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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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.1A 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.
    2Two 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.
    30250Bn 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.
    1020The morning shooting began with 74th Field Regt crumping, 830667-832666.
    This continued intermittently until 1140 hrs.
    Page 2 of 26
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France313151. Hampshires sent a patrol out and brought back two prisoners. This
    caused spasmodic return fire from the enemy on Battalion Area.
    2355The 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.
    40110231 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.
    0250The 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.40307The 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.,
    0335The Patrol came under heavy mortar fire and casualties were suffered.
    But the patrols carried on and-rapid progress was made.
    0400Patrols 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.4the signaller thereupon continued to lay his cable with his prisoner carrying the
    roll and any other equipment the signaller could load him with.
    0430Patrols 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.
    0700A 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.
    1445Brigade 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.41445front 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.
    51200The 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.
    1900Brigade 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.
    6103A noisy night. Enemy vehicles heard moving on our left - engaged
    by Artillery.
    Page 6 of 26
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France60150Artillery 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.
    0950The morning passed in the usual way, with noises on and off.
    2000A 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France,70600/ 0700The 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.
    1205There 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.
    1800Fighter 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.
    2215A 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France80430A 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.
    81029Aircraft seen to attack Orbois Les Landes, was some intermittent shelling
    but on the whole a quiet day and a quiet night.
    90800Commanding 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.100315Flares 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.
    110430The Battalion rose at 0430 hrs for an early breakfast, and then prepard
    0645themselves 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
    0700and secure Hammer Orchard 819665, and "B" Coy were to provide a firm base
    0803and "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.
    0835At 0835 the next barrage came down and "C" and "D" Companies moved towards
    0930their 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.11Meanwhile on the left "D" Company had reached the Lone House 825666,
    and had taken some prisoners.
    1030Just 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
    1112was 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.
    1315By 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.
    1630At 1630 hrs the third barrage come down "D" Company moved up towards the House
    Page 11 of 26
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.111630La Marmonniere, but "A" Company now on their right were pinned down, and
    1700tanks moved up to support them.
    1743It 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.111850"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.
    2135The 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.112135 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
    120815 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.
    1616635978 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.12There 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.15We 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.
    1603000300 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.
    0700The 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France16Our 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.170730We 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.
    172230Late 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.
    18More 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France190900The 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.
    20More 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.
    2230Ap 2230 IS a shell landed in "B" Company area and unfortunately wounded our
    Page 19 of 26
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.202230temporary Medical Officer who had been with us only a few days while relieving
    our regular Medical Officer Capt Lloyd.
    21Rain fell from 0630hrs until 1600 hrs bringing training within the Battalion to
    a standstill. An uncomfortable day altogether.
    22The 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.
    23The 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.24Training 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.24Training and recreation continues for the Battalion for the next few days
    25Luckily 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.
    26Our 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.
    27The 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France27carriers into Company positions as their noise on our last move was the cause
    of mortar and shell fire being brought down on our positions.
    28The 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,
    29On 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.29During 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.
    300545At 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.
    2315Company Commanders were called in for an 'O'Group 'C' and 'A' Company
    Page 24 of 26
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France302315Commanders 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 Lictot790619.
    Casualties for the day :-
    3 Officers Wounded.
    3 Other Ranks Killed.
    13 Other Ranks Wounded.
    Page 25 of 26
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    France.310715After 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
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences 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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