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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WO 171/1330 1st Battalion The East Lancashire Regiment

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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		1345	It is thought enemy in front have withdrawn.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 of	APPX. 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', one	APPX '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 one	APPX '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 quickly	Appx '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 Evrecy923599, '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 all	Log 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	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. Part	LAYOUT 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 HOMME928574, 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

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

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
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

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. M	Appendix '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

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, Heavy	Letter 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

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
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