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War Diary: 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment

Month and year: July 1944

The 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment July 1944 covers the units time in area around La Marmonniere and their fighting inland to Lictot.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1278

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Page 1 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 1 A quiet morning. A Recce patrol entered La Marmonniere Wood and found it
quiet and that the enemy at that time was not there .
Remainder of the day quiet.
Casualties for the day 1. O.R. Killed.
Re-inforcements arrived 20 O.R.S.
2 Two Platoons of "B" Company were taken out of the line to practise for a
raid supported by Artillery, one night in the near future.
Recce patrols kept constant watch on La Marmonniere Wood, where the raid was
to take place.
Casualties for the day 1. O.R. Killed 3. O.Rs. Wounded.
3 0250 Bn experienced some difficulties with communications in the early morning.
"A" and "C" Coy lines both broke and it was some time before repairs could
be made.
1020 The morning shooting began with 74th Field Regt crumping, 830667-832666.
This continued intermittently until 1140 hrs.
Page 2 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France 3 1315 1. Hampshires sent a patrol out and brought back two prisoners. This
caused spasmodic return fire from the enemy on Battalion Area.
2355 The remainder of the day was quiet; it was not until 2355 hours that all
lines were reported correct.
Casualties for the day 1 O.R. wounded.
Re-inforcements arrived 3 O.Rs.
4 0110 231 Infantry Brigade reported that two lots of enemy transport, 20 vehicles
in each group, were moving from NOYERS in a N direction - towards the Battalion
Area. This was some miles away and "B" Company had laid on a patrol with
Artillery support from a Brigade to take a prisoner in La Marmonniere "B"Fire plan and Op Order Attached.
Company had been practising for 2 days for this patrol back in "A" Echelon,
and everything had been teed-up to catch one German Prisoner.
0250 The barrage commenced and 2 patrols from "B" Company under Lieut Duff and
Lieut Baker moved towards the start line. Lieut Davey's Platoon was
meanwhile established as a firm base just inside La Marmonniere Wood.
Page 3 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 4 0307 The two fighting patrols led by 66098 T/Major P.B.Clarke O.C., "B" Company
were reported to have crossed the Start Line and progressing satisfactorily.
Their progress was being eagerly listened to by the Commanding Officer and
a number of other Officers who had taken possession of a number of slit trenches
in "D" Company Area as a forward Bn.H.Q.,
0335 The Patrol came under heavy mortar fire and casualties were suffered.
But the patrols carried on and-rapid progress was made.
0400 Patrols reached area of house La Marmonniere and beyond without having so far
caught their prisoner. Major Clarke decided to return and on the way back
his Signaller, Pte BROOKS 11428523 who was laying a line and had become
detached from the rest of the Patrol was confronted by a party of five of the
enemy. He challenged them and four of the enery walked passed him without
replying in any way. As the fifth one came past the Signaller, the latter
pushed his rifle into the enemy's stomack and effectively brought him to a
halt. The enemy immediately threw down his firearms and surrendered, and
Page 4 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 4 the signaller thereupon continued to lay his cable with his prisoner carrying the
roll and any other equipment the signaller could load him with.
0430 Patrols returned to Company Lines and the prisoner was despatched with all
speed to Brigade.
The Casualties suffered on this Patrol were as follows.
2. O.Rs. Killed. 1 Officer (311328 2/lieut D.S. Baker ) wounded
and 6 O.Rs. wounded.
0700 A Polish Soldier fighting with the Germans gave himself up. He stated that
a number of his fellow countrymen would do the same if it weren't for the
German N.C.Os and Officers.
The rest of the morning passed in the usual way - our Artillery bringing
harrassing fire down on the enemy's mortar and Artillery positions, with
spasmodic replies from the enemy.
1445 Brigade reports possibility of enemy effecting relief on Hampshires front
It was now confirmed through our own prisoners of war that the enemy in
Page 5 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 4 1445 front of the Devons were now a company of 276 Infantry Division 30% of
whom were Poles.
The remainder of the day passed with shell and mortar fire in the usual
quantities - 10 to 1 to our advantage. Casualties for the day
2 O.Rs Killed. 9 O.Rs Wounded. 1. Officer Wounded.
Re-inforcements arrived 21 O.Rs.
5 1200 The morning was quiet - At noon the Hampshires on our right sent out
a Patrol under Artillery support, into their particular hunting ground.
The enemy retaliated by Mortaring and shelling Devons Area, in particular
Bn.H.Q.,
1300 "A" Company reported 1 casualty from blast, casualty evecuated.
1900 Brigade sent a message out to the effect that "Large numbers of the enemy
could be expected to give themselves up in small groups"
Intermittent shelling during the evening.
Casualties for the day NIL.
6 103 A noisy night. Enemy vehicles heard moving on our left - engaged
by Artillery.
Page 6 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France 6 0150 Artillery opened up again in support of a Patrol on 56 Brigade front on our
right, and the enemy replied by dropping shells in "C" Company's Area.
0950 The morning passed in the usual way, with noises on and off.
2000 A broadcast was made from Brigade front to encourage Poles to come over
to our lines. - Results not immediate.
Casualties for the day NIL.
Page 7 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France, 7 0600/ 0700 The Battalion spent an unusually quiet night. At 0600 hrs and at 0700 hrs
two more broadcasts were made to the Poles on the otherside to come over to
us. So far none have done so.
1205 There was some spasmodic mortar fire later in the morning but during the
time of the broadcasts, the enemy simply did nothing.
There was a lull too during the afternoon - broken only by the explosions
caused by our own sappers who were blowing gaps in hedges for tanks to pass through.
1800 Fighter bombers seen to attack beyond HOTTOT - later in the afternoon the
enemy started to blazeaway with his mortars and spandaus. No explanation
for his behaviour.
2215 A large force of 4 engined bombers flow over us going in the direction of
CAEN where they dropped 2,000 tons of bombs on German troops and defence
positions just to the North of the town. A fine sight as they passed over
us, when they returned we could see fires burning in their target area.
Casualties for the day NIL.
Page 8 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France 8 0430 A comparatively quiet night was passed until 0430 hrs when tanks were reported
to be moving in the area of La Marmonniere. They were soon engaged by
Artillery.
Casualties for the day NIL. Re-inforcements arrived 25 O.Rs.
8 1029 Aircraft seen to attack Orbois Les Landes, was some intermittent shelling
but on the whole a quiet day and a quiet night.
9 0800 Commanding Officers Conference in preparation for attack by 231 Inf Bde
on HOTTOT. The conference was interrupted for a short time to watch a Squadron
of fighter bombers attack enemy positions in front of 56 Bde on our right.
The Enemy in front of us was very quiet during the day and an organised
Small Arms and Mortar shoot by "A" and "C" Companies did not provoke any
reply. Recce patrols were sent out, one under Lieut Rogers "B" Company
which reported enemy spandau in bottom part of La Marmonniere Wood.
A farly quiet day and during the night another Patrol was sent out under
Liout Duff went to the Marmonniere area and found no opposition.
Casualties for the day NIL.
Page 9 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 10 0315 Flares were seen to be dropped by aircraft on our left.
Another quiet day was spent with a final teeing up conference at Bn.H.Q.,
for the attack the next day on HOTTOT.
The Battalion spent another quiet night.
Casualties for the day 1 Officer wounded Lieut COFSKY, 1 O.R., Wounded.
11 0430 The Battalion rose at 0430 hrs for an early breakfast, and then prepard
0645 themselves for the battle. By 0645 hrs "C" Coy on the right and "D" Coy
on the left moved on their start line. The Hampshires were to move first
0700 and secure Hammer Orchard 819665, and "B" Coy were to provide a firm base
0803 and "A" Coy were in reserve. At 0700 hrs the first barrage came down,
by 0803 hrs the Hempshires controlled the Hammer Orchard, and had taken
prisoners.
0835 At 0835 the next barrage came down and "C" and "D" Companies moved towards
0930 their first objective. At 0930 "CH Company were reported to be well inside
Hammer Orchard at approximately 823661 - in fact past their objective.
Page 10 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 11 Meanwhile on the left "D" Company had reached the Lone House 825666,
and had taken some prisoners.
1030 Just about 1030 "C" Company were forced to withdraw owing to premence of
Enemy tanks, and a small party of infantry in support. A whole Platoon was
lost in this action; the enemy meanwhile was replying with what artillery
he had and shells and mortar bombs were dropping over most of the area we had
covered so far, causing a few casualties, Major Faulkner "C" Company Commander
1112 was wounded at this time. There was a pause now for some time and "A" Company
were called up by the Commanding Officer to move up to the area of the Lone
House to move in behind "D" Company Enemy tanks infront of "C" Company
were being engaged by a Squadron of The Sherwood Rangers.
1315 By 1315 four tanks were reported to have been knocked out in the Hammer
Orchard area, this would seem to have been the limit of the enemy's counter
attack and we had held him and were ready to move on.
1630 At 1630 hrs the third barrage come down "D" Company moved up towards the House
Page 11 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 11 1630 La Marmonniere, but "A" Company now on their right were pinned down, and
1700 tanks moved up to support them.
1743 It was now decided that the Brigade should re-organise and prepare to dig
in. It was not thought worth while to advance further, as both we and the
Hampshires had suffered fairly heavily.
"D" Company were to dig in in the area forward of the Lone House at 828669
"A" Company in the area 823661 on "D" Company's right flank.
Casualties for the day :- I Officer Killed, Capt Rev D.D. Thomas
4 Officers wounded Major Faulkner, Lieut Lawton, Lieut Pym, Lieut Primeau,
Capt Lloyd (R.A.M.C.) wounded but stayed at duty
(9) Nine Other Ranks killed, & 52 Wounded.
Page 12 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 11 1850 "C" Company consolidated in the area 820665, and arrangements were made to
draw up "B" Company to fill the gap between "C" and "A" Companies.
So ended the second battle for HOTTOT. The Hampshires had suffered very
heavy casualties and had consequently not got so far forward as The Devons
and were in no state to make a further advance. Brigade therefore decided
we should dig in where we were, about 200 yds SOUTH of HOTTOT. We had in
fact advanced a matter of 500 yds, knocked out 6 enemy tanks, and captured
75 prisoners besides killing and wounding many more. The Sherwood Rangers
whose tanks were in support of us did trojan work and in our re-organisation
stayed with us in our forward positions. The fact that they were able to
move about at all in this very close country was due to the R.E's and Pioneers
who spent a field day blowing gaps in hedges for the tanks to pass through.
2135 The enemy were now licking their wounds and presumably re-organising as we
were. The expected counter-attack did not materialise however, and the
Enemy contented himself with lobbing mortar bombs arround us.
Page 13 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 11 2135 We made full use of our Artillery and replied as near as possible at the
rate of 10 to 1. This however did not prevent a patrol of the enemy
creeping up round "D" Company. They were quickly dealt with by tanks and they
dispersed
The night passed off without serious incident. During the following
12 0815 morning prisoners in ones and twos gave themselves up to "D" Company
and another pair were captured in a spandau position.
During the rest of the day we were mortared and shelled regulerly and
1615 at about 1615 hrs the Commanding Officer (Lieutenant Colonel C.A.R.Nevill, A O.B.E., P/No 38525)
was wounded in his slit trench by a shell that hit the tree above it.
He was immediately evacuated to R.A.P. and thence C.C.S.
1616 635978 T/Major BRONNE, G.B. immediately took over Commanding Officer of the
Battalion.
The enemy quietened down a bit and on advice from Brigade, Bn.H.Q. moved
back to its original position at 821663.
Page 14 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 12 There was still some mortar and shell fire from the enemy, but the enemy
still did no more than send out a few men with spandaus.
The night passed quietly Casualties for the day:- 1, Officer Wounded.
1 Other Rank Killed and 7 Wounded.
13. The morning was fairly quiet - the Battalion had by now properly settled
into its new position and the enemy did not seem disposed to worry us a
great deal.
Two more prisoners, both Poles came into "A" Companies hands.
Casualites for the day:- 13 Other Ranks wounded.
14. Battalion cheered by the news that we might be having a rest for 3 days as from
Saturday 15th. Preparations for handing over and plans for the three days
rest being made.
The day passed quietly enough.
Casualties for the day :- 1 Other Rank Killed and 5 Wounded.
Page 15 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 15 We were visited by representatives from 1. Dorsets to tie-up the relief
which was to take place after dark, and we sent our representative back to
the Dorsets area.
16 0300 0300 hrs the change over had been effected - not without casualties
unfortunately. "A" Company lost 4 men killed and three wounded as they were
preparing to leave. A mortar opened up on their position.
0700 The Battalion slept until a reasonable hour - we were now over a mile from
the front line, at Les-le-Gallois, and stand-to and stand - down were things
of the past. We ate and slept and cleaned our selves up. We received
our N.A.F.F.I packs, which included beer, whisky and gin.
News came through from Brigade of awards to Officers and men of this Battalion
for, their work since 'D' Day- list attached.
Major Howard and Major Anstey come to visit us - they arrived
at 3 p.m. and left at mid-night,
Page 16 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France 16 Our new Commanding Officer , 23796 Lt-Col Sir. J.G. CAREW POLE Bart.
arrived to-day.
This rest area is not as restful as it might be. since we are now just
in front of our own Artillery, who have been supporting 59 Division for
the past two nights.
Casualties for the day:- 5 Other Ranks Killed, and 9 Wounded.
Page 17 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 17 0730 We breakfasted half an hour early so that as many as possible from the
Battalion could go to Bayeux for a bath.
Pictures and concerts were also arranged.
17 2230 Late in the evening the enemy came over as dusk fell with bombers and
plastered not very effectively the route by which our armour was moving up
to CAEN. One route was the road just behind Bn.H.Q., but fortunately the
enemy dropped his bombs round TILLY-sur-SEULLES, about two miles to our left.
Casualties for the day NIL.
18 More baths and more entertainments for the troops - and shopping in
Bayeux for men who had been with us since "D" Day.
The enemy sent same mortar bambs and shells over at us from beyond HOTTOT,
and it was discovered later that this was his last action before withdrawing
from the HOTTOT area.
Casualties for the day NIL.
Page 18 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France 19 0900 The Battalion hold Drill parades and did some section training.
News this morning that the enemy had moved out of HOTTOT; and during the
course of the day that the Hampshires had moved onto and beyond the HOTTOT road
and dug in about 300 yards South of it. We and the Dorsets remained in our
positions so that now one Battalion was forward, and the other two back.
We still had some shells dropping round us - not very many though.
Casualties for the day 1 O.R. Killed.
20 More Drill - with same cinema allotments in the afternoon. Major Howard
re-joined us and tool Command of "C" Company. Major General R.E.Urquhart.
also visited us.
The Commanding Officer visited HOTTOT in the afternoon. It was in a very bad
condition and none of the houses were habitable. The enemy had left mines
along the road which were being taken up by Sappers. The only living thing to
be seen were chickens.
2230 Ap 2230 IS a shell landed in "B" Company area and unfortunately wounded our
Page 19 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 20 2230 temporary Medical Officer who had been with us only a few days while relieving
our regular Medical Officer Capt Lloyd.
21 Rain fell from 0630hrs until 1600 hrs bringing training within the Battalion to
a standstill. An uncomfortable day altogether.
22 The Battalion moved into Divisional Reserve from the area Les le Gallois toOperational Instructions No. 19. Attached.
Les Fiettees next to "B" Echelon. The move Began
at 1400 hrs and was completed by 1800 hrs. Fortunately the weather was kind
to us and we reached our new area in good spirits and dry clothes.
23 The routine for the Battalion now was to be hard training in the morning
and organised games and recreation and entertaiment in the evening. All the
Officers in the Battalion were invited to drinks at at 1830 - principally
so that we could be introduced to one another and so that the latest arrivals
should meet the Commanding Officer. We were honoured too by the presence of
the Brigadier. Quite a good quantity of alcohol disappeared during the course
of the evening so it can be assumed that all enjoyed the party.
Page 20 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 24 Training and entertainment continued and Companies organised their own concert
parties and football games. The weather had greatly improved and the Battalion
was all the better for it.
Page 21 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 24 Training and recreation continues for the Battalion for the next few days
25 Luckily the weather held and we made the most of it.
A party of 6 from E.N.S.A., came to dinner on the evening of the 25th-
three of each sex. Those who dined at Bn. H.Q., Mess that evening thoroughly
themselves. The Mess in fact had been a barn, a woodstore, and quite recently
a bedroom for French Refugees, in any case, whatever its previous functions
it made a good mess and the party did not break up until after mid-night.
Those present signed their names as attached.
26 Our new movement order came through we were to move up on the following day
to relaeve the 7th Green Howards in their positions round Le Lion Vert at
796648. The Companies made their final trip to Baths and Cinemas and prepared
for the walk.
27 The Battalion started to move out at 1600 hrs and hardly a hitch occured.
By 2300 hrs the Battalion was in position and the Green Howards had moved out.
This time there were no casualties. We had taken good care not to move
Page 22 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France 27 carriers into Company positions as their noise on our last move was the cause
of mortar and shell fire being brought down on our positions.
28 The morning was spent very quietly and it wasn't till late in the morning
that the Enemy showed any signs of life, and then he only sent a few mortar
bombs. So the Battalion had plenty of time and opportunity to settle itself
in and view the countryside. The forward Companies 'B' and were facing
ORBOIS WOOD which was supposed to have been quite extensively booby-trapped.
Later in the day 'C' Company and 'A' Company shifted their positions - 'C'
Company to the Chateau Mauperthuis 790645 and 'A' behind Le Lion Vert X Roads.
Casualties for the day: 1 O.R. Killed and 1 Wounded,
29 On account of American and British successes in the Caumont and Coastal
areas we were ordered to advance on the following day with our objective
the high ground (point 174) to the N.W. of Villers BocageOp order attached.
Dorset and Hampshires were to advance across country via point 147 and
we were to advance on the axis of the road Le Lion Vert, Orbois, Fengerolles-sur-Seulles
and then swing right handed to assault point 174.
Page 23 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 29 During the night patrols were sent out to find whether the enemy
was still in occupation of ORBOIS and ORBOIS WOOD and it was found that he
was.
30 0545 At 0545 hrs the Artillery, Mortars and M.Gs opened fire and the Dorsets
and Hampshires began to advance. It was, however , a slow job and at 1615 hrs
the Commanding Officer was called to Brigade and the original plan was changed.
The Devons were now to pass through the Dorsets and take point 147,-
This operation was due to start at 1815 - this gave a bare two hours for the
Commanding Officer to make his plans and the Companies to get moving.
However it was done and by 1900 hrs both 'C' and 'A' Companies had
crossed the stream at the bottom of Point 147 and were moving up to the
summit. Orders, however, were received that we were to holt where we were
and re-organise owing to the fact that 56 Brigade had not came up with us on our
right.
2315 Company Commanders were called in for an 'O'Group 'C' and 'A' Company
Page 24 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France 30 2315 Commanders found this abit tricky because small elements of the enemy had
managed to creep back in between the forward and rear companies, and were
sniping at any sound or movement.
The Commanding Officer reported to the Brigade at midnight, and received orders
to advance towards Lictot 790619.
Casualties for the day :-
3 Officers Wounded.
3 Other Ranks Killed.
13 Other Ranks Wounded.
Page 25 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
France. 31 0715 After an early breakfast, we prepared to advance again with artillery
support at 0715 hrs. We found that the enemy had been surprised while
he was shaving and had already left his positions, and we moved into LICTOT
with very few casualties. The Enemy had left behind him 2, 75 mm guns
intact, and one 88mm with its breech blown, and several bazooks.
We moved to allround defence of LICTOT.
Casualties for the day:- 1 Officer wounded. 14 Other Ranks wounded.
Page 26 of 26
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Consilidated list of "Battle Casualties for JULY, 1944.
Officers 'Killed' 1. Died of Wounds. 305657 Capt Rev D.D. Thomas, (R.A.Ch.D.,) 1 -7-44
Officers 'Wounded'
13. 38525 Lt-Col C.A.R.Nevill, O.B.E., Commanding Officer. 12-7-44.
311328 Lieut Baker, 4-7-44
CDN/335 Lieut Cofsky, 10-7-44.
311566 Capt LLOYD, (R.A.M.C.) 11-7-44 (Stayed at Duty).
63695 Major Falkner. 11-7-44
268147 Lieut Lawton. 11-7-44
164388 Lieut Pym. 11-7-44.
CDN/427 Lieut Primeau. 11-7-44
95595 WS/Liout Ormsby 26-7-44
44999 Capt Stopford. 30-7-44
302415 Lieut Bass, G. 30-7-44
296201 Lieut Holdsworth, D. 30-7-44
CDN/269 Lieut Good, V.J. 31-7-44.
Other Ranks. :- 'Killed' 31. 'Wounded':- 121.
Missing :- 13.
Re-inforcements:- 'Officers' :- 23796 Lt-Col Sir John G. Carew-Pole Bt. (as Commanding Officer) 15-7-44
180290 Capt Boatswain, K. 27-7-44
65193 Major Howard, M.W. MC., 18-7-44
308477 2nd Lieut Thornes. 27-7-44
95595 Lieut Ormsby, M. I., 14-7-44
44993 Capt Stopford, T. W., 24-7-44
297611 Capt Rev E.W. Hargraves. (R.A. Ch. D.) 13-7-44
117942 Capt Shaw, P. 20-7-44
Other Ranks:- 123.

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