare the attack properly.
1500 Tanks withdrawn for another operation and participation in attack by 7 RWF
on FRESNEY LE VIEUX in the evening.
1700 Bn concentrated for the night in area 984516 and was warned for attack on
BOIS HALBOUT the following day. Attempted recces proved it impossible, to see
the ground for the attack.
12 Attack on BOIS HALBOUT. (This action is described on attached sheet).Appx 'L'
Weather throughout the day was fine, Tank casualties were 2 Tanks,
Patrols sent out SW to 009462 and W to 004467 reported no enemy seen.
Casualties sustained were:- 39 wounded. 11 Killed.
13 After many postponments 1 Oxf Bucks commenced passing through at 0130 hrs,
followed after daybreak by 1 HLI.
1200 Enemy tanks were reported at 000460 during the day and there were numerous
other alarms but nothing except shellfire actually came down on our posns.
Meanwhile, 147 Fd Amb est itself almost on Bn.HQ and material of every
description was passed through.
Page 6 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
14 No enemy action was experienced throughout the day.
0930 C' & 'D' Coys were ordered fwd to clear pockets of resistance and snipers
from around the area of CLINCHAMPS 0145.
1050 These coys moved off to this area and found no signs of mines or enemy.
Instead the area was occupied by recce patrols from various units and a
complete inf bn.
1510 Both Coys were ordered to return.
15 0700 The Bde was put at 2 hrs notice to move from 0700 hrs. The Bn stayed in its
present location all morning and listened to reports of other units who by
this time were in LEFFARD. Here, 2 Mons were experiencing trouble with
small determined bodies of the enemy.
1200 The Bn embussed and moved fwd some 7 miles in 3 tonners to a conc area at
MR............., Here we waited till 1745 hrs when we moved on down the road
to LEFFARD. Signs of recent battle were very obvious and the Bn coln came
under some Mortar and Nebelwerfer fire. The leading coy ('D' coy) came into
contact with enemy in LEFFARD at 1850 hrs which, together with 2 Mons, they
cleared. From then on, small bodies of enemy were reported at various
places along the road until at 2055 hrs fairly stiff opposition was
reported from X-rds 087377. In view of the nearness of darkness, Bde was
asked whether the Bn should push on and they said "Yes". At 2200 hrs, this
order was countermanded by Div. This meant the cancellation of the attack
on the 'Leffard X-rds' It was now almost completely dark, and the chaos and
confusion resulting from turning the coln round, was matched only by the utter
chaos which ensued in Leffard, where 2 inf bns and the recce regt had tpt
on the road at the same time as well as troops. However, the bn managed to
double up with 2 Mons who were thin on the ground and held Leffard as a firm
base until daylight. Rain poured down throughout the night.
Page 7 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
16 The Bn moved out from LEFFARD in the same order as yesterday, i.e. 'D', 'C'
B', 'A'. Only a few rifle shots were encountered before X-rds were reached.
1030 The Sig Offr (Lieut. Hawlins) reported that he had got 15.PWs including 2
Oberleutants. They reported enemy in woods on our left flank were
dispersing in all directions. The SO was travelling with 'HQ' Coy near the
rear of the coln.
1045 The CO went forward, as reports had been coming in of fairly strong enemy
resistance from NORAN L'ABBAYE and the bldgs North of it. 'D' Coy was
pinned to the ground North of the bridge at 105364, 'C' Coy was at
this time by the X-rds 104360 The sq of tanks was unable to help
us owing to the nature of the ground. An attack was therefore laid on,
C' Coy being directed at the little group of bldgs 103368 after whose
capture, 'D' Coy were to advance over the stream and capture NORAN L'ABBAYE
in three successive bounds, the configuration of the village lending itself
to this method. In sp they had the div arty, plus one med regt, firing
concentrations on to the village, and the sqn of tanks. H hour was fixed
at 1320 hrs. Account of attack is given in Appx. MAppendix 'M'
2100 At this time, 'A' & 'B' Coys were ordered to withdraw from their fwd posns
in MIETTE, as the posn was untenable against a determined night attack.
Both coys were very thin on the ground, 'B' Coy had lost its A, Coy Comd -
Capt. Jeavons, and Lieut, Bromfield - both wounded, and Major Griffin, OC 'A'
Coy, now commanded both Coys as a composite force of 3 platoons.
2050 This move was cancelled, and both coys, together with the sq of tks, were
ordered to remain out till 0140 hrs the following morning, since at 0200 hrs
an attack would push on through METTE and to the South. This was done, and
the Bn concentrated in NORAN L'ABBAYE holding it as a firm base, the posns
having been reconnoitred early in the evening .
17 There was no enemy activity in our area, 71 Bde having pushed the enemy well
Page 8 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
17 back, One stray bomb from an Allied fighter-bomber fell in 'D' Coy's area
but caused no casualties. During the day an unfortunate accident occurred
whereby Lieut. H. Taylor received injuries from which he later died, and 4 men
were killed and 5 injured. A total of approx 60 prisoners was taken during the
day.
The Bn was ordered to move fwd in the evening to the area SQ 1132.
2140 at this time (10 mins late) the Bn moved off, the delay being caused by the
amount of arty on the road, which was being pushed fwd as far as possible to harrass
the retreating enemy. The route was found to be cratered in one place and
further delay was caused by having to find a diversion. At the same time
a heavy air-raid was observed to be taking place East of FALAISE. Take
over from 4 RWF lasted from midnight to 0400 hrs.
18 During the day, adjustments were made to the somewhat scattered posns and
the resulting posns were: 'D' Coy right fwd at, 'C' Coy left fwd
at ....... , 'B' Coy right rear at ..........., 'A' Coy left rear at ..........,
Only slight mortaring and shelling occurred during the day. Some enemy
were seen and were shot up. 2 German offrs and some OR PWs were taken, The
Bn made its first contact with a member of the MAQUIS. Patrols were sent
out during the night to find locations of the enemy. Reports are attached.-Appendix 'N'
19 0900 Commencing at 0900 and finishing at 1300 hrs, the Bn was relieved by 7 Sea-
forths. At 1200 hrs, Bofors guns were brought into 'D' Coys posn to
complete a shoot directed against CORDEY, the village immediately to our
front. This was the first time we had seen AA guns used in harassing role.
Enemy response was meagre. The Bn started off to occupy new defensive posns
at pt 183 in the FORET ST ANDRE at 1500 hrs, arriving there some 4 hrs later.
Destination was eventually changed and the Bn finally arrived in an area west
of NECY map ref so 1921, and found itself more in a conc area than a def
Page 9 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
19 posn, since the enemy had apparently withdrawn completely by this time, HeavyLetter of congratulation received from Bde comd Appx 'O'
rain fell during the night, when an attempt was made by the enemy to break
out of the FALAISE pocket by tanks. A tk guns were therefore despatched to
Bois coys as a precaution, although the enemy were some 9,000 yds away.
20 A Carrier patrol was sent out during the day to make contact with friendly
tps in NECY and LE MESNIL GUERRARD, No enemy were seen but reports of great .
ST devastation on the roads were brought back.
21 The Bn continued to rest and to maintain arms, egpt, and vehs. Mobile Bath
Unit was allotted to the Bn. Heavy rain fell for the major portion of the day.
ANDRE 22 Bn was visited by the Bde Armrs team to inspect all coy wpns, A number of
men were able to see an ENSA show. Capt.Nicoll joined the Bn from 1/5
Welch together with a draft of 50. ORs.
23 Major Bremner and 35 ORs (specialists) joined the Bn from 5 E. Lan, R.
24 Again visited by Mobile Bath Unit.
25 1700 Bn started marching via NECY to BAILLEUL. MT going by separate route leaving
at 1625 hrs. All along the roads the signs of the enemy rout of a week
previous were evident. Burnt out motor vehs, lined the roads by the score
together with huddled heaps of lifeless humanity in some places. Bn got in
late in the evening and settled down for the night.
BAILLEUL 26 The Bn remained on tenderhooks throughout the day waiting for a move. Orders
were finally given for a move at 0630 hrs the following morning after the
same pattern as yesterday, Some adn was carried out during the day, the
Page 10 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
26 mobile bath unit also being available, Draft of 2 ORs (Maj Tomlinson &
Capt.Douglas) and 143 ORs from L/Fs., and Capt. Carter joined the Bn late
the same evening. All were attached pending absorbtion in WE.
27 0430 Reveille,
0630 Bn passed Bde SP East of BAILLEUL by march route. Tpt sent round by better
road starting at 0730 hrs.
0630 Bicycle Coy sent off independently.
Bn moved through CHAMBOIS seeing signs of heavy damage and men and vehs and
horses of the enemy - and smelling the stench was terrific.
1430 Bn conc in area MARDILLY (MRSQ 5453) Some adm was carried out and many able
to get their first swim in France in the R Touges,
28 0430 Reveille.
0631 Bn passed SP., South of MARDILLY in TCVs, less bicycle coy which started
riding at 0730 hrs. Bn had 18 TCVs for this move. Movement was very fast
and Bn was conc in new area (MR 7854) NE of GLOS LA FERRIERE by 0830 hrs
All the way, the coln was cheered by local population, Damage to this
part of the country was neglible, and all the people seemed well fed. Two
ENSA shows were provided later in the day which some men were able to see.
29 Orders were received in the morning to move to the Div conc area North of
EVREUX. TCVs were provided (26) but arrived half-hour after we were due
to pass the SP, which timing was consequently put back till 1642,
Many convoys were on the road, often getting jumbled up, largely due to
bad march discipline of some colns and the narrowness of many roads.
2215 Time of arrival was about 1 1/2hrs later, therefore than it should have been.
Distance travelled was 40 miles.
Page 11 of 11
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
BROSVILLE 29 2300 Bn reported in conc area centred on BROSVILLE 178773, some 8 miles North of
EVREUX. Weather was poor with heavy rain and a few bright intervals.
30 The Bn was put at one hour's notice to move from 0900 hrs. Due to congestion
on the 2 bridges over the SEINE, which had been established, the move was
delayed and the route finally altered until the Bn eventually set off at
1842 hrs. The route lay through GAILLON, over the SEINE at 375831 by
LE MESNIL a CL. IX bridge and thence East along the North bank of the SEINE, later
striking North to ECQUIS, Bn finally harbouring in LE MESNIL VERE LIVES at
VIRELIVES 0630 hrs 31 Aug. The delays en route (1 hr was spent in GAILLON) were caused
by the heavy traffic being passed over the river, and the necessity for
maintenance of the bridges. The Bn actually crossed the SEINE at 0230 hrs.
The morning was spent in resting.
31 The Bn was again ordered to move and left its harbour area at 1709 hrs
BOSQUENTIN arriving at BOSQUENTIN an hour later and again harbouring for the night. The
rest of the Bde meanwhile was clearing the woods in the FORET DE LYONS area,
the Bn, being in reserve, was not called upon for this duty and in fact, only
two prisoners were taken by the Bde.

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