War Diary: 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders

Month and year: September 1944

The 2nd Gordons’ September 1944 diary covers the units advanced from France through Belgium into the Netherlands, conducting clearing operations, engaging enemy forces along key roads, and supporting the Allied push toward Eindhoven and beyond.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1300

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WO 171/1300 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders

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Page 1 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
FRANCE	1 Sep	on. Pipes and Drums played at Le Thuits in the evening. Report of Major
		R.M.M. Tindall's death received. Casualties during our recent action in
		crossing the Seine are Major Tindall, Capt Spence, Lt.Aitken and 37 .Rs
		killed. Lt. Lamont and 46 wounded. 3 O.Rs missing.
	2 Sep	Notification received re move forward. Recoe party left at 1500 hrs.
		Div Comd visited new "B" Coy today. The following officers and O.Rs have been
		awarded the decorations as shown below :-
		Major R.M.M.Tindall - M.C.
		Major A.W.Parish - M.C.
		2886857 Sjt.J Atherton - M.M.
		2886747 Sjt.C.Harris - M.M.
		2888214 L/Cpl.A.McConnell - M.M.
		2927095 Pte.J .McLean - M.M.
		"O" Group held at 1845 and arrangements made for bn to move to Le Tronquay
		4610.

Page 2 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
FRANCE	3 Sep	Transport left area of Le Thuit at 1115 hrs and arrived at Le Tronquay at
		1235 hrs. A,B, and C Coys marched to area of 400004 where they were picked
		up by unit transport sent back from Le Tronquay after being unloaded. Bn
		was complete in new conc area by 1930 hrs. Pipes and Drums played in the
		village during the evening. Orders for move on 4 Sep received.
	4 Sep	"O" Group held at 0900 hrs. Bn moved at 1150 hrs and arrived in area of
		BOIS DES PUITS 6437 (Aumala Sheet 9E/2) at 1400 hrs. Concentration area for
		the bn prior to move forward on 5 Sep. Troops moved to the above area in
		unit transport and the vehicles returned to collect their store loads and
		rejoined the Bn at 1830 hrs.
	5 Sep	Bn ordered to move to area FILLIEVRES 0305 ST POL Sheet 72 FRANCE and
		BELGIUM. 1/50,000. Vehicles moved off at 1035 hrs and reached destination
		without incident at 1740 hrs. Troops were due to leave at 1400 hrs but
		T.C.Vs did not arrive.
	6 Sep	Bn still in FILLIEVRES. Troops did not arrive during night or this morning

Page 3 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
FRANCE	6 Sep	but are expected later in day. Bde "O" Group at 0900 hrs. Orders for
		Bde, with supporting arms, to move to occupy COURTRAI 8556 (Sheet 53 FRANCE and
		BELGIUM 1/50,000) issued: timings delayed due to troops being late in
		arriving at FILLIEVRES. 2 GORDONS ordered to lead the advance. T.C.Vs
		did not turn up so move did not materialise.
	7 Sep	Rained all day. T.C.Vs did not arrive till 1630 hrs. Bn left on its
		own for COURTRAI as Bde had left early in the day. Column moved at 0030
		hrs 7-8 Sept.
	8 Sep	At 0930 hrs Bn crossed the FRANCO-BELGIUM border at Toufflers 8239 and
		proceeded to St. Genois 9148 where it arrived at 1030. Bn left St.Genois
BELGIUM		at 1400 and moved up in rear of 227 with task of clearing Nazareth of
		enemy and occuping village. This was completed without opposition and
		the Bn moved in to occupy NAZARETH 0970 (Sheet 7 1/100000 TOURNAI) in all
		round defensive posns. Bde also came into this area. Patrols during
		late evening took two prisoners,

Page 4 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	9 Sep	Patrolling of areas round NAZARETH carried out during day. Pipes and
		Drums played at 1800 to a large assembly of the people of the town and
		GOC 15 (s) Div. Nothing extra of note to report.
	10 Sep	Bn still at NAZARETH. Were at two hours to move all day but nothing
		resulted and bn remained at the village during the night.
	11-12 Sep	Bn moved by road at 1245 to village NW of HUMBEEK called NIEUWENRODE 6270.
		Took up a general defensive posn and settled there for the night. B Coy
		ordered to move off to guard a lock over the Albert Canal and deny it to
		the enemy. During morning of 12th Sep Bn got orders to follow up to
		support "B" Coy. Bn left at 1500 hrs and arrived in the village of ZOERLE
		PARWYS 9981 Sheet 3 1/4 ins where it remained the night after sending "D" Coy
		forward to assist "B" Coy.
	13 Sep	Bn moved forward to area of school at OOLEN where plans were made to go
		over canal and occupy area west and on the lock. This was not considered
		necessary by higher authority and the bn less "B" Coy which remained to

Page 5 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	13 Sep	protect the look were moved to area of MODEMOUT where it took up an all around defensive
		posn in defence of 227 Bde HQ
	14 Sep	Capt.Hogg posted to "D" Coy as 2 IC. Lieut. Thompson takes over IO.
		Presentation of medal ribbons to Major Parish by Field Virchal Montgomery.
		2 officers and 20 men present as spectators.
	15 Sep	Recce to find suitable crossing of canal by RUPOL WOOD Map Ref.Sq.1494
		(Map Sheet 25&35. TURNHOUT-GHEEL). Reoce fired on by MG and one rifle shot.
		Bde 'O' Gp 1400 hrs. Bn ordered to cross canal by night. A & S.H to pass
		through.
		1900 hrs Recce Party returns, IOs recce commander reports to Bde HQ, maps
		not show backwater which was discovered by recce & also Air Photos received at 1900 has
		causing further complication - crossing due to start at 2200 hrs but
		postponed for confirmation of possibility of crossing.
	16 Sep	Bn warned to move at 0200 hrs - "C" Coy provided Assault Platoon, comd
		Lt.Lanont - (dress: sandbags over boots, no egpt) led by Taping Party

Page 6 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	16 Sep	from "I" Section who laid 3 mile of tape, followed by "PLANKING PARTY"
		consisting of one pl of "A" Coy, comd by Sjt Binnie. Arrived at Canal
		Bank at 0600 hrs. Crossed Backwater by Barges and Planks. Helped across
		by Bargees who warned us of a sniper and made a carpet of sacks across
		the Barges to minimise the echo from the Barges. Assault Pl fired on by
		sniper on crossing the Backwater. ( IO made hasty retreat). Platoon held
		at lock by MG firing on fixed lines and were unable to proceed. - Dawn was
		breaking - remainder of "C" Coy, "B" Coy & "D" Coy crossed the barges
		with Carrier Pl on foot, all pinned down on island between Breakwater and
		Canal. "A" Coy attempted to cross by assault boats W. of the lock but
		pinned by MG and rifle from far bank - A Tk gun used to fire into lock hut
		on far bank which was being used as a Strong Point - CO visited fwd coys
		and realised impossibility of crossing. Decided to leave "A" Coy under
		command of Major Dukes with one sec of carriers in support, remainder of Bn
		returned to 156921 (Sheet 25&35) 1 ins., at 1400 hrs.

Page 7 of 16

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BELGIUM	16 Sep		Lt. Brownlee-Lamont K, killed attempting to cross look. Major Follett
			and Capt McIntyre wounded - 2 O.Rs killed, 18 wounded. CSM Grey wounded
			attempting boat crossing. R.A. True attached	appendix I
	17	Sep	Early hours of morning "A" Coy report lock gates were opened by enemy.
			0700 "A" Coy relieved by Recce Regt. Bn moved to KIEVERMONT in square 1088
			(Sheet 25-35 1 ins) where Bn conc for one night. CO and IO recce to KOSB
			at 076927 where RSF and KOSB held small Bridge Head over L'escaut Canal. NORTH of GHEEL
			Heavy counter attack during the visit. 1330 hrs Airborne Div passed
			overhead in NW direction. Saw 5 shot down on return journey. Issue of
			German rations to Bn.
			Lt. Patrick rejoined Bn and posted to "C" Coy.
	18	Sep	Crossing posponed from daylight to night.
			0700 hrs CO and Coy Comds visited Bridge Head - recce liaison with A & S.H
			who had taken over prev night from RSF.
			1100 hrs Major Kempton joined Bn from London Scottish. CQMS WILKINSON posted to "A"

Page 8 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	18 Sep	Coy as acting CSM.
		1200 hrs 3 carriers sent to A. & S.H to assist in evacuation of wounded.
		2000 hrs. First Group consisting of Bn HQ crossed canal by Assault Boats,
		remainder of Bn C,A, B, D Support, at hourly intervals. (Bn held up one hour
		owing to counter attack). Bde LO's controlled timing of crossing. Take
		over complete by 0400 hrs with little interferance - Code word for completion
		"NUTS" (Bn exchange of A Tk guns).
	19 Sep	Major Kempston posted to A & S.H.
		Lt. Griffiths and Lt. McDonald joined Bn, posted to A and D Coys.
		Bn HQ established at MR. 076928 (Sheet 25-35: 1 ins to 1 mile). Bn well
		dug in and holding posn taken over from KOSB. Heavy shelling and
		mortaring encountered during the day. Notified that 10 HLI would pass
		through Bn positions at night. At 2245 hrs first coy HLI reported over
		the Canal, interference by Long Range Sniper, second Coy of HLI reported over
		at 2325 hrs. 20 Fd Coy RE were in charge of the ferrying across the Canal

Page 9 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	19 Sep	during the day and night. The Central crossing was observed as journeys
		nearly always resulted in shelling. Joint Command Post shared with 2
		A & S.H in cellar of house on NORTH bank. The two Bns were so closely inter
		- locked and so essential to prevent enemy infiltration if bridgehead to be
		kept intact that this close liaison essential.
		Casualties: 4 O.R's.
	20 Sep	All HLI Coys reported in position at 0255 hrs.
		HLI Carrier Pl reported they had lost contact with their "B"Coy and that
		their Officer was missing. CO instructed Capt. Grendan to take them under
		his command and sent a party out to make contact between them. Bde Comdr
		calls for Bde 'O' GP at 0915 hrs R.V. at Red House in Wood South Side of
		L'Escaut Canal (MR 075925 Sheet 25-35 1" to 1 mile). The bridgehead was to
		be abandoned and the Division were to follow up the successful crossing
		of the Canal further EAST on the main 2nd Army Axis.
		The crossing started at 2000 hrs and all three bns were cleared of the

Page 10 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	20 Sep	NORTH bank by about 2400 hrs. HLI withdraw through the Bn first and
		thereafter the withdrawal carried out by Serials, the A & S.H conforming .
		"B" Coy was the last to leave. The Carrier Pl took up positions on South
		bank to cover the crossing and flanks should the enemy follow up.
		Casualties:- 1 O.R killed 20 wounded.
HOLLAND	21 Sep	0100 hrs Bn established in area KIEVERMONT (MR Sq 1088 Sheet 25-35 1" to 1 mile)
		with Bn HQ at MR 105890.
		Spent quiet day reorganising etc.
		Bn visited Mobile Baths.
	22 Sep	0700 hrs. Harbour party under Command of Major Henderson left KIEVERMONT
		to recce new Bn positions at VELDHOVEN in HOLLAND (MR Sq 3714) Bn moved at 1330 hrs
		and arrived new location 1800 hrs. Orders for the Bn to move early on the
		morning of the 23rd Sep were received at Midnight.
	23 Sep	Harbour party under Command Major Henderson left VELDHOVEN at 0730 hrs to
		recce new Bn conc area SOUTH of WILHEIMINA Canal. This area under enemy

Page 11 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
HOLLAND	23 Sep	mortar and shell fire. Orders received from Bde to return and a new area
		allotted to the Bn on the outskirts of EINDHOVEN (MR.408228 Sheet 18 S.W
		1/25000). Bn arrived new location at 1130 hrs and Bn HQ established at
		(MR 409229 Sheet 18 S.W 1/25000).
		The GOC 15 (s) Division visited and spoke to all ranks of the Bn at 1730
		hrs. The Commanding Officer spoke to all ranks and informed them of his
		intention to disband "B" Coy and reform 3 strong Coys A,C & D, to take effect
		from 23rd Sept. Bn was billeted in houses in the "Garden City" occupied
		by employees of Phillips Electric Coy. All ranks were made to feel very
		much at home and great kindness shown.
	24 Sep	Bn still in position on the outskirts of EINDHOVEN.
		Church Service arranged for 1030 hrs in the Hospital Courtyard but had to
		be cancelled owing to heavy rain. A voluntary Service was held at 1215 hrs in "A" Coy
		area. Bn prepared to move at 1700 hrs but this order was later cancelled
		until 0730 hrs 25th Sep.

Page 12 of 16

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
HOLLAND	24	Sep	The Pipe Band played Retreat at 1800 hrs in the Bn area. Letter of congratulation to the Bn received by CO. attached	appendix II
	25	Sep	Bn moved at 0730 hrs to Area of BEST (MR.386257 Sheet 18 S.W. 1/25,000).
			2 Gordons to clear area from Main Road at 386255 to inol WOOD 364250.
			"H" hour 1000 hours. Attacked with C and D Coys forward, A Coy in reserve.
			Heavy M.G fire met from Rly embankment and attack was held up. Bn later
			withdrawn to area 385257 and an attack by Typhoons on enemy MG positions
			dug in on rly embankment was made.
			20 PW were taken. Bn stayed night 25/26 in this area. Major Duff was
			wounded but remained on duty. Casualties:- Capt. R.G.Hogg and Lt. G.E.
			Beaton were killed. Major G.H.Hutchinson, Lt. F.C.McDonald, Lt.T.A.S.
			Johnson were wounded. Lt. D.R.Fairlie reported missing. O.R's 9 Killed,
			47 wounded and 55 missing.
			The object of the attack was for the Bn to secure a firm line North of the
			Canal and West of the railway to allow 10 HLI and 2 A & S.H to form up for
			their attack on NAASTENBEST on the left of 44 Bde.

Page 13 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
HOLLAND	25 Sep	During the attack some of the enemy flying white flags gave themselves up
		to the Bn. 54 were counted to leave the wood, but owing to many being
		killed by their own people only 22 returned to the PW Cage - during this
		action "Cat & Nine Tails" were found in the enemy NGO slit trenches. The
		Bn were held up from very accurate and conc MG fire from the factory in BEST,
		and all the Platoon who managed to cross the railway were trapped, few
		managing to get back.
	26 Sep	After a very uncomfortable night, the Bn moved at 0800 hrs in pouring rain
		to area (Sq 3928) with Bn HQ at 394286 (Sheet 18 S.W 1/25000) to defend Bde HQ
		and as Reserve Bde while the HLI & A.& S.H advancing N. to widen the
		existing Line of Communication (North to Bridgehead over the Rhine).
		Contact made with reserve Coy of Airborne American Tps. At 1700 hrs the
		Bn moved to hold defensive position in area Sq. 3828 to fill a gap on the
		left of the Rde. Bn HQ in house Map Ref 386284 (Sheet 18 S.W OIRSCHOT
		1/25,000). Patrol sent out at 1030 hrs and 0230 hrs to contact Bde HQ Patrol.

Page 14 of 16

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
HOLLAND	26 Sep	Casualties - One man missing, three men rejoined unit having previously
		been reported missing on Sep 25th.
	27 Sep	Bn ordered to move to relieve 8 R.S. in area 372277 (Sheet 18 S.W. 1"25000)
		moved at 0830 hrs. Bn relieved by Recce Regt.
		Relief of 8 R.S completed by 1000 hrs. Some enemy shelling and mortaring
		during the day.
		1100 hrs. Typhoon attack positions in WOOD (MR Sq 3629) and a propaganda
		broadcast was made to the enemy. At 1300 hrs the Typhoons again attacked
		their positions and 50 prisoners gave themselves up to the A. & S.H.
		Owing to the Brigade being on a very wide front and thin on the ground
		with small gaps between units it was necessary to have very active patrolling
		between units during day and night.
		1 NCO and 8 men previously reported missing on Sept 25th returned to unit.
		Casualties:- Capt. A.W .Grendon - (Carrier Officer) and 4 O.Rs wounded by
		shelling. Fire plan traces attached	appendix III 9TJ???

Page 15 of 16

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
HOLLAND	28 Sep		Bn in same area - experiencing bad weather of rain and cold. Very little
			information is known of the enemy on our immediate front. A & D Coys sent
			out small recce patrols to listen and observe enemy movement. O.P.
			established in House at 372231 manned by "I" Section. Casualties:- One man wounded.
	29 Sep		Patrol sent out to contact enemy at 365289 to find they had left.
			"A" Coy sent patrol to wood in Sq 3728 two section strength. One section
			were taken by surprise from the rear and 5 O.R's taken prisoner, before the
			other Section realised what had happened the enemy were well away with the prisoners
			making use of the trees for cover.
	29	Sep	1400. The Adjutant sitting by himself in the Command Post heard someone
			walking on the roof of the C.P., know it was not any of our own people he
			felt certain it must be an enemy infiltration. Carefully raising his head
			over the top of the dugout he came Face to face with a pig. Seeing the adjt
			the pig put in an attack, the attack stopped by firm resistance and a stone,
			direct hit, on its nose.

Page 16 of 16