War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: August 1944

The 69th Infantry Brigade HQ August 1944 war diary covers HQ, 6 & 7 Green Howards and 5 East Yorks actions and movements in Normandy and their advance to the Seine River.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/651

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Page 1 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
1		69 Bde O.O. No. 10 issued	Appdx B1
	0700	69 Bde rest period was abruptly brought to a close when
		orders were received for the Bde to take over from 130 Bde
		of 43 Div by 1300 hrs.
		The Bde was expecting to take over from 56 Bde and not before
		the afternoon.
	0845	Bde Comd left for 130 Bde at 717594
	1000	Bde Comds orders to C.O's
		5 East Yorks to take over from: 7 Hants in area CAHAGNES
		736568 6 Green Howards:- from 5 Dorset are 7359
		7 Green Howards :-from 4 Dorset area 7357
		The Bde was ordered to move in tp carrying lorries at 1030 hrs.
		Owing to the congestion on the rds the start was postponed
		until 1430 hrs.
	1430	Bde Column leaves.

Page 2 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
1	1430	22 Armd Bde were given priority on the rds and 69 Bde
		were halted and debussed at GRANVILLE
		Eventually 69 Bde were given priority over 22 Armd Bde and
		moved on to a debussing pt at 717604. Bns marched from this
		pt.
	1940	5 E Yorks began to move again, followed by the rest of the
		column.
		Bde HQ however were stopped by 30 Corps and again the
		priority was changed.
	2330	Bns reported to be in their new posns. NO contact was made
		with the enemy.
		The rds today were so congested that movement was often
		impossible. A continual change in priorities, throughout the
		day, between 69 Bde 22 Armd Bde 7 Armd Div and 61 Recce was
		the principal cause of this. It was lucky no enemy aircraft

Page 3 of 66

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	1	2330	took advantage of the target presented by the traffic blocks.
717594	2	0100	A/pers and H.E bombs were dropped in bde A Ech and 5 E Yorks
			area. Some casualties were suffered by 5 E Yorks.
			Bns sent patrols to discover whether the enemy were holding
			the AMAYE feature (7857)
		0900	Patrol from 6 Green Howards reached 7758 and heard enemy
			there. The patrol was intended as a standing patrol if no
			enemy was met.
		0930	Patrol from 5 E Yorks to pt 198 7656 reported party of
			enemy seen moving WEST. Later 1 Cpl and 6 PW gave themselves
			up.
			The patrol reported the br intact at 7556 but that there
			was a steep cliff to the NORTH.
			The Bde comd met C.O at a viewpoint to consider todays
			attack on AMAYE.

Page 4 of 66

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
717594	2	1030	The GOC met the Bde Comd. It was decided that the Bde
			would adv at 1300 hrs to occupy AMAYE (7757) and BRUYERE
			(7757) instead of doing a "set piece" attack at 1600 hrs as
			infm from PW, patrols and 61 Recce indicated that what enemy
			remained were probably ready to surrender.
			10 PW were taken during the warning incl 2 Poles and 2 men
			from an Eng unit, all from 753 GR of 326 Div.
			The present area is thickly sown with mines and booby traps,
			most of which were being cleared by 43 Div RE. Many old
			minefields laid by the Americans were found.
		1130	Bde Comd gives orders to CO's and O Gp for adv to begin at
			1300 hrs.
			Objectives:- 7 Green Howards AMAYE (771579) Coy posns were
			as follows

Page 5 of 66

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
717594	2	1130	6 Green Howards \| 5 East Yorks \| 7 Green Howards
			A721594 \| 742566 \| 738583
			B741595 \| 742569 \| 734575
			C719594 \| 737565 \| 733577
			D726601 \| 743564 \| 736582
			Bn HQ 719594 \| 737568 \| 733581
		1300	7 Green Howards began advance.
			The advanced fast, meeting opposition from the orchard WEST
			of AMAYE - When this was overcome, things began to go very
			well and prisoners flocked in, including the coy comd
			and most of the 9 Coy 751 GR.
		1830	Objective was reached by 1830 hrs.
			tks of the 13/18 Huzzars supported the bn and adv ahead.
			This had the effect of demoralising the enemy who had no A tk
			weapons - A number of the PW taken were really prisoners of

Page 6 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
2	1830	them and us.
		Total PW taken by 7 Green Howards - 107 all German.
		The 5 E Yorks adv more slowly and met opposition from a MG
		post at pt 198 (7656) from which 11 PW were taken.
		BRUYERE was occupied by the left fwd COV by 1830 hrs.
		Difficulty was experienced with both the fwd and rear links
		wireless communication. 22 PW were taken from BRUYERE.
		Both AMAYE and BRUYERE were clear of mines.
	2015	61 Recce were under command 69 Bde and they continued to adv
		but net opposition at 777583.
	2200	See Sitrep No. 82 for further details.	Appdx D 1
		69 Bde Information Bulletin No. 30 issued	Appdx C 1
	2040	6 Green Howards moved up to posns in area 7559
	2250	During the night the 7 Green Howards were shelled.
	2330	Enemy appeared and attempted to dig in by the rd EAST of

Page 7 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
2	2330	AMAYE village. They were spotted and fired on - and the
		digging stopped.
	2350	The 7 Green Howards were again disturbed this time by
		mortars.
		Later the 5 E Yorks and 6 Green Howards reported all quiet.
		The 5 E Yorks were not in contact with the enemy. It has been
		impossible to get the 5 E Yorks or 6 Green Howards by line.
3	0630	The 7 Green Howards were again shelled but had not been in
		contact with the enemy since 2330 hrs.
		69 O.O. No.11 issued.	Appdx B 2
		The Bde was ordered to hold present posns and made contact
		with 7 Armd Div on the SOUTH and 231 Bde on the left
		(NORTH); and to patrol forward.
	0800	61 Recce were patrolling and met mines in the rd near ST.
		GERMAIN 7758.

Page 8 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
3	0800	During the morning a few more PW continued to drift in
		from the same 751 GR.
	1345	7 Green Howards reported that, patrols were fired upon from
		777573 and 780574. As it withdrew the patrol was mortared.
		During the afternoon the 7 Green Howards established a standing
		patrol at 777577.
		61 Recce continued to patrol and reported various small enemy
		posns.
	1600	5 E Yorks reported that the C.O. (Lt Col R.B. James DSO) was
		a casualty. He had been killed outright by a shell.
		Up to midnight, both the 5 E Yorks and 7 Green Howards were
		intermediately mortared and shelled, 400 shells fell in the
		formers area and 100 in the latter's.
		Contact was made with 231 Bde (1 Devons) and an LO from Bde
		HQ contacted 7 Armd Div and 22 Armd Bde, operating on the right.

Page 9 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
3	1600	61 Recce also supplied a L O at Bde HQ.
	1815	The 7 Green Howards reported that their standing patrol was
		being mortared from 777573.
		69 Bde Bulletin No. 31 issued.	Appdx No C2
		During the night from midnight all was quiet for the
		except sound of tracked vehs heard by both 5 B Yorks and 7 Green
		Howards at midnight.
4		In order to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy, the 5 E
		Yorks proposed to send out two patrols. 7 Green Howards were
		to establish a standing patrol covering the br at 786578 and
		send a recce patrol to 782576.
	1100	The Bde comd visited the fwd bns and the 5 E Yorks
		were ordered to send a Pl to the bns (7856)
		Later the Bde was ordered to occupy Pt 174 (7957) often
		indications from patrols, and the cessation of mortar and shell

Page 10 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
4	1100	fire that the enemy had withdrawn.
	1310	The Bde comd, at 7 Green Howards HQ gave out orders for the
		occupation of Pt 174.
		7 Green Howards with 74 Fd. Regt (with call or div arty),
		15 Pl (Hy Mortar) and A Coy 2 Cheshire, elts of 233 Fd Coy
		and 107 A tk Bty in sp were to occupy the feature.
		231 Bde were advancing in on the left to the line of the river
		7958.
		61 Reece were to occupy TRACY BOCAGE.
		7 Green Howards were NOT to cross the 78 easting before
		1550 hrs.
		Bdy with 61 Recce line NORTH of TRACY running WEST.
		The 5 E Yorks were to send patrols to the LEBUS area and the
		6 Green Howards to move up with the 7 Green Howards area at
		AMAYE.

Page 11 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
4	1450	Before the 7 Green Howards moved the 5 E Yorks reported their
		patrol at LE MARAIS (7856) had seen no signs of the enemy.
	1530	The 7 Green Howards began to move. Their left fwd coy
		reached their objective without opposition by 1610 hrs.
		By 1700 hrs the 7 Green Howards were established on the pt
		174 and the E Yorks had seen NO sign of the enemy in the LE
		BUS area.
	1745	6 Green Howards began to move and were in posn by 1930 hrs.
		Reports on mines began to come in and the 7 Green Howards,
		going to contact 61 Recce rear TRACY reported mines there.
		S mines and Teller were later found there and on the main rd
		to the SOUTH.
		233FD Coy after a later start began to clear the rds in the
		bde area but did not complete the task before dark.
		61 Recce patrolling the rd LA POSTE - VILLERS collected 3 PW

Page 12 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
4	1745	Total PW today, four.
		By the adv of 59 Div to VILLERS BOCAGE and 7 Armd Div to-
		wards AUNAY, 69 Bde have been squeezed out and are not only
		not in contact but have own tps on all sides. Division reported that the Gas equipment found at AMAYE by
		7 Green Howards was of particular interest to CW experts.
		69 Bde Information Bulletin No. 32 issued.	Appdx C3
		Posns of 6 and 7 Green Howards as follows :-
		6th. BHQ 766577 - 7th. BHQ 792576
		A 772582 - A 733579
		B 769575 - B 792574
		C 772576 - C 797576
		D 766578 - D 798578
		5 E Yorks posns unchanged.
		Lt Col T.L.G. Charles was appointed to comd 5 E Yorks.

Page 13 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
5	0715	NTR from all bns.
		The Bde was ordered to "stand down" in present posns.
		Eleven men of the Bde were tried by FGCM for desertion and
		kindred charges.
		The Lt Col T.L.G. Charles visited Bde on his way to take over
		command of the 5 E Yorks.
		He gave to the officers of Bde HQ resume' of the NORMANDY
		campaign. Later the Bde Comd visited the Green Howards and
		addressed the officers, on the subject of patrols and on the
		subject of alleged exhaustion cases.
		Orders were received for the visit of the new Corps Comd,
		Lt Gen Horrocks.
		For the first time since D Day 50 Div are entirely out of
		the line. Whether we are to rest or not is still only the
		subject of speculation.

Page 14 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
5	0715	The GOC visited the Bde Comd to discuss the Corps comd's
6		visit. The officers of the Bde HQ were able to organise
		baths for themselves at a chateau nearby, recently occupied
		by the Germans.
	1500	The Corps comd, Lt GEN Horrocks visited and addressed all
		officers and N C Os down to the rank of Cpl.
		He first went to the 7 Green Howards, addressed them and the
		5 E Yorks together, and then went on to the 6 Green Howards
		who were assembled with Bde HQ and 61 Recce.
		He praised the action of the division since D Day and told
		us that we were the division with the highest reputation for
		stubborn fighting in the opinion of civilians at home, and of
		the comd's out here. He was, he said, particularly glad to
		comd 30 Corps and more particularly to find 50 Div in 30 Corps.
		It was said that so many casualties had been suffered, but it

Page 15 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
6	1500	was a matter of pride that 50 Div had played such a great
		part in the war, a part which would figure prominently in the
		history of the war.
		He would like, he went on, to give 50 Div a rest for a fort-
		night. But when the Germans were reacting as they are, he
		had to seize a chance if it was presented and 50 DIV could be
		used. He did promise us a rest of at least one or two more
		days.
		"I am a very good General" he added "when the Germans
		are running away".
		The General gave next a picture of the situation and a line
		as to future operations. The situation he described as being
		"very good".
		Afterwards coy comd's were introduced and the General ended
		his visit by having tea at Bde HQ.

Page 16 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
6	1500	There the table was set in "idyllic" surroundings under the
		trees in the orchard; the bright orange cloths, the flowers
		and, most important, the blackcurrant tart and cream, did
		not present a spectacle which could be recognised as a Bde HQ
		in the battle zone.
	2200	The Bde learnt with relief that MT PINCO had been occupied
		by 13/18 H.
7		August Bank Holiday.
		The weather has developed a peculiarity namely a thick dust
		laden mist lasting sometimes, until the afternoon. Then
		the sun breaks through and shirt sleeves order is the rule.
	0900	The Bde HQ had a drill parade and afterwards a route march.
	1000	Orders were received that the Div might be directed on to
		CONDE SUR NOIREAU.
	1345	The GOC together with the comd of 231 Bde visited BDE HQ to

Page 17 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
7	1345	discuss the concentration of 50 Div in the area ONDEFONTAINE
		tomorrow. 69 Bde are to move there starting at 0600 hrs.
		There are complaints beginning to be voiced that mail is not
		coming through to well in the last few days.
8	0900	The Bde move was postponed until 0900 hrs. Orders for the
		move are attached.	Appdx B3
		After some holdups owing to the narrow rds, the Bde was all
		concentrated in the new location at CONDEFONTAINE (7848) by
		1230 hrs.
		The constitution of Tac Bde was fixed to consist of Bde comd
		and IO in a Jeep;
		2 L.Os in Jeeps
		M 14 with the B.M and GSO 111
		Jeep with S O
		15 cwt with three defence PL.

Page 18 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
8	0900	C.S.M, cook and rations (for whole tac HQ)
	1600	Bde comd left for Div HQ to receive orders for the next days operations.
	1915	Bde comd gave out orders to O gp consisting of bn comd's
		OC 4/7 DG, OC B Coy 2 Cheshire Pl comd 233 Fd Coy, Bty comd
		99 A tk Bty.
		The Bde comd said that, depending on the result of other
		operations 69 Bde would adv, behind and through 151 Bde to
		area 8835.
		151 Bde were to pass through 43 Div after 43 Div and 7 Armd
		had gained certain small objectives.
		Move Table for 69 Bde to move at 0600 hrs in ICVs to a
		debussing area at 8346, was issued.
	2130	The Bde cond again went to Div to receive orders owing to a change of plan.

Page 19 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
8	2130	It had been very difficult to obtain up-to-date news of ops
		in other sectors today, particularly of the CAEN sector when
		the Cdn army was advancing. Even 30 Corps had no up-to-date
		news for our LO who went there in search of news. (30 Corps
		were near ONDEFONTAINE)
		The BBC is usually our first source of news about the
		American front.
	0100	Bde Cond returned) from Div with orders for tomorrow.
		69 Bde March Table issued	B4
9	0730	Bde moved in TCLs to debussing area at 8346 where Bde Comd
	0831	gave orders to his O gp
		69 Bde were to pass through 151 Bde at 1430 hrs after 151 Bde
		had gained their objective - the line (approx) of the 43 grid;
		a line just SOUTH of which formed the Bde SL.
		Bde objectives were Pt 229 (8539) on the right, Pt 266 (8741)

Page 20 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
9	0830	on the left and area 8541.
		The 6 GREEN HOWARDS were right and 7 GREEN HOWARDS left. 4/7
		DG were in sp and div arty were putting down a barrage, adv
		at three 5-min intervals.
		Bearings were given to help 6 & 7 GREEN HOWARDS keep
		direction.
		After the orders Bde Comd visited GOC at TAC 50 Div and then
		went on to 151 Bde to watch the progress of the battle.
		Meanwhile, considerable traffic congestion began to develop
		on the Bde route. 7 Armd Div in TCLs and tks were trying
		to move on 50 Div route - no one knew why or where. After
		rigorous action at traffic control, which eventually reserved
		the rd for 69 Bde alone, the bns and their tks were able to
		get on. However the Start Time had to be postponed one and
		a quarter hours. This was entirely due to the amount of

Page 21 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
9		traffic and complete absence of a reserved route for 50 Div.
		This is the second time the Bde has been held up by traffic.
		Last time they took 12 hours to travel 12 miles. It must be
		admitted that owing to the number of times plans are changed,
		no one has much time to think about traffic or organise ahead,
		but it is obviously Corps responsibility to control traffic
		when more than one div is likely to use a rd, even a wide
		main route.
		It was a pity 69 Bde were delayed because 151 Bde reached their
		objective exactly on time and it was thought that the enemy's
		line may have been broken.
	1545	6 and 7 GREEN HOWARDS crossed SL. Progress was fairly good
		at first, and by 1650 hrs both bns reported fwd units on first
		report lines (42 Northing approx).
	1730	Both bns nearly on second report line (41 Northing).

Page 22 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
9	1730	Opposition was reported as from MG and shellfire. From
		this time the battle began to go less well, chiefly because
		both coys of both bns had lost direction.
		To make matters worse during the initial barrage one gun had
		been firing short and then Typhoons strafed LE PLESSIS 8444.
	1745	Bde Comd went fwd and visited CO 6 GREEN HOWARDS at X rds
		859414 and CO 7 GREEN HOWARDS in the wood opposite.
	1805 -	The enemy began sustained shelling of this area probably with
	1855	SP guns. 6 GREEN HOWARD'S were still 1000 yds short of their
		objective and meeting opposition. They were also a little
		disorganised owing to having lost direction. The CO settled
		the bn in the area just SOUTH of the X rds.
		The 7 GREEN HOWARD'S however had got on to the feature by
		their objective (Pt 266),but owing to the fact that no tks or
		A tk guns could cross the river and get up to the 7th and RE

Page 23 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
9		were unable to erect a br because the river was under fire, the
		7 th moved back from what was in any case a very isolated posn.
	1920	5 E YORKS were to move up to a conc area near TAC Bde HQ
		which moved fwd to 849488. For final locations see Sitrep	Appx D2
		6 GREEN HOWARDS were ordered to send a standing patrol of one
		pl to br at 865407 where NES. The number of PW taken today
		is between 70 and 80. During the night no contact was made.
10	0540	5 E YORKS were ordered to occupy 6 GREEN HOWARDS former
		objective pt 229 (8539) and began moving.
	0730	7 GREEN HOWARDS began to move back to their objective and one
		pl occupied it without opposition. 5 E YORKS reported Maj
		A.M.N. Rice, MC, killed by shellfire.
		5 E YORKS advanced meeting some opposition and taking PW (incl
		one Sjt Maj). Their plan was to send a coy with tks of 13/18 H
		on to spur at 865404 and to shoot their other coys on to the

Page 24 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
10	0730	objective. Bde Comd visited 5 E YORKS. Opposition was met
		from parties of inf and from shelling, particularly in the
		orchards at 857397 and SOUTH of ST PIERRE. BY 1030 hrs 2
		coys and carriers of 7 GREEN HOWARDS with A tk guns were
		established.
		5 E YORKS were meeting stubborn opposition and being shelled
		as were the other bns. Shelling continued from arty and SP
		guns which occasionally came over pt 229 to fire and then
		vanished again.
	1900	5 E YORKS were unable, chiefly owing to shelling, to make their objective.
		Orders were received that 231 Bde would pass through 69 Bde
		at 0830 hrs next day.
		Bde Comd ordered very vigourous patrolling to provide a
		complete picture of the enemy for 231 Bde. 5 E YORKS were

Page 25 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
10	1900	to try and occupy the "feature"; 6 GREEN HOWARDS to investigate
		ST PIERRE and 7 GREEN HOWARDS to send two patrols to what was
		to be 231 Bde SL i.e. line of track just SOUTH of ST PIERCE.
		All these patrols contacted enemy still in posn.
		The GOC with Brig Stanier visited Bde HQ regarding tomorrow's
		plans.
11	0140	69 Bde were ordered to est a joint post with 7 SLI of 214 Bde
		851413. For patrol reports see patrolrep.	E 1
	0515	IO 231 Bde arrived and IO of 5 E YORKS and 6 GREEN HOWARDS
		came to give Bde Comd patrol reports. 231 Bde altered their
		SL to a line NORTH of ST PIERRE.
	1045	Enemy came up on 5 E YORKS RT net giving false fire orders to
		their mortars. 7 GREEN HOWARDS were ordered to mortar
		village to help 231 Bde and to est a coy on Pt 266. The
		enemy began to shell the bns areas. spasmodically and

Page 26 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
11	1045	conditions there were most unhealthy. Guns and dust on the
		rds gave the enemy every chance and in addition our position
		was well overlooked. GOC visited Bde HQ. 7 GREEN HOWARDS
		were finding it hard to make Pt 266 owing to shelling. 6
		GREEN HOWARDS relieved with two coys the coy of 5 E YORKS at
		868407.
	1320	7 GREEN HOWARDS report A Coy in posn on pt 266.
	1410	C Coy also in posn. 61 REC.C. REGT moving on left 7 GREEN
		HOWARDS reported enemy posns in front of them. 7 GREEN
		HOWARDS silenced MG posn near Pt 266.
	1620	Bde Comd ordered 6 GREEN HOWARDS to pull in joint post with
		214 Bde.
	1800	Corps Comd visited Bde Comd at TAC Bde. Main Bde joined Tac.
		6 GREEN HOWARDS were ordered to prepare to follow 2 DORSET
		adv to secure SL. for 151 tomorrow at 876384. 7 GREEN

Page 27 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
11	1800	HOWARDS were to hand over area EAST of rd by pt 266 to 4 WILTS
		of 129 Bde.
		Owing to trouble in clearing ST PIERRE the DORSETS did not
		start to adv until 1830 hrs.
	2300	Bde comd ordered 6 Green Howards to move to 877397.
		61 Recce come under comd bde tomorrow for task on left flank.
		69 Bde Bulletin No.33 issued	Appdx C4
12	0300	7 Green Howards report A & C coys in new posns.
		For all location see Sitrep	Appdx D3
		LO sent to 6 Green Howards. They had moved over uncertain
		country, on a very dark night. They were shelled and had
		4 were killed and 7 wounded. 1 P1 got lost but eventually
		rejoined the bn.
	0720	6 Green Howards were ordered to adv behind DORSETS and if
		necessary fight for objective for 151 Bde.

Page 28 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
12	0720	Today was one of the most confused in time whole campaign.
		5 E Yorks were ordered to attempt "the feature" again, 2 Hants
		having failed to dislodge the bn of enemy now known to hold
		area, supported by SP guns.
		They met opposition in the orchards to the SOUTH, suffered
		cas and failed to adv.
		The posn grew more confused as zero hour for 151 Bde was
		regularly postponed.
		6 Green Howards were having an extremely unpleasant time -
		isolated as they were - from heavy calibre shelling which
		was continuous.
		Eventually ST PIERRE was made 69 Bde responsibility and the
		Bde comd decided to stonk heavily with medium guns and send
		7 Green Howards in at 2215 hrs with patrols.
	1800	The GOC came to discuss this plan with the Bde Comd.

Page 29 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
12	1800	Meanwhile information from PW was conflicting, one asserting
		to 231 Bde that ST PIERRE had been evacuated - others that
		some 40 Germans still lurked in the town ready to give them-
		selves up.
		CO 7 Green Howards asked permission to go into the village
		without the stonk, led by a volunteer PW.
		However the Bde Comd ruled that it was unnecessary to risk
		cas for an odd Nazi who might open fire as a last gesture.
	1930	So the arty plan was not postponed and 7 Green Howards patrols
		left at 2300 hrs.
	1645	6 Green Howards reported that they were nearly in new posn, area
		8739. while in their other area holding the SL of 9 DLI they had been subjected to intense and continuous shelling from
		large calibre guns.
		5 E Yorks had also been shelled during the day and had taken

Page 30 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
12	1645	a number of PW.
	2300	7 Green Howards patrols left for ST PIERRE. They met no
		opposition and entered the village.
		Today a photographer and War correspondent from Picture Post
		came to stay with 69 Bde.
		69 Bde Bulletin No. 34 issued	Appdx C5
13	0030	7 Green Howards began to move their coys into ST PIERRE
		and by 0235 hrs three coys were in posn.
	0230	5 E Yorks patrols reported enemy at 855399 and 851399.
	0635	7 Green Howards were established:-
		A Coy 862396
		B " 818400
		C " Pt 229
		D " 856399
		31 PW were captured so far. Booby traps were found on the

Page 31 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
13	0635	rd leading to ST PIERRE by 1015 there was a one way traffic
		route cleared through.
	1000	GOC called regarding role of 69 Bde today, twice during the
		morning. The Bde Comd visited 6 and 7 Green Howards.
		7 Green Howards patrolled to contact 231 Bde during afternoon
		and found a Mk IV special tk at 861394, captured 5 PW at
		854388 and found mines in are LES FOSSES.
		Meanwhile 61 Recce were patrolling the river at 8439 area. NO
		enemy seen, except snipers, but aims were encountered.
	1730	Bde Comd attended conference at 231 Bde held by.G1
		50 (N) Div to was become part of 2 Army Pursuit Force.
		69 Bde were to go tomorrow into to Div Reserve area. 231
		Bde remained holding div line.
		69 Bde Movement instruction No. 10 issued	Appdx B5
		For locations see sitrep	Appdx D4

Page 32 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
14		Capt Mallinson (G111) went to Corps Rest Camp.
	0845	Bde HQ was due to move to new area. However the HQ was not
		ready in time and the bns were sent in their place.
	1040	New location in div area reserve at 826464 reached. Bns
		locations as follows :-
		5 E Yorks 828965
		6 Green Howards 832465
		7 Green Howards 833467
		The Bde spent a quiet day, maintaining vehs and doing their
		washing. The Bde IO visited 6 and 7 Green Howards and
		explained the general situation in view of the hopeful order of
		the day by Gen Eisenhower.
		This order of the Day has so far only been received by the
		BBC. Some bns heard it, others did not. Although it is
		quicker, the Army would prefer to receive its orders of the

Page 33 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
14	1040	first hand, that is, read out by their comd.
		News was confirmed by letter to Maj H. Oldman, 7 Green Howards
		that Lt Col R H Richardson had escaped and was on leave at
		home
15		The Bde remained in the reserve area, getting down to
		maintainance of themselves and the vehs.
		The Bde comd addressed all officers and NCOs of Bde HQ on
		the following points :-
		Punctuality, drill for a move, veh loads, clearing areas
		before leaving, necessity for orderlies Knowing exactly where
		all sp comds and LOs sleep.
		The TT concert party visited the Bde in the evening.
		It was officially announced that CSM Hollis of the 6 Green
		Howards had been awarded the VC. This is the third VC in
		69 Bde, which might be claimed as the highest number of VCs

Page 34 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
15		in any one bde. It is also the first awarded in NORMANDY.
		It was also announeed that Maj H.D. Oldman M.C. 2i/c 7 Green
		Howards had appointed to comd the 8 D L I.
		Lt Conroy and Lt Welch went to the corps Rest Camp for four
		days.
16		The bde remained undisturbed in the rest area. This period
		was invaluable for maintainance of vehs, wireless sets etc.
		A Mobile cinama visited the bde.
17		The Bde was still undisturbed from its period of maintain-
		ance. Bns received reinforcements, incl a coy complete of
		the NORTH STAFFS from 59 Div.
		Maj N.F.P. Lloyd was appointed 2i/c 7 Green Howards in succession to
		Lt Col Oldman.
	1430	The Bde comd attended a GOCs conference at Div regarding
		tomorrows move. 69 Bde Op Instruction No. 12 issued.	Appdx B6

Page 35 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
17	1830	Admin Instruction No. 12 were issued containing the March	B7
		Table for the mechanised move. The destination of the move
		was still not known.
	2330	Orders changirg the route for the move and giving simply "area
		SOUTH of ATHIS 9127" was received.
18		The officers and men who had been at the rest camp returned.
		The Bde moved in accordance with March Table leaving at 0900
		hrs.
		The move went well enough, but the last unit was forty minutes
		late on the start point, chiefly owing to outside traffic in
		the narrow rds, and was not in the new location until 1630 hrs.
	1730	The Bde Comd attended a conference at Div HQ on the next
		days move.
	2045	Bde comd gave orders to O Gp on short move tomorrow to area
		9523. The Bde will be prepared either to mop up enemy pockets

Page 36 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
18	2045	to the NORTH or to move further if conditions allow.
		CSM O'Hare arrived as Bde CSM and Sgt Scantlebury as I Sgt
		both from 6 Border, the inf bn from 10 Beach Gp- now broken up.
		69 Bde March Table issued	Appdx B8
	2345	Orders were received that 69 Bde column was to be clear of ATHIS
		by 1100 hrs 19 Aug. Instead of altering timings at this late
		hour, it was decided to divert by another route the later part
		of the convoy.
		69 Bde Bulletin No.35 was issued, containing the citation	Appdx C6
		of the award of the VC to CSM Hollis, and also extracts from
		a letter received by Lt Col P H Richardson, on his escape from
		Germany.
	19	The Bde column started. It was found by the SC that the
		new Bde area was the Corps medical area. He therefore moved
		the area slightly to the NORTH. This area however turned

Page 37 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
19	0915	out to have been allotted (by 50 Div) to the AGRA.
		A very large traffic block was anticipated ( there was no
		divisional traffic control post on the admittedly short route)
		and this would undoubtedly occured had not the AGRA been
		several hours late, arriving after 69 Bde were well settled in.
	1830	GOG visited Bde comd, with the news that the Americans were
		to take over the southern route in the 30 Corps area.
		Todays disposition shew 50 (N) Div, supposed to be with 2
		Army Pursuit Face, about last in the race.
		Information today has been scarce; what the Americans on
		our flanks and immediately in front of us do has been quite
		obscure.
	2030	Orders were received for a move tomorrow. 69 Bde March Table issued	Appdx B9
		12 PW were captured today. They were mostly handed over by civilians,
		all but two were Russians.

Page 38 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
19	2030	7 Green Howards reported that civilians had attacked two
		enemy from 1055 Div
		One was shot, the other wounded and evacuated through CCP.
		Contact was made the local leader of the French Resistance
		movement at ATHIS. Their groups are actively engaged in
		rounding up any Germans remaining in the areas passed over by the
		allied tps.
		For location See Sitrep.	Appdx D5
20	0915	The Bde Gp, less 52 Hy and 233 Fd Coy Bty moved to area 0518.
	1500	The G1 from 50 Div came to give warning order for the Bde
		to move at 1700 hrs again.
		Eventually it was confirmed that no move was to take place before 2030 hrs, when the bde was to follow 151 Bde column.
		Destination was astride the rd area 1622.
		The Bde comd sent an LO to wait at 151 Bde SP to signal

Page 39 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
20		progress and the time when 69 Bde might move.
	2015	Bde comd issued order for 4/7 DG to move at 2115 hrs.
		30 Corps provost controlled traffic at the Bailey br at
		PUTAGES and 50 DIV pro at the SP
		In spite of this and the fact that all other traffic except
		ambulances was to be turned off the rd. the journey was an
		ordeal.
		The term ambulances was liberally interpreted by 30 Corps
		Provost to include numerous Jeeps and a few other vehs.
		It was the darkest of nights, raining and no one in the
		column had been over the route before.
		A number of vehs found themselves in a ditch (REME having
		recovered 26 by the next day) and the others crept along in
		short bounds gazing intently at the rear light (if there was
		one) on the veh in front.

Page 40 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
20	2015	The last of the column was not in the new posn until 0530 hrs.
		although the bulk of the column was in by 0330 hrs.
		Orders for the move were issued as a message.	Appdx B10
21		Bde remained in same area. Div comd visited Bde comd with
		forecast of next days plan. 50 Div were to take the lead going
		east, passing through 11 Armd Div or being prepared to attack
		GACE if 11 Armd Div failed.
		There was heavy rain off and on all day.
	2045	Bde comds O Gp.
		The Bde comd issued orders as follows:-
		The Bde will move to conc area EAST of EXMES (4645). from
		there they will be prepared either to attack GACE if still in
		enemy hands or advance EAST or NORTH EAST through 11 Armd Div,
		who were in area WEST of GACE.
		Move was probably at 0800 hrs. 6 Green Howards would be

Page 41 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
21	2045	leading bn, and if there was an adv in two axes, 6 and 7 Green
		Howards would be employed.
	2100	The bde comd was ordered to meet the GOC at 467454 for orders
		at 0930 hrs tomorrow.
		March Table No. issued	Appdx B11
		Amendment to OP instruction No. 12 issued	Appdx B12
22	0400	Orders were received that the move would start at 0800 hrs.
		The start was delayed owing to a long column of gunners
		(147 and 90 Fd) on the rd.
	0930	Bde comd arrived for orders, to see the GOC and the corps
		comd going on fwd.
		It was learnt GACE was occupied by 4 KSLI
	1030	Bde comd received orders from GOC.

Page 42 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
22	1110	Bde O Gp was held at X rds 5145. 69 Bde was to adv EAST
		through GACE towards LAIGLE 7843 passing through 159 Bde of
		11 Armd Div. 6 GREEN HOWARDS were to be vanguard their
		leading coy moving on tks and the remainder in their TCVs.
		7 GREEN HOWARDS were to est rd blocks at main rd juncs to
		the NORTH. 69 Bde were to be leading tps of Second Army.
		Bde was to halt at present conc area 4745 and then 6 GREEN
		HOWARDS were to adv as soon as possible.
		Order of March: Carriers of 6 GREEN HOWARDS; 6 GREEN HOWARDS
		with one sqn 4/7 DG, one tp M10s, one pl 233 Fd Coy RE,
		followed by TAC 69 Bde, 7 GREEN HOWARDS 4/7 DG, Main 69 Bde,
		233 Fd Coy RE, CCP and 5 E YORKS.
	1145	Bde Comd then visited 159 Bde beyond GACE. Their fwd tps
		were at LA TRINITE 6148 and moving SOUTH on to their new axis.
		They were not in contact with enemy but enemy were reported

Page 43 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
22	1145	not far ahead, probably in EVROULT.
	1200	6 GREEN HOWARDS began to arrive in conc area.
	1305	Bde Comd visited COs 6 and 7 GREEN HOWARDS before former
		moved. 5 E YORKS (last of the coln) were arriving in conc
		area. TAC and Main Bde were temporarily at 480450.
	1500	6 GREEN HOWARDS advanced through 159 Bde and carried on EAST
		to EVROULT, meeting no enemy but finding the br blown. Bde
		Comd went forward and ordered CO 6 GREEN HOWARDS to est
		brhead on foot. A diversion was soon made and tracked vehs
		were able to continue. The French got to work with a will
		on this task, helping the REs.
	1330	GOC visited Bde Cord with orders that 6 GREEN HOWARDS were
		not to adv beyond approx 69 Northing. TAC Bde HQ was
		established at 603482.
		Bde Comd gave brief orders to comds of sp arms and went to see

Page 44 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
22	1330	6 GREEN HOWARDS. They had gone on well and carriers were
		already beyond the limit.
	1700	Bde Comd decided not to bring them back and 6 GREEN HOWARDS
		were ordered to settle in the area 7046 and 7047. They were
		to est a patrol at br at 7444 and patrol into LAIGLE.
		Meanwhile 7 GREEN HOWARDS had established blocks at rd junes
		5549 574488 and 6148 and eventually also at 6747.
	2030	Bde Comd issued orders for next day: Bde was to continue
		adv to area RUGLES 8548, 6 GREEN HOWARDS leading.
		69 Bde March Table was issued.	B 13
		Bde Comd brought out following pts:
		1. Tail of coln i.e. all behind main guard of 6 GREEN
		HOWARDS was to be ready to get off the rd altogether if
		ordered. 151 Bde was following 69 Bde and it was urgent to
		allow them to adv as early as possible.

Page 45 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
22	2030	2. If 61 RECCE REGT were held up 6 GREEN HOWARDS were to
		continue.
		3. 6 GREEN HOWARDS were to search woods with carriers in
		area 7847.
		4. Bulldozer was to travel with pl of RE with 6 GREEN
		HOWARDS.
		5. Bde was to take up posns EAST (5 E YORKS),NORTH (6
		GREEN HOWARDS) and SOUTH (7 GREEN HOWARDS) of RUGLES and be
		prepared to clear the Foret de BRETEUIL on orders from Bde.
	2100	Patrol from 6 GREEN HOWARDS and the CRE and OC 233 Fd Coy RE
		were involved in a fight in LAIGLE. A German Panther tk was
		found in the village which shot at the party. Two carriers
		were damaged and one spr and two GREEN HOWARDS were wounded.
		By prompt action the carrier comd (Lt Scholes) turned his
		carriers off the rd across country and escaped.

Page 46 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
22	2100	Next morning 11 Armd Div found the tk intact with charges in
		place which had NOT been exploded. See sitrep for details.	D 6
23	0740	6 GREEN HOWARDS passed their SP at 728456. They were due
		to pass at 0705 hrs but the sqn of 61 RECCE REGT, due to pass
		at 0650 hrs had not arrived. Bde Comd ordered 6 GREEN
		HOWARDS on without the Recce.
	0830	Bde Comd ordered the tail of the coln to clear rd. GOC
		visited Bde Comd with orders for searching the FORET DE
		BRETEUIL and for clearing rd as soon as possible.
	1010	6 GREEN HOWARDS were progressing but found mines at 814477
		and the rd blocked by a series of small trees felled across
		the rd at 828481.
	1245	6 GREEN HOWARDS passed through RUGLES, the 5 E YORKS had been
		sent by a difficult route and reached 877479 about the same
		time.

Page 47 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
23	1440	7 GREEN HOWARDS reached 835487. Patrols were sent out by
		each bn. The whole bn of 5 E YORKS searched the wood area
		9050; 6 GREEN HOWARDS rd towards LA NEUVE LYRE 8958 and
		villages near the rd. 7 GREEN HOWARDS rd to GLOS LA FERRIERE
		5377 where contact with 11 Armd Div was made. No enemy was
		seen. For full details see sitrep.	D 7
		A Sjt of the RAF who had baled out of a Lancaster on 12 June
		reported from area 8354. He had been living, and living very
		well, with various French farmers and had watched the Germans
		withdraw. They only moved by night, lying up by day; he also
		said that the Germans made no little use of ambs and the red
		cross symbol for carrying amn and petrol. In one case he saw
		a petrol lorry with a red cross painted on it. He reported
		that the Gestapo and SS when they tracked down a member of the
		Resistance Movement, sometimes tortured them for infm. They also used

Page 48 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
23	1440	a serum injected into their victims to extract infm. The
		sjt's farmer was contacted (He had lived in 6 GREEN HOWARDS
		area) but the patron was out reputedly searching for Germans
		but more likely celebrating in RUGLES. In RUGLES there was
		great rejoicing which deteriorated later into a drive against
		collaborationists. Some of the latter are reputed (but not
		confirmed) to have been shot and their women to have had their
		hair cut off. It was surprising that no enemy was found in
		the great area of woods. The enemy must have had time to
		withdraw in a fairly orderly manner. Little of value was
		left behind. 69 Bde Op Instr No 13 issued.	B 14
24		Patrols continued by 5 E YORKS and 6 GREEN HOWARDS to the
		NORTH part of the FORET DE BRETEUIL. The American Cav were
		still in our area as far WEST as the R RISLE. The whole area
		was searched and no enemy seen. US tps were contacted at

Page 49 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
24		9354 and 9657. A rd recce for 30 Corps was carried out to
		CONCHES.
	1200	Bde Comd went to Div for orders. A recce party of Bde Comd
		and COs had been at 2 hrs notice prepared to go 50 miles
		during the day. This party was changed to a 2ICs party later
		and then changed back again to the original.
	1715	Bde Comd gave orders. Bde was to do short move the next
		day preparatory to 50 Div advancing to area MANTES GASSICOURT
		to take over from an American fmn. Bde Comd brought out the
		following on march discipline: Distance of 50 yds between
		vehs to be kept: no flags other than comds and official ones!
	2100	The move of recce parties was postponed.
	2130	Move of Bde was also postponed, apparently the take-over from
		the Americans had fallen through. It rained heavily all
		afternoon. March Table No 6 issued	B 15

Page 50 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
25		For Locations see sitrep/	D 8
		Bde remained in the same area, accomplished some maint on
		vehs but was uncertain whether a forecast of four days to
		reorg was reliable or not. Bde Comd visited Bns. Courts
		Martial were held at 5 E YORKS area.
	1500	Warning Order was received for move tomorrow to PACY SUR EURE 3866. Time not given. Later Div informed us that
		Harbour Recce Parties would NOT be required before 1000 hrs.
	2030	Warning Order for recce parties and Op Order received. This
		now involved & very early move for the recce parties to meet
		G II at 0530 hrs involving their leaving Bde at 0430 hrs.
		Bde Op Instr No 14 and March Table No 7 issued.	B 16
		During the last two days the Bde has been going to move to
		three different places.
		1. To conc area near Div HQ.

Page 51 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
25		2. To go to MANTES.
		3. To go to PACY.
		and at three different likely times - 25 Aug, 26 Aug not
		before 1000 hrs and finally 26 Aug at 0530 hrs. This last
		being learned at 2030 hrs. The tps were allowed into the
		town of RUGLES until 2200 hrs.
26	0700	5 E YORKS reported that they had not yet passed the Div SP.
		Here began the muddle that lasted for 36 hrs, which time it
		took 69 Bde to travel the 44 miles to PACY SUR EURE. The Bde
		has already had one move in which it took 12 hours to travel
		12 miles. In view of this, it is hoped that if War Diaries
		are scrutinised, the remarks which follow will be noted.
		69 Bde were to cross 30 Corps SP at CONCHES at 0800 hrs.
		However a Staff Office had in the end also produced an AGRA
		Gp to cross at 0800 hrs. The AGRA Gp was well on the way on

Page 52 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26	0700	two routes and in any case medium guns are not easily
		stopped and pushed off the rd. The AGRA therefore continued
		and 69Bde began a wait which was to last (for 3/4 of the coln)
		for a day and a half. At the TCP at CONCHES was an American
		MP. His orders were that the Brit had the rd until 1200 hrs
		the priority being 69 Bde, after which the Americans had the
		NORTH-SOUTH rd crossing the Brit route and EAST - WEST traffic
		was stopped.
	1110	5 E YORKS, TAC 69 Bde and the rifle coys of the 6 GREEN
		HOWARDS were given passage. Then the rd was closed and the
		Americans began their EAST-WEST movement. Meanwhile at the
		far end also, all was not well. In the first place, GII of
		50 (N) Div had failed to arrive to meet Recce parties. They
		went on without him. Next he gave totally incorrect advice
		as to the route from the Dis P to the Bde area at 4466. In

Page 53 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26		fact in the Div Op Instr an incorrect map ref had produced a
		Dis P on the Diamond route (northern route) whereas in fact
		both Diamond and Club routes had the same Dis P and the Bde
		was to go through this to their area, contrary to the advice
		of the GII. The SC sorted this and the situation caused by
		our area impinging on to the Americans (by incl areas SOUTH
		of the PACY - BONNIERES rd) with the more useful advice of the
		GI.
	1300	Bde Comd reached the dis P and watched the coln arrive. Then
		ascertaining that the coln had been split and the tail held
		at CONCHES, he returned there, to find not a continuous stream
		as expected of American EAST-WEST traffic but spasmodic gps
		of vehs dashing through the town. Bde Comd persuaded the
		American and Brit Traffic Control offrs to allow infiltration
		of small gps of 69 Bde vehs across. A number of 6 GREEN

Page 54 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26	1300	HOWARD'S A tk guns and carriers got through when the arrival
		of an American Colonel of the Transportation Corps with very
		firm ideas and equally firm orders behind him forced our Bde
		Comd to abandon his opportunism.
	1700	Halted then, indefinitely, were the rest of 69 Bde, various
		units of 43 Div who should have passed the previous night,
		incl the LAA Regt of 43 Div which owing to an over zealous MP
		whom nothing not even at first the Bde Cond himself could
		prevent from waving on his own unit, had succeeded in thrusting
		few vehs through before the discipline overcame zeal. The
		Bde coln stretched back for over 12 miles. There was only one
		thing to do, pull off the rd, feed, and wait. The TCP could
		give little infm but thought it unlikely we would move for
		another 24 hours. Bde Comd ordered a few vehs from Main Bde
		incl sigs and the M14 to come up to CONCHES AREA and form an
		advance HQ.

Page 55 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26		When it became obvious we were not moving that night the coln
		was put at 1/4 hr notice to move. Bde Comd explained to all
		units of Bde Gp that the reason for the halt was to enable
		important moves of an American Armd & Inf Div to the SOUTH, to
		take place.
		The Bde sigs achieved a notable success here by getting into
		comn with TAC Bde over 30 miles away at PACY by means of a
		end-fed open wire aerial.
27	0900	Orders were received at Adv Main Bde that the coln would move
		at 1315 hrs.
	0930	30 Corps rep at the TCP told us that the Brit allotment of time on the rds (from 1200 hrs to 1800 hrs) was taken up by a
		Br coy of 43 Div, the INNS OF COURT and 8 Arnd Bde. It was
		therefore unlikely that the Bde would move for 24 hours.
	1330	The TCP rep informed Bde Comd that 8 Armd Bde could not be

Page 56 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
27	1330	located and could the Bde move in half an hour. He was
		asked to confirm the absence of 8 Armd Bde, which he did, and
		7 GREEN HOWARDS were given 20 mins notice to move and the rest
		of the coln informed by DR.
	1415	7 GREEN HOWARDS crossed the SP dead on time. After them
		there were small gaps as the other units caught up. We were
		warned that should 8 Armd Bde turn up, the Bde would again
		suffer another halt. However, without holding up a single
		veh of 8 Armd, 69 Bde by crossing SP at a good average of 30
		mph made it intact.
	1650	7 GREEN HOWARDS reached new location, much to the surprise of
		50 Div HQ who expected 8 Armd Bde and no 69 Bde for at least
		24 hrs. It was not a good move. A large proportion of the
		CHESHIRE broke down and there were still, even in Main Bde,
		those tail-boards down and people sitting on tail-boards.

Page 57 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
27	1650	Then there appeared the awful sight of two blue-shirted
		unshaven individuals clinging to the Bde Cooks veh, who turned
		out, when the coln was stopped to correct these faults (there
		was a gap before the unit behind appeared) to be Italian PW.
	1830	TAC Bde HQ moved from SOUTH of the rd where it was in the
		American area to 468682 where it appeared to be well in the
		front line, but was actually in the grounds of a comfortable
		racing-stable.
		To close the traffic question, it is sad that
		with so much practice for the last three years in England,
		such muddles should occur. The explanation is clear from
		the American method. Where 30 Corps provided a subaltern
		and occasional visits from a Capt, the Americans had permanently
		a specially trained Capt from their Transportation Corps and
		frequent visits from a Colonel whose sole task it was to control

Page 58 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
27	1830	the traffic. They were well supplied with wireless, whilst
		the 30 Corps reps, although they had wireless of a kind were
		not in touch with the next TCP back. Hence the fast-moving
		American convoys got through.
		GOC had ordered a standing patrol of one pl inf 2 A tk guns
		and carriers to protect the dam at 470696. The dam was vital
		to the 43 Div brs at VERNON. During the morning one sec of
		5 E YORKS crossed the dam and remained in posn on the other
		side. No assault boats were available and it was therefore
		impossible to send A tk guns or carriers across. Later the
		GOC ordered a coy to be sent over to reinforce the sec.
		However, the sec had been sniped, some shells had fallen
		nearby and so the CO had given permission for them to withdraw.
	1800	Bde Comd had now arrived and it was decided to send a coy
		across at night. CRE was to provide assault boats but none
		were available.
	2300	A thunderstorm with very hy rain began. For locns see sitrep.

Page 59 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
28	0025	C.O. 5 E Yorks reported that the river had swollen and he
		did not consider the coy could cross without losing men
		by drowning. He asked for the plan to be called off.
		The bde comd ordered them to carry on unless the losses
		became disproprortionate.
		Later the 5 E Yorks asked for 3 or 4 assault boats to ferry
		sups across. CRE said 1 or 2 boats would be available in 3 or
		4 hrs.
	0125	Lt Col Charles came to see the bde comd. The plan was
		changed. 1 Pl was to cross; the coy staying on the WEST
		bank for sp.
	0410	One sec was across. They were fired on be enemy who were
		very well placed to cover the dam.
	0600	C.O. 5 E Yorks reported that without at least 4 assault
		boats he was not prepared to send the rest of the Coy across.

Page 60 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
28	0600	The Pl therefore remained on the WEST of the river and
		covered the dam.
		Two men of 7 Green Howards were killed by lighting during
		the night.
		A few enemy were seen in the village of LIMETZ (6948) and
		were taken in by 124 Fd who had a perfect OP from the high
		bank on the WEST of the SEINE.
	1715	The bde comd held a conference and announced probable intention
		of 30 Corps with 11 Armd, GDs Armd and 50 Div to adv to
		AMIENS.
		Also one coy of 5 E Yorks were ordered with MMG, 4.2" Mortar
		and gunner sp to cross the river and patrol to the village of
		GOMM ECOURT and clear area in the loop of the river.
	2000	Coy began crossing.
	2130	4 boat loads had crossed and 4 PW taken. 22 PW had recently

Page 61 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
28	2130	been taken in the area by 43 Div.
	2200	Whole coy incl Jeep and trailer across.
		Whole area was found clear of enemy.
		Lt Lewisham LO 69 Bde accompanied the patrol and contacted
		the FFI in GOMMECOURT and BENNECOURT 4969.
29		69 Inf Bde OP Instruction No.15 issued	Appdx B17
	1530	GOC visited Bde Cond regarding 50 Div OO for move to AMIENS
		area.
		69 Bde moved to conc area.

Page 62 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
29	1800	69 Bde OO No. 15 issued
		Orders were received for the bde to be prepared to move across the	Appdx B18
		SEINE starting at 2245 hrs.
	2130	69 March Table No. 15 issued
		Bde comd left and went to the SAUL Br at VERMONT. Here it was found	Appdx III B17
		that the GDS DIV were still crossing and had at least one bn of tks
		to cross yet. The G1 of 50 Div did not think the bde would be delayed
		much, but GDS Div had priority.
		There was no corps traffic control at this br except two CMPs. The br
		was only class 40 not more than 3 tks were allowed on the br at
		one time, which made progress very slow.
	2245	7 Green Howards crossed SL. They were about one hour late in crossing
		the br, progress was very slow all night and next morning owing to tks
		cutting in on the column. Before leaving 6 and 7 Green Howards had
		received reinforcements (7 Green Howards 4 offrs and 162 CRs.

Page 63 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
30	0200	7 Green Howards arrived at new location 467728. The rd down to the bde
		area was nothing more than a track, which owing to the rain, became deep in
		mud. A number of these vehs slipped into the ditch and traffic holdups
		inevitably resulted
	0320	Tac Bde HQ reached new location 475728. It was 0545 hrs before main
		bde arrived and daylight before Rear began to arrive.
	0645	5 E Yorks arrived at 476727.
		Thus another move had been a muddle, thoroughly "browned off"
		the tps and unecessarly ditched a number vehs, Had the bde had a good
		nights sleep and moved early in the morning they could have got through
		in a few hrs and could still had moved again. As it was the 11 miles
		took 7 hrs.
	1215	GOC visited bde comd with orders for further move
	1336	Bde comd gave orders for further move, to reps from each unit. Move
		was to area SOUTH of BEAUGRENIER. 69 Bde March Table No.16 issued	Appdx B19

Page 64 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
30	1330	SC had already left the recce route. Move was provissionally at 1530 hrs
		with recce parties leading.
	1500	As the SC had not returned bde comd ordered the 7 Green Howards to movie
		at 1530 hrs as adv gd followed by recce parties.
	1515	Bde comd left to go to SP where he found the SC and ordered recce parties
		and bde pro to overtake 7 Green Howards and carry on. SC reported that
		the route was clear except for trees cut down and which the French were
		helping to clear.
	1530	7 Green Howards passed SP. This move was quite successful. There was no
		other traffic and for the first time all went well.
	1900	Main Bde arrived at new location 6885. Orders had been received from
		50 Div that the bde column would be cut at the SP to allow 231 bde to get
		up. Fortunately there was no delay and the whole column crossed the SP
		by 1840 hrs. Had the column been stopped the units and the bde HQ would
		have had no food.

Page 65 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
30	2345	Warning order received to move not before 0900 hrs. SC to meet G11 at
		703868 at 0645 hrs . 6 Green Howards found a flying bomb assembly plant
		well protected with concrete at NEUCOURT. 2 PW from 150 GR were
		taken.
31	0815	69 Bde March Table issued	Appdx B20
		Orders received to move at 0915 hrs. Bde comd left for SP.
		March dicipline was found to be much improved. Carriers however were
		beginning to show signs of strain after SO much rd travel. There was only
		one breakdown.
	1100	7 Green Howards were delayed by column of Gds Armd Div. G1 of 50 Div
		was on the scene at once and 7 Green Howards were allowed to go on.
		This was another successful move, 7 Green Howards arriving at 1120 hrs
		at new location at 826000. The comments made on the move on 27 Aug were
		borne out by this successful move. It was entirely owing to the GS01
		from 50 Div being on the spot at criticle pts AS HE HAD BEEN AT THE BR AT

Page 66 of 66

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
31	1100	VERNON before) that things were organised. It was like of such action
		by senior offrs of 30 corps which have been the sole cause of delay on the
		rds. They may not always be able to prevent delay - but they can prevent
		traffic coming on to the rds with no hope of moving for hrs.
	1230	Bde comd visited GOC and learnt that the bde might move on today.
	1530	One bn was placed at 1 hrs notice, remainder probably moved to AMIENS
		not before 0600 hrs. 4 PW were taken on information from FFI. One was
		a maj from the staff of 17 GAF Div
	1930	Bde comd went to div for orders. The bde was to move on 1 Sep to area
		SOUTH of AMIENS, probably crossing the SOMME later in the day. Routes
		had to be carefully recced as two towns BEAUVAIS and BRETEUIL were
		involved and two different routes. BM went to div also to discuss marking
		of routes. 69 Bde pro were detailed to mark the routes for the div.
		PW were brought in from 5 E Yorks.
		69 Bde Op instr No. 16 and March Table were issued.	B 21

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War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: August 1944

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