War Diary: 6th Battalion Durham Light Infantry

Month and year: September 1944

6th Durham Light Infantry war diary for August 1944 covering their advance from Amiens through Belgium to VOLKEL, Netherlands.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1290

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Page 1 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
AMIENS Map Ref. 104577 Ref Map 1/100,000 Sheet 14 Amiens	1	0200	One enemy aircraft flew over Amiens, drawing intense fire from our A.A. guns. No results reported.
		0815	The Battalion to take over guard on P.O.W. in garage in the Battalion area.
		1015	11 P.O.W. brought in by the Maquis. 7 were from Pioneer Units, the remainder from Flak Units.
		2000	Warning Order received - 8 DLI to move to DOULLENS 1386 tomorrow at 0700 hrs, and 6 DLI would probably move in the afternoon.
		2130	A French youth was brought in by B Company. He had escaped from BOULOGNE,
			having been working there on the Flying Bomb Sites. He was taken to 151 Brigade HQ, then to 50 Division HQ, but he was unable to give any information that wasn't already known.
			A civilian was brought in by the Maquis at the same time and taken to Brigade
			and Divisional HQ. He was carrying a suitcase and claimed to come from ALSACE-LORRAINE, but he was found to have a forged identity card and also a
			roll of film showing buildings and signposts in BRITTANY and Germans in uniform. Although he claimed to come from ALSACE-LORRAINE he could not speak French,
			yet carried a French identity card dated 1942. He was handed over to the Field Security Police for further interrogation
Ref Maps 1/100,000 sht 10 LENS. 1/100,00 sht 6 HAZEBROUCK. 1/100,000 sht 7TOURNAI.	2	0100	Operation order arrived - 6 DLI would move to DOULLENS, time to be given later The advance Recce Party would report to 151 Brigade HQ by 0615 hrs.
		0545	The Recce Party moved off. The Party consisted of:- O.C. HQ Company Capt A.E. Short, The Intelligence Sergeant, and 1 O.R. from each Coy and A Echelon.
		0700	C Company took over from 9 DLI the defence of the bridge at 074605, North
			West of AMIENS. This was to enable 9 DLI to undertake mopping up operations North of the river SOMME.
		0930	Bn 'O' Group. Role of the Battalion - to follow up 8 Armoured Brigade and protect its right flank.
		1130	The Battalion left AMIENS.
		1310	The Battalion arrived in area 1386 near DOULLENS. Bn HQ was established at 134870,

Page 2 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	2 (contd)		A coy 127866, B Coy 131875, C Coy 138862, D Coy 140868. Previous to the Battalion's arrival, two prisoners had been handed over by
			the French to our Recce Party. The French also reported that enemy pockets existed around this area.
DOULLENS	3	0800	Brigade 'O' Group. 8 Armoured Bde would push on to ALOST 4066. 6 DLI would follow on, whilst 9 DLI would operate under Command 8 Armoured Bde.
		1045	The Battalion moved off, but when only three miles out of DOULLENS, it was
			ordered to stop as 8 Armoured Bde was late in starting and was behind instead of infront of the Battalion.
		1330	The Battalion began to move forward again, but progress was very slow owing to the large amount of transport using the same route.
			En route the Battalion was diverted at PONT-A-VENDIN from the original axis owing to the bridge over the canal at WINGLES MEURCHIN being blown.
		1835	Halt made between PONT-A-VENDIN and MEURCHIN at 566204, and Bn 'O' Group called.
		1900	Bn 'O' Group. The Battalion would remain in the area for the night as the
			8 Armoured Bde were busy mopping up around LILLE. In our area small battles were going on between the enemy and the French, and in LILLE itself the Maquis
			were holding the town. A note was received from them requesting assistance. The 8 Armoured Bde would push on tonight and leaguer South of LILLIE.
		2000	One Squadron of tanks and one Coy of Infantry reported now in LILLE.
		2030	The Brigadier arrived with instructions for the task tomorrrow. B & D Coys
			with one Squadron of tanks in support would clean up the town of ROUBAIX, while A & C Coys would make a firm base in the rear. Patrols would be sent
			out as far as the canal.
		2100	Battalion 'O' Group. B Coy would lead off the move at 0700 hrs on the
			following day.
M.R. 566204	4	0615	Move postponed until 1030 hours.

Page 3 of 23

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
4	(contd) 0715	Report received that the bridge at HOUPLIN 6428 on our route was blown and
		a diversion was to be expected at SECLIN. Information had been received during the night that the enemy was occupying
		a wood at 5926 and that a Company of the 8 DLI would deal with them. The F.F.I. had also reported that 1200 enemy with possibly two tanks were
		moving along a road West of our axis. The 69 Brigade had been ordered to take action. News received that the Battalion would not move before 1000 hours.
	0815	Message received that the RAF had dropped delayed action bombs on some Flying Bomb Sites and that they were to be steered clear of for one week after occupation
	1030	Our Recce Regt reported enemy in BEAUVIN 5724. Companies to take up defensive positions now The original plan altered to the
		following: - B Coy and 3 secs of carriers would move to area of BEAUVIN in support of 13/18 Hussars. The Battalion would move to area between Beauvin
		and the canal at 6528, and the coys would picquet the roads and all approaches - B Coy at BEAUVIN 5724, D Coy 5927, C Coy at CONDECOURT 6427, and A Coy in reserve
		at 5125. The 8 Armoured Bde with 8 DLI (who had taken over from 9 DLI) would push-on.
	1245	Battalion arrived in area 601252, and Coys began to move into their allotted positions, Information had been coming in throughout the morning from the
		F.F.I. re positions of the enemy in the area.
	1500	C Coy held up at the bridge at 626297.
	1505	Elements of D Coy in WAVRIN 6030. Reports continued to come in of enemy guns, Infantry (the majority of whom
		were believed to be SS) and a few tanks.
	2100	Battalion now established on the line of the canal.
		During the day many prisoners were handed over to us by the French in the neighbouring villages, and these were passed to the P.O.W. cage at 151 Brigade
		Headquarters.
		Our casualties for the day were 1 O.R. killed and 5 O.RS. wounded.

Page 4 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
M.R. 601252	5	0810	Report from 9 DLI that white flags had been seen in the village of HOUPLIN believed to have heen put up by the civilian population.
		0905	Reports recieved that the enemy are withdrawing generally in a N.N.E. direction. D Coy moved up and over the canal at DON.
			Bridge was slightly damaged but sufficiently strong to take pedestrians traffic. The civilians got to work promptly and repaired the bridge so that wheeled
			and tracked vehicles could get across. A terrific reception was accorded us as we entered WAVRIN. The enemy was still on the N.E. side of the village,
			particularly in the cemetary, and our Recce Regt moved along in support of us
		0930	The F.F.I. reported that there were Ammunition and Petrol Dumps in the woods
			at 6039 and 6139, but this was not confirmed.
		0945	Enemy shelled HOUPLIN.
		1445	Civilians reported a battery of enemy guns in WAVRIN Cemetary M.R. 556303.
		1500	One Squadron of Recce Regt from 53 Division passed through and reported WAVRIN clear of enemy.
			Our C Coy held up at bridge M.R. 626297, the resistance coming from area of wood at 6230.
		1505	D Coy now reported in WAVRIN M.R. 6030.
			61 Recce Regt reported Anti-Tank gun at 615537 which fired on their patrol. Enemy Mortars were also believed to be in this position.
		1715	R.S.M. Greening admitted to hospital.
		2015	14 P.O.W. taken by D Coy.
		2100	The enemy in wood at 6230 surrendered, and a total of approx 75 were conveyed in T.C.V. direct to 151 Brigade.
		2130	Warning recieved to be prepared to move early the following morning. It is worth noting that the F.F.I. were very helpful in this area. A party
			of 20 attached themselves to D Coy in WAVRIN and helped them to guard the approaches.
			Another party were reported to be moving up on enemy's left flank North of the canal and had apparently put in a small attack. Others produced many prisoners from the local gaol whom we conveyed to the P.O.W. cage at Brigade H.Q.

Page 5 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	5 (contd)		Another interesting feature was that in the previous campaign quite a number
			of the Battalion had been in this area, and some of them managed to pay a visit to their old billets and recall old times. During our two stay in the
			area, casualties had been very light, a total of 1 O.R. killed and 9 wounded.
Ref Maps: - 1/100,000-BRUSSELS	6	0700	Battalion 'O' Group - the Battalion to move to leaguer area West of BRUSSELS, the 9 D.L.I group leading.
			The Advance Recce Party under Capt. Short moved off.
		0845	The Battalion moved off with D Coy leading, followed by C Coy, Bn HQ, A Coy,
			B Coy, A Echelon. The route taken was via NERRIN, CONDECOURT, SECLIN, VENDEVILLE, BAISIEUX, TOURNAI, BIZENCOURT, NINOVE, SHEPDAAL, BRUSSELS.
		0945	Crossed the France - Belgium Frontier, and recieved a grand welcome from the people all along the route.
		1330	Arrived in area ITTERBEEK 5354.
		1530	Battalion 'O' Group. The Battalion to take over defensive positions in the
			BOIS DE LA CAMBRE, East and South East of the town. The enemy were reported to be still on the outskirts,
		1620	The Battalion moved off again.
		1730	Arrived in area 633499
			Getting through BRUSSELS was a very difficult problem owing to the masses of people swarming around and even on the transport to give us a really rousing	See Appx (i)
			reception. Everyone wanted to show us the way through the the town (most of the people could speak English) and that almost necessary as the signs
			already put down by our Recce Party had been picked up as souveniers. Part of column did get lost in the town - at the best of times the maze of streets
			in BRUSSELS is difficult - but eventually the whole column was grouped in the BOIS DE LA CAMBRE and companies took up defensive positions.
			Carrier Patrols were sent out South of the area - not more than 8 kilometers.

Page 6 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	6 (contd)		Captain Daw on a reconnaissance patrol found intact an enemy ammunition dump South East of our area.
			It was expected the Battalion would remain in the area for 3 or 4 days. Coys were in positions as follows:- A Coy 630442, B Coy 653466, C Coy 639497,
			D Coy 603469.
BOIS DE LA CAMBRE BRUSSELS	7		The day was spent in cleaning up and general maintenance.
			10 per cent of each Company was allowed into BRUSSELS from 1400 hours until 2100 hours under the charge of an Officer.
			During the day patrols were sent out South of our positions.
		0900	One section of Carrier Platoon and 1 Platoon of A Coy patrolled to the area of LAMARA
			6736 where it was reported there were some enemy. Nothing, however, was found. The patrol then went on to OHAM 6938 where U.S. Forces were contacted occupying
			the area.
		2200	A Standing Patrol from A Coy forward Platoon lay up in the area of Gde Esplinette and took 2 P.O.W. who were later handed over to the F.F.I. who had a post there.
		2200	Warning Order received to be prepared to move the following morning.
Ref Maps: 1/100,000 Sht 3 ANTWERP	8	0700	Battalior 'O' Group - The Battalion to move to area HERSSELT 0076.
1/100,000 Sht 4 MAESEYCK		0730	Advance Recce Party moved off.
1/50,000 Sht 25 & 35 TURNHOUT - GHEEL.		0900	Battalion arrived in area RAMSEL 967745.
		1240	Brigade 'O' Group.
		1315	Battalion 'O' Group - Two Patrols to be sent out with the object of clearing
			wood at DE SCHOOTERSCHE BOSSCHEN M.R. 1276 and at TESSENDERLOO 1577 and KERKINSBERG 1678. Having completed their tasks, they would proceed to the bank of the
			ALBERT Canal in the areas 1480 and 1780 shooting up any enemy seen on the North bank. The intention was to make the enemy believe that another bridgehead
			was about to be made at 150810. The Patrols were to leave at 1415 hours, and not return before 2000 hours.

Page 7 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	8 (contd)		Composition of Patrols:- On the left: 1 sec of M.Gs., 1 sec Carriers, 1 sec
			Mortars and 1 Platoon of B Coy, all under Capt. Davey. On the right: 1 sec M.Gs., 1 sec Carriers, 1 sec Mortars and 1 Platoon of
			C Coy, all under Capt. I.A. Daw. An advance RAP was to be established at TESSENDERLOO 1477.
			The patrols saw a fair amount of enemy movement on the North side of the Canal, and the targets were engaged several times.
			Capt. Daw was wounded by a Spandau. Patrols returned about 2130 hours.
		1830	The Battalion at 1 hour's notice to move.
		2130	Lieut. McKelvie returned to the Battalion and was posted to D Coy.
			The plan for that night was that 8 DLI would make a wet crossing and extend the bridgehood already made by 69 Brigade over the ALBERT CANAL at STEELEN
			0784. A class 9 bridge was under construction by the R.Es. and would be ready by midnight. 6 DLI would follow on in the early morning over the
			bridge, and would extend and defend the bridgehead. The total casualties for the day were 1 Officer wounded.
RAMSEL 967745	9		The bridge over the ALBERT CANAL had been completed by 2300 hours the previous
			night. 8 DLI had made a wet crossing and sent out patrols during the night, but was unable to enter SHEEL 0888 owing to slight opposition.
		0415	Our Advance Recce Party moved off to make a reconnaissance of a debussing area South of the bridge.
		0430	A & D Coys moved off, and B and C Coys half-an-hour later behind tactical HQ.
		0615	Battalion assembled in area 072833, South of the newly completed bridge over
			the Albert Canal. Fifteen minutes previously 61 Recce Regt had crossed the bridge.
		0630	D Coy due to cross the bridge, but delayed owing to C Squadron, 61 Recce Regt being held up by enemy seen in the village of DOURNBOOM 073857. A small battle ensued

Page 8 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
-	9 (contd)	0815	D Coy moved off but turned back - one pontoon had been sunk by shellfire.
			There had been fairly continuous shelling in the area of the bridge for some time - mainly airburst.
		1100	Bridge again ready for use. D Coy moved forward en route to DOORNBOOM. Slight M.G .opposition was encountered.
			On reaching their objective, a patrol was sent out to STOKT 0786 where two enemy were killed and two captured together with a small mortar.
		1130	Four P.O.W. brought in Identified as G.A.F. They stated that they were reinforced last night and were expecting to put in an attack this afternoon.
		1300	Fifty enemy seen running into wood at 090853. Our M.M.Gs. killed 5 at 803838. Two P.O.W. brought in. Stated they were reinforments from 4 Fleiger Ersats Regt.
			had arrived two days previously from Holland, and had gone straight to their positions.
		1415	A Coy moved off to position at STOKT 0786. Pockets of enemy reported around this area but R.A. proved too much for them.
		1430	A Coy overran enemy mortar position at 075859.
		1515	Report received that 200/300 enemy had heen seen on the road at 058865 proceeding
			in direction of GHEEL. Three more prisoners brought in, all Poles, from 572 Cren. Ersatz Bn, one
			prisoner from 101 Gren Regt.
		1815	Battalion HQ moved to 068854.
		1845	A strong enemy post was believed to be at 083872, and a heavy barrage was going to be put doun.
		2000	M.M.Gs. sent to A Coy to harass the area from GHEEL to St. DYMPHNE 0988 intermittently during the hours of darkness.
			B Coy reports being heavily shelled. At last light Coy locations were as follows: A Coy 079869, B Coy 072870,
			C Coy 076869, D Coy 068861, Casualties for the day were one O.R. killed, four wounded.

Page 9 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
South of GHEEL 0888	10		The night 9/10 September was fairly quiet except for occasional machine gun fire and Spasmodic shelling in the area near GHEEL.
		0745	One enemy tank spotted in the area of 077885.
		0815	Enemy tank and Infantry at 082868.
		1015	S.P. gun shelling the bridge at STEELEN, apparently from the East along the Canal bank.
		1030	A Coy report its HQ being heavily shelled and mortared.
		1145	Enemy Gun, probably S.P. reported at 095858.
		1155	61 Recce Regt reported WINKELOM 087870 to be strongly held by enemy. A heavy
			gun believed S.P. was firing from the track running South West from WINKELOM. A troop of the Reace Regt was under continuous fire. Another heavy gun was
			firing South West from 095858. The troop had been ordered to retire to 080858.
		1250	Our armoured cars patrolling from 097856 to 083872 encountered heavy fire from WINKELOM and from South of ELSUM 0788.
		1300	The right hand Platoon of A Coy returned from its present position under heavy mortar fire.
			B Coy under heavy 88 mm gun fire and S.A. fire. Movement impossible.
		1320	Plans formed for entering GHEEL.
			D Coy moved up to start line, with C Coy on the right. A & B Coys to follow up and enter the town, and give rear support. 9 DLI would move up on the
			right. The attack to begin at 1330 hours.
		1330	1 Carrier and 1 Anti-tank gun knocked out in B Coy area.
			Enemy counter-attack on A Coy - Infantry supported by mortars and Spandau fire. Our tanks going in to assist. Artillery support laid on.
			Capt. Corbett wounded and Lieut. Seggie took over Command of A Coy.
		1345	Our tanks reached A Coy and giving assistance A Coy now succeeded in keeping
			a firm line. C & D Coys carried out their original plan with support from tanks, D Coy met opposition.

Page 10 of 23

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
10 (contd)	1400	Major J. Atkinson (C Coy) wounded - Capt Bennett took over Command.
	1410	Our tanks reported several enemy lining a hedgerow in a ground depression but were unable to depress their guns low enough to deal with them. D Coy
		ordered to close in on tanks and deal with the enemy.
	1420	D Coy reported 30 enemy withdrawing to ELSUM. Our Artillery brought to bear.
	1435	A Coy reported that 9 DLI on the right now abreast.
	1440	It was decided that B Coy would pass through D Coy to maintain the momentum of the attack.
	1515	B Coy about to begin its advance.
	1525	D Coy gained its objective - North of the church and South of the station in GHEEL.,
	1530	D Coy took 50 P.O.W. and knocked out 1 Armoured car, 1 88 gun, 1 mortar and 2 Anti tank guns.
		A Coy sent up to reinforce D Coy.
	1545	22 P.O.W. brought in, most of then were from a Gren Ensatz Bn.
	1600	The bridge at STEELEN reported out of action again. A Coy took 14 P.O.W.
	1645	B Coy took 3 P.O.W.
	1700	The Comanding officer, Lieut-Col. A.E. The Green, wounded in the arm by shell splinter while touring forward companies in GHEEL.
	1710	6 P.O.W. brought in by the Mortar Platoon.
	1720	5 P.O.W. from C Coy.
	1800	25 P.O.W. from C Coy, and 5 from A Coy,
		Two of our Anti tank guns captured by the enemy.
	1930	Enemy Anti tank gun firing down road from road Junation South of GHEEL
	2020	Enemy counter-attack on our right flank and infiltrating behind our forward Companies from the Left
		One enemy tank supported by Infantry moving down road South of GHEEL. Spasmadic M.G. fire throughout the evening.

Page 11 of 23

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
10 (contd)	2130	Major G.J. Wood (as C.O.) went to Brigade HQ which had moved up North of the canal.
		One enemy tank reported 200 yds North of Brigade HQ.
		Battalion to Stand to all night. Casualties during the day were fairly heavy
.		Lieut. Allen was killed and Officers wounded were Lieut-Col. Green, Major J. Atkinson, Capt. Corbett Capt Davey, Lient Howell and Lient. Batemen.
		In addition there were:- 30 O.Rs. Killed
		67 " Wounded (4 of whom later died) 42 " Missing (1 of whom was presumed killed)
		Major K.G. Lewis joined the Battalion from 2 Devons.
11	0100	Under cover of a heavy ground mist, the enemy again counter-attacked on right flank.
		Our tanks were unable to go forward owing to having no Infantry support (our Coys were cut off from Bn HQ.)
		Brigade HQ moved back over the canal.
	0730	Some enemy Infantry with tanks reported South of GHEL 600 yds from Battalion HQ.
		One of tanks knocked out. 50 enemy reported in rear of 8 DLI directed on the Canal. (8 DLI had
		moved up on our left the previous night.)
	0810	Two enemy tanks giving trouble in the vicinity, but our tanks unable to advance owing to dense mist.
	0815	8 and 9 DLI received orders from Brigade to clear up enemy pockets as soon as mist cleared.
	0820	9 DLI had brush with the enemy, taking 15 P.O.W. and routing the remainder.
	0840	D Coy in good spirits - last night with its tank support the Company had knocked out 1 x 150mm gun, 1 Armoured car and 1 tank.

Page 12 of 23

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
11 (contd)	0915	The Sherwood Rangers reported having lost 8 tanks in past 24 hours.
	1000	A patrol with a PIAT sent out to try and deal with enemy tank on road near Bn HQ. The tanks were later knocked out by one of our Shermans and was later
		reported to have been towed away by a second enemy tank accompanied by 10 Infantry.
	1035	A Tiger tank observed 200 yds from Bn HQ moving into position behind a house, and it was knocked out immediately by one of our Shermans.
	1050	B Coy reported enemy tanks moving in outskirts of GHEEL. Heavy shellfire brought to bear on them, and the aid of Typhoons requested.
	1115	Another enemy tank knocked out by a Sherman on the GHEEL road. D Coy reported urgent medical help required for several cases, but nothing
		could be done.
	1120	Enemy formed up for another counter-attack on D Coy front. Our Artillery engaged them.
	1125	D Coy reported enemy infiltrating on left rear of town, and found difficulty in keeping them out.
	1135	Orders received from 151 Brigade that D Coy could pivot back on B Coy and
		take up position between B Coy and 8 DLI, but only if conditions became too difficult.
	1200	Two Panther tanks knocked out at 068877.
		D Coy assailed on three sides by Infantey and S.P. guns.
	1220	8 DLI reported that enemy pocket was believed liquidated and were making efforts to contact our Companies.
	1225	D Coy urged to hold on, as another Squadron of tanks was coming to its assistance.
		Bn HQ heavily shelled. The M.T.O. Capt. Tyndale went off in a Carrier to try to get to GHEEL
	1248	The Carrier arrived at D Coy.
	1250	Ammunition and food sent up to B & D Coys in jeeps under charge of Capt. Harrison.

Page 13 of 23

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
11 (contd)	1300	Enemy reported to be infiltrating into centre of the town between B & D Coys.
	1330	Tanks and Infantry advanced on D Coy from the North East.
	1350	Our tanks on way to D Coy held up and about to try another route.
	1430	C.O. went to meet Brigadier at 9 DLI HQ. Intention was to withdraw the Companies from GLEEL to positions South of GHEEL and North of BN HQ The Coys would
		filter out in small numbers.
	1435	Our tanks not yet arrived at B Coy, but enemy between B & D Coys were being dealt with.
	1455	Situation serious on right flank. Enemy within 20 or 30 yds of B & C Coys.
		Information was passed to our tanks for immediate action.
	1510	21 P.O.W. brought in from our Carrier Platoon.
	1530	Enemy Infantry still infiltrating through houses at GHEEL.
	1545	Enemy reported South of GHEEL. C Coy reported enemy firing from Houses on the right of the Company. Two enemy tanks also in the vicinity.
	1600	The Typhoons appeared on the scene as requested but were unable to spot the
		tanks. However they shot up enemy Infantry in considerable numbers on road RETHY - GHEEL.
	1645	The two jeeps sent to Coys with food and ammunition reported safely arrived.
	1745	Enemy again shelled area of bridge at STEELEN.
	1800	1 P.O.W. from 11 Coy, 53 Fleiger Regt.
	1845	D Coy in new position area 066861.
	1915	B Coy in new position area 072857.
	2000	All Coys now in. Approx 30 of D Coy were left in GHEEL civilian hospital
		Others were missing some probably in hiding in GHEEL and expected to turn up later.
		P.O.W. taken during the day were 1 Officer, 25 O.Rs. Our casualties in addition to yesterdays were:- O.Rs. killed - 2, wounded - 18,
		missing - 9. Lieut. Seggie was also missing, but returned the following day with 7 O.Rs

Page 14 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	12	0700	The Battalion was being relieved today, and the advance recce party moved off to Bde HQ to recce area VORST 1379
		0835	9 DLI reported fighting broken out on one of its Coy fronts.
		0855	Report received that enemy was forming up for a counter-attack at 083872.
		1215	The Battalion at one minutes notice to move as from 1330 hours.
		1400	Enemy heavy Mortars at 094859 engaged by our Artillery.
			Battalion 'O' Group; Battalion to move to new area at 1600 hours.
		1500	A Battalion of Royal Scots began to move into our area to relieve us.
		1600	Battalion commenced the relief.
		1735	Battalion in new area VORST 124794.
			C Coy reorganised under Major Lewis.
VORST 124794	13	0230	Warning Order received to move today to area RYSSELS -PAEL M.R. 1974.
		0900	Battalion 'O' Group re move
			66 O.RS. joined the Battalion. They had been at B Echelon since 11 Sept.
		0945	The Advance Recce Party under Capt. Short Left
		1215	Battalion moved off.
		1330	Battalion arrived in area 183770
Area 183730	14	0930	C.Os. Conference re Administration and Routine whilst in this area. Not
			expected to move for three or four days. Films and Concert Parties were arranged. General cleaning up was to be made, and as much rest obtained
			as possible.
	15	1100	The Corps Commander (Lieut-General Horrocks) visited the Battalion in an informal capacity. The purpose of his visit was to congratulate the Unit
			on its firm stand at GHEEL for 36 hours and the denying to the enemy the Canal which was their objective. In his opinion 151 Brigade was second to
			none and when it had an object in view it always obtained that object.
			Around GHEEL, the Brigade experienced the bitterest fighting since MARETH.

Page 15 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	15 (contd)	1230	Warning Order received to move early on 16 Sept to area KATTENBOSCH 3091.
		1415	Visit and address to all ranks by the Brigade Commander. He spoke of the fine work done by the 151 Brigade in recent fighting: how they had beaten up
			the BOCHE well and truly, taking many prisoners and killing more enemy than at any time previously since setting foot on the Continent Above all, he
			remarked on the fine spirit and how cheerful the Brigade was when coming out of Battle - and one which had been such a bitter struggle.
			Speaking of what lay ahead and which we all hoped would be the final blow at the enemy, everyone must be on his guard when he got into Germany; civilians
			must be avoided and best treated as potential murderers. In whatever battles lay ahead he was sure they could be carried out as successfully
			and as completely as in the past. In conclusion, be thanked the Battalion for all it had done, and especially
			the men of the Rifle Companies, they being the men who won the battles. He wished the Battalion the best of Luck and every sucess, and a speedy end
			to the war.
Ref Map 1/100,000 Sht 9 LIEGE.		1460	Party went to DIEST 1168 to attend ENSA Variety show, "IRISH FOLLIES"
			Baths were also provided at "A" Echelon, and a limited number also were able to attand a mobile bath unit.
			Capt. Bennett assumed Command of Mortar Platoon.
		1700	The Advance Recce Party moved off to recce new area, and to remain there during the night to reserve the area owing to the large number of troops in our area.
		2000	Several Flying Bombs passed over the area, flying in direction of DIEST. No
			damage reported.
	16	0900	C.Os. 'O' Group regarding the move.
		1000	C.O. to attend Corps Commanders Conference
		1125	Battalion moved off.

Page 16 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	16 (contd)	1135	Crossed the Albert Canal at BEERINGEN 2375 thence route as follows:- BOURG LEOPOLD 2682 - KERKHOVEN 2787 to area South of LOMMEL 3095.
		1245	Arrived in new area 311937.
		1515	C Coy group moved forward just South of the ESCAUT CANAL to area 3296 to prevent any enemy infiltration over the Canal.
		1632	Two high flying enemy aircraft each dropped two small bombs in the area of LOMMEL.
		1700	Six new Officers joined the Battalion and were posted as follows:- Lieut. R. Quickenden and Withenshaw to B Coy.
			Lieut. Kamofsky and 2/Lt. Hunt to C Coy. Lieuts Lyms and Sykes to D Coy.
South of LOMME area 311937	17	0300	Clocks put back 1 hour.
		0900	Brigade 'O' Group - dealing with our large scale Airborne Landings and Armoured attack in HOLIAND 'H' hour to be 1300 hours.	Armoured
		0935	During bombing and straffing operations, two of our aircraft were seen to collide in the canal area 2695.
		1045	C Coy relieved of its canal duties by a Coy of R.W.Fs. and returned to Battalion area.
		1200	Plan of future attack to be given out to troops after zero hour.
		1400	Our 3" Mortars moved to area 323970 with the task of mortaring the wood area
			5198 where enemy had been reported. Barrage to begin at 1410 hours.
	18	0700	Major G.L. Wood (acting C.O.) the I.O. and Company Commanders moved off to contact 1st Bn Hampshire Regt and to make a reconnaissance of their area M.R.
			3496 prior to taking over.
		1015	Major G.L. Wood went to Brigade HQ re our future role and the taking over of the Hampshires area.
			Two Officers and 70 O.Rs. joined the Battalion - Major D.F. Crossthwaite to

Page 17 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	18 (contd)		"B" Coy and 2/Lieut. Hall to "D" Coy.
		1130	Battalion 'O' Group - Battalion to move out by 1200 hours.
		1145	The Advance Recce Party moved off.
		1300	The Battalion moved off.
		1335	The Battalion arrived in new area 347966 and 1st Bn Hampshires Regt moving out.
		1800	1 P.O.W. brought in from B Coy. Identified as from 21 Parachute Ersatz Bn. Came from Holland and had been in the area for 14 days, and nothing to eat
			for the past two days.
		1845	Lieut-Colonel J.M. Hanmer joined the Battalion and assumed Command.
		1940	Enemy aircraft carried out extensive bombing of the bridgehead area using HE and A.P. bombs. The bridges were not damaged. The Adjutant, Capt. R.S.
			Loveridge, was slightly wounded but returned to duty after treatment.
EASCAUT CANAL M.R. 347966	19	0900	Major G.L. Wood held conference on administration and future role.
		1100	Lieut. J.A. Young and Lieut. R.M Berry joined the Battalion, the former being posted to the Anti-tank Platoon and the latter to C Coy.
		1700	A Horsa glider towed by a Stirling was loosed off after circling round Bn HQ several times, and Landed North our area, near 9 DLI.
		2200	Slight air activity but no bombs dropped in our area. Flares dropped approx 10 miles North.
	20	0915	The Div Commander paid an informal visit to the Battalion. He said there
			was no likelyhood of moving today, but perhaps late tomorrow. We could now relax as there were plenty of troops etc., in front of us now and the enemy
			had withdrawn.
			The day was spent in maintenance, particularly of vehicles in preparation for the next move.
		1000	Conference - A Coy to be reformed. 48 Reinforcements who arrived today disposed

Page 18 of 23

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
20 (contd)		of as follows:- 16 to A, B & D Coys, Major Crosthwaite to be O.C. "A" Coy, Lieut, Seggie to be 2 i/c Coy, and 2/Lieut. Hall to be Platoon Commander.
		R.S.M. Greening rejoined the Battalion from hospital. In the forthcoming move, the order of march would be as follows:-
		D Coy Group, B Coy Group, 'O' Group (less D & B Coy Commanders),Bn HQ, 1 Platoon 2 Cheshires, "A" Echelon, "B" Echelon, 1 Det 149 Fd Amb, A Coy Group, C Coy
		Group, with Northumberland Hussars dispersed around A & B Echelons as protection. The Corps Order of March would be as follows:- 8 Armoured Brigade, 231 Brigade,
		43 Division, 50 Division (69 Bde leading and 151 Bde following.)
	1630	A great Armada of Airborne troops in Dakotas commenced passing over in a
		Northerly direction and continued for approx 1 1/2 hours. They were probably reinforcements for the airborne troops in the NIJMEGEN area.
		Details of patrols night 19/20 Sept:- 1 L/Cpl and 1 sec from B Coy contacted left hand platoon of 8 DLI at 362984.
		1 L/Cpl. and 2 ORs from C Coy patrolled to corner of wood at 324985. Both Patrols had nothing to report.
21		37 O.Rs. Reinforcements arrived today and were distributed throughout the Battalion
	1100	A limited number of men from all Companies journeyed to pit-head baths near BEERINGEN 2375.
		Baths were available at "A" Echelon in the afternoon for the remaining personnel.
	1230	Warning Order received to move tomorrow.
	1600	"A" & "B" Echelons moved to area North of Bn HQ. ("B" Echelon now under Battalion arrangement).
	2115	Telephone message from 151 Brigade - no move tomorrow.
22		New code names received for present operations, as the original list had been compromised.
	1330	7 O.R. reinforcements joined the Battalion.

Page 19 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	22 (contd)		Lieut. W.S. Carr joined the Battalion and posted as O.C. Sapper Platoon.
		1500	200 seats allotted to the Battalion for cinema show at T.T. Cinema, BOURG LEOPOLD.
		1830	Brigade to 'O' Group - Battalion to move to area GELDROP 4815. Task to protect
			right flank of our Armour and secure and hold all approaches.
	23	0800	Battalion 'O' Group.
		0900	Brigade 'O' Group: Now under Command of 8 Corps.
			Battalion Order of March to be D Coy, S Coy, 'O' Group, Bn HQ, 1 Platoon 2 Cheshires, Northumberland Hussars, "A" Echelon, 1 Det 149 Fd Amb, A Coy,
			C Coy.
		0930	Battalion 'O' Group
		1000	The Advance Recce Party moved off.
		1130	The Battalion moved off.
		1145	Crossed the Belgium - Holland Frontier.
		1445	The Battalion arrived in area VLOKHOVEN EKKART 4423.
		1530	Message received from 151 Brigade - To remain here for the night.
		1550	Another Armada of planes towing gliders passed overhead.
Ref Map 1/100,000	24	0730	The Advance Recce Party moved off,
Sht 5. a'HERTOGENBOSCH		0745	Brigade 'O' Group re move to BREUGEL 4526.
		0815	Battalion 'O' Group.
		1045	Battalion moved off.
		1115	Battalion arrived in area BREUGEL.
		1330	O.C. C Coy and 2 secs Carriers went out to area LIESHOUT M.R. 5126, the Coy Commander to recce the area, ones sec Carriers to patrol as far as BEEK 5427
			and the other sec as far as DONK 5329 to find out if bridges over the Canal were intact.
		1700	C Coy moved off to occupy area LIESHOUT 5126.
		1730	Report received from 151 Brigade that 40 enemy had been seen in area 445350

Page 20 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	24 (contd)		and one tank had been knocked out by 74 Filed Regt.
		1845	Our Carriers reported the three bridges at M.R. 547278, 539290 were destroyed. Enemy were still on our side of the Canal.
		1850	Carrier Standing Patrols were established in DONK and BEEK on the canal side
			to prevent enemy infiltration over the Canal. Locations of the Battalion were as follows:- Bn HQ 450257, A Coy 454266,
			B Coy 460267, D Coy 452262, and C Coy at LIESHOUT 5126.
BREUGEL 4526	25	0500	"C" Coy sent out two Officer Patrols to contact the Standing Patrols at BEEK and DONK.
			The Patrol to BEEK then went to road canal junction 546264 and the Patrol to DONK also went to road and canal junction 536296. Both Patrols had nothing to report.
		0530	D Coy to join 9 DLI and take up position at 447313.
		0800	Active Patrolling to continue today along the Battalion front.
		0830	D Coy now established with 9 DLI.
		0900	8 DLI reported 10 Tiger tanks at 6024, believed on the point of pulling out in a North East direction.
		0930	Report received that approx 150 men and 2 x 88 mm guns were in area HELMOND 5523 and that 4 S.P. guns, 6 tanks and 60 enemy were in area 4434.
		1150	Civilians in BEEK stated thar there were no enemy on the other side of Canal, the nearest being 4 K.m. away.
		1400	C Coy sent Patrol of 1 NCO and 2 ORs over the Canal. They penetrated as far as the river 551278 and found no enemy.
		1500	Carrier Patrols being sent out to ascertain if bridges at 554283, 549278, 548278, 539294, 543291 and 552294 had been blown.
		1600	Carrier Patrols reported they had penetrated to the outskirts of GEMERT 5730. All bridges intact with exception of those at 549278 and 548278.
		1810	Information received of probable move to MILL 6444.
		2000	R.Es. to build bridges one at DONK and one at BEEK. We provided covering parties

Page 21 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	25 (contd)	2100	One P.O.W. handed over to I.O. by R.Es. at BEEK. Found hiding in barn. Identified as 4 Coy 1st Pioneer Ersatz Bn.
		2130	Two Carrier Patrols brought up to 549277 and 543291 to provide cover and
			early warning for R.Es. against any possible enemy.
	26	0500	Two Officer Patrols sent out to contact standing Patrols over the Canal. Both had nothing to report.
		0715	I.O. and 'I' Sergeant went out to recce route to LIESHOUT for expected move.
		0730	Report received that 2nd Devonshire Regt had gone to MILL.
		0900	Lieut. Seggie assumed 2 i/c Anti tank Platoon. Lieut. Young appointed Platoon Commander of A Coy.
		1200	Information from Brigade that there would be no move today.
		1730	Brigade 'O' Group - Battalion to move to area VOLKEL 5640. The Advance Recce Party to report to 151 Brigade by 1630 hours.
		1900	Battalion 'O' Group - D Coy to return from 9 DLI.
		2100	The Recce Party arrived at the Battalion.
	27	0900	Battalion moved off to new area.
		0900	Battalion arrived area VOLKEL, Bn. HQ established at 569405, with Companies in close proximity.
		1500	B.B.C. reported Allied landing in ALBANIA.
		1700	Carrier Patrols searched woods and tracks as far as 62 Easting, and found area clear of enemys
VOLKEL 5640	28		No move expected today.
		0900	5 Officers and 15 O.Rs. joined the Battalion todays all from 59 Div Reinforcement Pool.
		1500	Capt. Movely posted as O.C. Mortar Platoon. Lieut. H. Wilkinson posted to A Coy as 2 i/c

Page 22 of 23

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
28 (contd)		Lieut. A Moody posted to "B" Coy. Lieut D.F. Barclay posted to "C" Coy.
		Lieut. P. C. Capstick posted to "D" Coy. All the above from Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
		Baths arranged by Capt. Field at "A" Coy HQ.
	1540	Four reinforcements arrived, all men who had been wounded in Normandy.
	1630	C of E Church Parade.
29	0730	No move expected before 1200 hours - possibly none at all.
	0900	Coy Commanders Conference - Administration.
	1100	Coys proceeded independently on 5 mile route march.
	1400	Party of 50 went to T. T. Concert Party at GEMERT 5730.
	1530	Visit from G.1., 50 Div. Field Marshal Montgomery passed through area.
	1800	Another party of 50 to T.T. Concert Party.
30	0900	The C.O. carried out Admin Inspection of "A" Coy.
	1100	All Coys proceeded on a short route march.
	1400	C.O. carried out Admin Inspection of "D" Coy.
	1500	R.A.F. Station reported that an had been fired on from area OVENTJE 5744
		whilst taking off. Party of 30 proceeded to T.T. Concert Party.
	1730	3 Carrier Sections under Lieut. Seggie sent to area of woods between main road UDEN - ZEELAND and OVENTJE to search for possible enemy.
	1830	Carriers reported no enemy seen.
	1845	Carriers returned from patrol with nothing to report.
		Capt. Bennett proceeded to "B" Echelon to take over the training of selected personnel who would be left out of battle for a period of 10 days.

Page 23 of 23

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	30 (contd)		Notes:- (i) The Total Casualties for September 1944 were as follows:-
			Officers - Killed 1
			Wounded 8

			O.Rs. - Killed 33 Wounded 93 (of whom 5 died)
			Missing 51 (one presumed killed)

			(ii) Maps; On many occasions, the use of captured German of 1/50,000 scale had to be resorted to, as the only mans available
			for issue were those of 1/100,000 and 1/250,000 scales.

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War Diary: 6th Battalion Durham Light Infantry

Month and year: September 1944

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