War Diary: 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

The 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment September 1944 War Diary covers the units advance from Normandy through France and Belgium into The Netherlands

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1334

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Page 1 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
NORMANDY	1		Bn. continued with training. 2 IC returned from area NE of LOUVIERS on
			River SEINE, having reconnoitred new area. Band of H.M. Life Guards gave
			concert in Bn. area.
	2		Bn. prepared for move to area HACQUEVILLE (5194) on N of River SEINE.
	3	0450	Bn. in M.T. moved to new area.
		2015	Bn. arrived in new area.
			The long move of 150 miles in 15 hours was successfully accomplished.
			One jeep, one 15 cwt and one carrier failed to reach the final destination
			under own power. Owing to the fact that the roads were only available to
			the division for a limited period, tracked vehs moved with the wheeled coln
			and a number of carriers had difficulty in maintaining the speed. On any
			long journey it is considered that tracked vehs should, whenever possible,
			travel as a separate column.
	4		Day spent in administration, veh maintenance and general cleaning up.

Page 2 of 15

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
NORMANDY	4	C' Coy had 4 men wounded in accident with 36 grenade.
	5	Training continued.
	6	Bn. 'I' Sec attended one day course at Bde HQ under Bde I.O. During the
		morning information was received that an isolated enemy force was still
		holding out in a wood S.W. of AMIENS, and that 2 LINCOLNS would be prepared
		to clear the wood. Troop carrying transport was allotted and Bn put at
		one hours notice to move from 1600 hrs. Bn was embussed and about to move
		off at 1700 hrs when the operation was cancelled. The report of enemy in
		the wood had apparently been highly elaborated. A recce party from Bde. HQ
		had gone forward on receipt of the information and contacted F.F.I. HQ who
		stated that there was no confirmation of enemy occupying the wood, and that
		the F.F.I. could deal with the situation themselves. Capt. Hill assumed
		comd 'S' Coy vice Capt. Iremonger.
	7	Bn. March 18 miles. ROUTE :- VATIMESNIL (5393) MOUFLAINES (5090) route
		- TOURNY (4983) LES THITLIERS-EN-VIXEN (5489) - GAMACHES -EN - VIXEN (5592)

Page 3 of 15

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
NORMANDY		- VATIMESNIL (5393). The first 4 hours of the march were in very bad weather
		conditions - strong wind and rain. A short halt was made at 1215 hrs and a
		haversack ration and tea were brought out by the cooks. The weather improved
		considerably after 1300 hrs and the Bn. arrived back at 1530 hrs.
		The march was well carried out by all Companies, which was very creditable in
		view of the bad weather conditions, and the fact that no long marches had been
		carried out since the campaign started.
	8	Training within Coys. I.O. attended lecture at Bde on Counter Mortar Organ-
		isation by Div. C.M.O. All Officers practised indication of targets with
		33 Fd. Regt.
	9	R.S.M. drill parade in readiness for G.O.C. 3 Br. Inf. Div. inspection on
		13 Sep. 'I' Sec attended course on Counter Mortar work, organised by C.R.A.
		3 Div. 3in and 4.2 in mortars were fired and students formed O.Ps to
		identify type of mortar firing and take sound bearings; good results were
		obtained, the average error being between 2 and 4 degrees.

Page 4 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
NORMANDY	10		Church services held.
	11		Officers Study Day in conjunction with 2 R.U.R. Brig. G.H.L.Mole DSO.MC.
			Lt. Col. G.G.Lipscomb, Somerset Inf gave account of the crossing of River
			SEINE by 129 Bde of 43 Div at VERNON.
	11	a. m.	Adjutant's parade for G.O.C's inspection.
			One Officer and 25 O.Rs visited PARIS for sight seeing tour;
	12		G.O.C's inspection for 13 Sep postponed to 16 Sep. Three Officers and 30
			O.Rs visited PARIS.
	13		Boxing match V 33 Fd Regt lost by 5 events to 2.
	14		Warning order that 9 Bde would move to area of BRUSSELS on morning of 16 Sep
			journey to take 2 days, one night to be spent in MONS area. G.O.C's inspection
			cancelled. Football match against 33 Fd Regt :- Bn. won 4 - 1.
	15	0600	Bn advance parties left for new area.
		1115	Inspection by Comd 9 Br. Inf. Bde. and march past. Band of H.M. Life Guards
			played for parade. A very successful parade. Local people very enthusiastic.

Page 5 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
NORMANDY	15	1500	Movement order received from Bde. Bn. to cross S.P. at 0745 hrs 16 Sep.	E.2.
	16	0700	Bn moved in M.T. arriving at SOIGNIES (NE of MONS) at 2130, having travelled	D.2.
			160 miles ; journey was very successful and there were no veh casualties.
			The civil population were very enthusiastic, particularly in the area of the
			Belgian frontier.
	17	0600	Bn continued advance, arriving at PETIT BROGEL (4088) at 1400 hrs where the
			Div was concentrating preparatory to forcing a crossing of the ESCAUT CANAL.
			On this journey, the track vehs travelled in a separate Bde column, leaving
			HACQUEVELLE at 1600 hrs on 16 Sep and arriving in Bn conc area at 1800 hrs
			on 18 Sep.
	18		Instead of the crossing talking place on 19 Sep orders were received that it	J.1.
			would now take place on night 18/19. Recces were carried out and ZERO hour
			fixed for 24.00 hrs 18/19 Sep.
			BDE. PLAN.
			Crossing to be on 2 Bn front with Lincolns right and 2 RUR left, KOSB to be

Page 6 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	18		in reserve, giving support from SOUTH bank of canal and supplying 50 men
			to help each fwd Bn in launching and erecting boats. Each fwd Bn to
			erect a Class V raft and Div. Engineers to erect a Class IX bridge and a
			Class 40 bridge. Initial crossing to be made in Mk. III assault boats each
			carrying 16 men. Inter Bn boundary main road North from LILLE ST HUBERT
			(4294) incl to 2 RUR. All bridges had been blown by the Germans and the
			construction of the canal was not favourable to the crossing. There was a
			steep bank about 12 ft high on to the towpath and a 5 ft drop down a steep
			concrete slope to the water on both sides of the canal.
		2100	Bn moved to fwd assembly area about 1000 yards SOUTH of canal and the two
			assault Coys, C and D, moved with the lorries carrying the assault boats, to
			a boat erecting point at 437946, where the boats were erected and Coys formed
			up for the crossing under the Bn. 2 IC. During this period there were bursts
			of M.G. fire from enemy posns on the right flank and several shots from an
			enemy 20 m.m. A.A./A.T. gun. At 2340 hrs the arty preparation began, and at

Page 7 of 15

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	18	2400 hrs C Coy right and D Coy left comenced the crossing. Two sections
	19	of the carrier pl were in position on the right flank and a coy of 1 KOSB
		on the left to give supporting fire from the near canal bank. Two pls of
		each leading Coy were quickly across and D Coy came under fire from L.M.Gs
		on the canal bank immediately in front of them. This caused some casualties
		but the crew were quickly killed. The two leading Pls reached their
		immediate objective about 300 yards North of the canal. During the advance
		the Coy Comd Maj. P.H.G.CLARKE was wounded in the mouth by a hand grenade
		but remained with his Coy. C Coy crossed simultaneously with D Coy and
		came under heavy M.G. fire from the right flank as they crossed the towpath
		on landing. This caused some casualties but they then captured their
		objective without further difficulty. A 20 m.m. gun was also firing from
		the right flank and occasional salvos of mortar fire caused casualties in all
		Coys. By 0100 hrs A Coy were across the river and established themselves on
		the right flank of C Coy., the assault boats now being pulled to and fro

Page 8 of 15

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	19	across the canal by ropes manned by K.O.S.B. personnel.
		By 0130 hrs B Coy were across and passing through C Coy and at 0215 hrs Adv
		Bn. HQ crossed and were established in C Coy area. There was some
		confused fighting on D Coy's front and a counter-attack by about 30 Germans
		was beaten off by small arms fire. It was not until first light that D Coy
		were able to contact 2 RUR on their left. As soon as the canal banks were
		cleared the Pioneer Pl commenced work on a Class V raft and R.E. on a class IX
		bridge. At 0400 hrs A Coy were ordered to extend to their right which
		was accomplished with some opposition. At first light (0600) the A/TK guns
		crossed and 2 Coys of 1 KOSB came across by the boats. For 2 1/2 hrs after
		first light there was a very heavy ground mist which greatly assisted the
		R.E. in building the bridge without enemy observation. By 1000 hrs the
		bridge was complete and the carriers and essential transport came over.
		At 1030 hrs 1 KOSB passed through and continued the advance forward.
		Offr. casualties :- Lt. P.M. London killed. Capt. C. G.E.Bennett, Lt. Gratian

Page 9 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BELGIUM	19		Lt. D.C. Queskey wounded (Lt. Queskey later died of wounds).
			At approx 1100 hrs hot tea was brought across. During the early afternoon
			the mist cleared and A Coy found that the enemy had infiltrated very close
			to their forward posns. There were heavy exchanges of fire and A Coy
			claimed a number of enemy casualties with 2in mortar fire, but for the rest
			of the day movement in A Coy area was very restricted. A section of carriers
			was sent forward to help on the left flank of A Coy. During the early
			evening 8 Br. Inf. Bde. began to attack through A Coy's posns and by first
			light on 20 Sep 2 Bns had passed through A Coy's posns.
			For the night assault 3 searchlights supplied artificial moonlight from Z +
			30 mins. This was very successful and once the crossing had started and surprise
			lost, greatly assisted the building of the raft and bridge,	J.2.
	20		2 Bns of 8 Bde continued their advance through our posns and 11 Armd Div
			went forward over the newly erected Class 40 bridge.
		1700	Bn. moved by march route to Bde Conc area at ACHEL 4297 where all ranks were

Page 10 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BELGIUM	20		able to get a night's sleep under cover.
	21	1400	Bn. moved to HAMONT (4696) and took up close def posn in village. A report
			of 30 enemy tanks moving about 4 miles South of our posn caused a small
			adjustment of the A/T layout and C Coy went forward to protect the gun area
			of 33 Fd Regt in the Southern outskirts of the village. It was confirmed
			during the evening that the enemy had some tanks in the area but no confirmation
			could be given of their number.
	22		During early morning patrols were sent forward but no contact was made.
		1400	Orders were given for the Bn, working in conjunction with 2 KSLI (185 Bde)
			to clear up enemy reported in wood at 4692. 3 Coys and the carrier Pl
			were established in 'stop' posns. along the main road from HAMONT to rd junc
			478923 while 2 KSLI commenced to drive through the woods from the WEST.
			The drive was completed but no enemy could be found, having apparently with-
			drawn during the early morning. The Belgian Patriot forces rendered very
			useful service by acting as guides and supplying information, and brought in

Page 11 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BELGIUM	22		one German straggler.
	23		Bn stood by prepared to move to take over from 11 Armd Div when they captured
			DEURNE. This objetive was not captured as planned and Bn remained at HAMONT.
	24		Bn still standing by to move. 11 Armd Div captured DEURNE (6520) during the
			late afternoon and it was decided that 2 Lincolns would take over from them
			next day.
HOLLAND	25	0700	Bn moved in M.T. to DEURNE and with 2 RUR took over the area of DEURNE from	E.3.
			troops of 11 Armd Div. 2 Lincolns were established in area by 1100 hrs
			protecting the N and NE approaches to the town. During the late afternoon
			a carrier patrol located about 30 enemy 2 1/2 miles NE of DEURNE but these
			scattered in thick country before fire could be opened. One German deserter
			came in during the day and was identified as a marine fighting as an infantry
			soldier.
HOLLAND	26	0830	C Coy were sent out to engage the enemy located by carrier patrol on 25 Sept.
			14 and 15 Pls with one A/T gun formed a firm base in the wooded area at 679219.

Page 12 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
HOLLAND	26		13 Pl commanded by Lt. A.H. Smith, went forward supported by two 3in mortars
			and artillery. They approached the canal and succeeded in reaching the
			village of KRAAIENHUI 6923 where they came under heavy cross fire from enemy
			M.Gs. It was apparent that the canal running North and South from 702234
			was held in strength by the enemy and 13 Pl was withdrawn having suffered 3
			casualties (wounded) who were evacuated.
		1400	C Coy returned to the Bn area.
HOLLAND	26		One Pl D Coy with a sec of carriers and one A/T 6-pdr moved to protect X rds
			at 6524. Pl. Comd Lt. Hunt.
	27		Two carrier secs established a standing patrol at 6721 and Sgt. Warne (Sniper
			Sgt) went forward with another sniper and scored one German killed and one
			other seen to fall. During the morning, a deserter, a Pole, came in and
			stated that quite a large number of Poles would desert with a little encouragement.
		1800	D Coy Pl returned to Coy lines from X rds 6524. A loud speaker van was sent out

Page 13 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
HOLLAND			to the carriers standing patrol, and after a preliminary arty concentration,
			the enemy were called upon to surrender. A few shells came back in reply,
			but the shooting was wild and none fell near our troops.
	28		Bn. remained in DEURNE. Enemy were harassed by arty concentration and at
			0700 hrs a further loudspeaker broadcast was made. 6 deserters were brought
			in who stated that they intended to desert and that our loudspeaker appeal
			had finally persuaded them. This was answered by a salvo of mortar fire.
			During the morning our snipers shot one German believed to be an Officer.
			Two recce patrols were sent out during the day; one under Lt. Hunt approached
			to within 500 yards of the canal and brought back information about the approaches.
		1400	A patrol from B Coy led by Lt. F. C. Smith, was sent out to recce approaches
			to the canal in the area 6921. A firm base was established at NACHTEGAAL
			FARM 6821 and Lt. Smith with L/Cpl. Morris J and a sniper went forward.
			They approached to within 100 yards of the canal when Lt. Smith was hit by
			small arms fire at short range. LCpl. Morris remained and the sniper went

Page 14 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
HOLLAND			back to warn the rest of the patrol, When the news reached B Coy HQ a pl
			was sent out to NACHTEGAAL FM with orders to attempt to rescue Lt. Smith at
			nightfall, Meanwhile Sjt. Gibson had gone forward to LCpl. Morris with two
			men but were unable to reach Lt. Smith. They remained there until dark to
			make another attempt, during which one man was wounded, and Lcpl. Morris hit.
			The wounded man was brought back but it was apparent that LCpl. Morris and
			Lt. Smith, both of whom were believed to be killed, could not be recovered
			without incurring further casualties. At 2000 hrs therefore the patrol was
			ordered to return to Coy. area.
	28	2115	Bde 'O' Gp. Bn to move at 0800 hrs next day to area MILHEEZE (6324) to make	E 4.
			room for U.S. Armd. Div. which was moving up.
	29	0800	Bn. marched out, a screen of carriers, A/T guns and M.Gs being left to cover
			the town of DEURNE until the Americans arrived. Relief complete by 1830 hrs
	30		Bn. at 1 hrs notice from 0530 hrs.
		1200	Warning order received that Bn. would move to area NORTH of river MEUSE next day.

Page 15 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
HOLLAND			During the evening the body of LCpl. Morris was brought in by Dutch patriot
			forces, but they had been unable to find Lt. Smith.
			Throughout this period very valuable assistance was rendered by the Dutch patriots.

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War Diary: 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

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