War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: July 1944

The 69th Infantry Brigade HQ July 1944 war diary covers the unit HQs action and movements in Normandy and the actions of the 6 & 7 Green Howards and 5 East Yorks including extensive patrolling.

Transcription notes:
Entry for 18th 1500 The grid reference has been corrected from 287660 to 787660 as in the 7 Green Howards war diary

Entry for 17th 1800 The grid reference has been corrected from 264676 to 764676

National Archive Reference: WO 171/651

All diaries for this unit:

Please use the contact us page to report any errors or inaccuracies.

Viewing map locations

Many of the location in this diary have been geocoded, these locations are highlighted Screenshot of highlighted location clicking on them will display them on a map. Many location also have historical maps and aerial photographs of the area available.

Found this useful?

If you've found this resource useful please consider supporting us to digitise more war diaries, documents and maps.

« Return to war diaries

Page 1 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Sheet 7F/1 50,000 769692	1		Patrols Night 30 Jun/1 Jul report LA POTERIE 7865 held by
			enemy. LA TAILLE was reported clear but LMG posts at 777656 -
			783658 and 777656. Bde HQ Def Pl patrol located MG posts at
			797663 and 798663. These posns were engaged with grenades
			and Sten fire by the Def Pl.
		1000	Bde B Ech moves to 783695.
		1130	15 Pl, B Coy, 2 CHESHIRE relieved 13 Pl, at 1130 hrs.
			Enemy mortaring and shelling continued during the day -
			170 bombs or shells falling in 6 GREEN HOWARDS area.
			Difficulty has been experienced in locating enemy disposns
			on the Bde front owing to the enemys use of roving MGs at
			night and evacuation of dug-in posns during the day.
			Detailed Appreciation of Enemy FDLs at Appx "A"1.
			Daily Information Bulletin No 8 at Appx "B" 1.

Page 2 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
709692	2		5 E YORKS fighting patrols clashed with enemy post,
			estimated str 8, at 784655. Cas probably inflicted on enemy.
			LA TAILLE 7966, ONCHY 7965 and LA POTERIE 7865 engaged by
			3" and 4.2" mortars and 90 Fd Regt RA during the day in
			accordance with timed programme.
		1725	Approx 20 mortar bombs in 5 E YORKS area. Immediate
			counter mortar action by 90 Fd Regt RA.
		1905	Enemy 75 mm SP gun believed firing from 784646. Arty
			conc put down in this area but result not known.
			Daily Information Bulletin No 9 at Appx B 2.
769692	3		Summary of Patrol Reports at Appx A 2.
			Through the night the enemy was more aggressive than of
			late. Spandau fire was on an increased scale and enemy
			patrols unusually near our own FDLs. It is possible that
			this increased activity is designed to cover up a relief on

Page 3 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
			the enemy's front. RA with 3" and 4.2" mortars fired on
			ONCHY during the morning,
		1000	Orders issued for the relief of 6 GREEN HOWARDS by 7 GREEN
			HOWARDS night 3/4 July, at Appx C.
			Approx 27 shells and bombs fell in 6 GREEN HOWARDS area
			during the morning. Slight activity on Bde front during
			afternoon.
			Daily Information Bulletin NO 10 at Appx B 3.
769692	4	0400	Summary of patrol reports night 3/4 Jul att at Appx A 3.
			Locations:- 5 E YORKS Bn HQ 772663; A Coy 775665; B Coy
			778664; C Coy 777652; D Coy 772668.
			6 GREEN HOWARDS Bn HQ 779686; A Coy 784671; B Coy 784684;
			C Coy 778684; D Coy 778676.
			7 GREEN HOWARDS Bn HQ 795674; A Coy 795674; B Coy 793664;
			C Coy 793670: D Coy 797667.

Page 4 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
		1200	Bde Comd inspected personnel of Bde HQ.
		1320	10 Enemy aircraft flew near Bde HQ and strafed the area to
			the WEST.
		1800	GOC 50 (N) Div visited 5 E YORKS
			82 shells or bombs fell in 7 GREEN HOWARDS area between 0001
			hrs and 2100 hrs. Cas 2 killed 10 wounded.
			Daily Information Bulletin No 11 att at Appx B 4.
		2215	Two enemy deserters surrendered to 5 E YORKS. Identification
			276 Inf Div.
769692	5		Summary of patrol reports night 4/5 July 44	Appx A 4
		0215	RE minesweeping party reported rd GRANVILLE - LONGRAYE
			clear of mines for 100 yds both sides of X rds 776654.
			Snipers reported area 780653.
		0600	Two enemy deserters surrendered to 7 GREEN HOWARDS.
			Identification 276 Inf Div.

Page 5 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	5	1215	3 enemy deserters surrendered to 5 E YORKS . Identification
			276 Inf Div 6 Coy II Bn 988 GR.
			152 shells or bombs fell in 7 GREEN HOWARDS area from 1130
			to 2130 hrs. Cas nil.
			Daily Information Bulletin No 12	Appx B 5
769692	6	1430	Summary of patrol reports night 5/6 Jul.	Appx A 5
			Patrol to watch SOUTH end of LA POTERIE 7865 and to secure
			PW reports NMS. Bde area was generally quiet during day.
			Daily Information Bulletin No 13.	Appx B 6
769692	7		Summary of patrol reports night 6/7 Jul.	Appx A 6
			Bde front quiet during morning. Active patrolling
			continued.
			Locations:- 7 GREEN HOWRDS B Coy 793670 C Coy 793664
			5 E YORKS D Coy relieved A Coy 2 ESSEX at 770659. Other
			locations unchanged.

Page 6 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	7		Daily Information Bulletin No 14, issued	Appx B 7
769692	8		Summary of patrol reports night 7/8 Jul.	Appx A 7
			Active patrolling continued with spasmodic enemy shelling
			and mortaring of Bde area.
			2 Enemy deserters were identified from 6 Coy 988 GR. 276
			Inf Div. The Bde Comd congratulate Sgt. Nattrass the leader of the O.P. Party for the excellent work
			during 7 July in the area of the orchard SOUTH of LONGRAYE	Appx. F.
			Daily Information Bulletin No 15	Appx B 8
769692	9		Summary of patrols night 8/9.	Appx A 8
		0220	6 GREEN HOWARDS reported that 2 enemy deserters had walked
			into their lines.
		0445	5 E YORKS reported that their pl of D Coy had arrived as
			ordered at the X rds of 776654. This move was carried out in
			view of the fact that the 2 ESSEX had reached last night the
			area 778644 and it was intended to move one coy 5 E YORKS
		0630	eventually on to the X rds. 56 Bde reported 14 tks in area

Page 7 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
769692	9	0630	779647
		0645	Bde Comd ordered the remainder of D Coy 5 E YORKS not to
			join their pl on the X rds in view of this report.
		0700	Comd 56 Bde visited the Bde Comd and reported that tks were
			believed to be in LONGRAYE 7866 and LA VARDERIE 7865.
		0720	The two Polish deserters who came into 6 GREEN HOWARDS at
			0220 hrs were brought into Bde HQ. They were from II/988 GR
			and stated that they had 10 wounded and 10 killed in their pl.
			They had heard that other Poles had deserted to us and said they had no desire to fight for the Germans.
		0730	2 ESSEX reported they were being attacked by 20 tks and had KOd 3 at 768646.
		0750	A recce patrol returning from LONGRAYE reported the situation normal.
		0815	G1 50 (N) Div rang up to enquire about details of situation

Page 8 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
769692	9	0815	and possibility of building up pl at X rds 7765.
		0845	G 1 again rang up to state that it was possible that the
			enemy would attack between 2 GLOSTER and 2 SWB area 750630
			and asked that the remainder of D Coy 5 E YORKS be pushed fwd
			to area X rds .
		0905	Bde Comd agreed and ordered 5 E YORKS to push D Coy fwd.
		0930	GOC visited Bde Comd.
		1320	5 E YORKS report Coy now in posn on X rds 7265.
		1830	Lt Col Richardson's raincoat and map case were brought into
			Bde HQ from area X rds 7765. Lt Col Richardson commanded
			7 GREEN HOWARDS and was reported missing on night 18 Jun,
			believed to be PW. His carrier was also found in good
			working order area X rds.
		1920	What appeared to be a counter attack was reputed to be
			developing on 2 ESSEX, enemy mov SW across 5 E YORKS front.

Page 9 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	9	1920	Enemy subsequently shelled our posns but no attack took
			place and by 2055 hrs situation was again normal.
		2200	Sitrep reported slight enemy shelling and mortaring of Bde
			area, throughout afternoon. Cas 1 wounded.
		2245	Div informed us that there was some indication that the enemy
			might be pulling out on left of Div posn.
		2330	7 GREEN HOWARDS were ordered, in view of this, to put out a
			patrol to LA TAILLE and 6 GREEN HOWARDS were ordered to be
			ready to send patrol to ONCHY.
			Today is the eve of the anniversary of the landing by 50 (N)
			Div in Sicily. One year ago today at 2345 hrs the Div was
			lying off the island and last-minute preparations were being
			made for the first assault on Europe.
			Daily Information Bulletin No 16, issued	Appx B 9

Page 10 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	10		Summary of patrols night 9/10 Jul.	Appx A 9
		0500	2 deserters one a Pole one a German, came into D Coy 5
			E YORKS from 7/987 GR 276 Inf Div.
			For details of enemy intentions and movements see PW
			statement contained in Information Bulletin 17	Appx B 11.
		1300	The re-shuffling of 6 and 7 GREEN HOWARDS began.
			7 GREEN HOWARDS are being relieved by 8 DLI and 6 GREEN
			HOWARDS are being relieved by 7 GREEN HOWARDS. 6 GREEN
			HOWARDS are mov into 2 ESSEX area, and 2 ESSEX are withdrawing
			slightly.
		1720	The relief of 6 and 7 GREEN HOWARDS was completed. New
			posns are 7 GREEN HOWARDS Bn HQ 779686 A Coy 784671 B Coy
			778676 C Coy 778684 D Coy 784684. 6 GREEN HOWARDS Bn HQ
			767652 A Coy 773655 B Coy 774648 C Coy 772652 D Coy
			773649.

Page 11 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	10	1030	to 2030 hrs. 14 shells or bombs fell in old 7 GREEN HOWARDS
			area. No cas were suffered.
			Today is the first anniversary of the landing of 50 (N) Div
			in SICILY. The Div landed between 2359 to 0800 hrs, 10 Jul
			43, and by nightfall 69 Inf Bde had reached a pt 15 miles
			along the rd from AVOLA (where the landing took place) to
			MESSINA. Now, after exactly one year 50 (N) Div has completed
			34 days' of the second invasion of Europe, again as an Assault
			Div.
			Information Bulletin No 17 issued.	Appx B 11
769692	11		Account of patrols in Information Bulletin No 17	" B 12
		0627	A munition worker of Dutch nationality, who had
			escaped from SAARBRUCKEN walked into 6 GREEN HOWARDS lines.
			Full details in Information Bulletin No 17	" B 12
		0700	231 Bde began an attack on HOTTOT 9266. This attack was

Page 12 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	11	0700	aided by harassing fire put down throughout the day by 69 Bde
			in order to make the enemy think an attack as being put in
			from our front aswell, at the same time.
769692	11	0730	Pl of C Coy 5 E YORKS took up posn on X rds 776654.
		1800	Bn HQ 6 GREEN HOWARDS moved to 766655, as it was outside the
			Bde bdy in its last location.
			Information Bulletin No 17 issued.	B 12
		2300	231 Bde ended its attack short of HOTTOT. Heavy opposition
			was encountered in HOTTOT area. One pl of A Coy 6 GREEN HOWARDS
			was est in area of house 774652.
769692	12		Summary of patrols night 11/12 Jul.	A 10
		0737	231 Bde FDLs reported as 813662 - 818662 - 824664 - 827667.
		1200	A party from 233 Fd Coy RE lifted 2 Tellermines patt 42
			from the verge of the rd at 775655; the rd from 773657 to X
			rds 776654 was reported clear of mines.

Page 13 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	12	1230 - 1530.	During this period the NAAFI canteen visited the fwd
			Bns of the Bde, and Bde HQ.
		2050	Relief of A Coy 7 GREEN HOWARDS was carried out by a coy of
			9 DLI. The line of the Bde bdy has not been fixed to cover
			this move.
			Information Bulletin No 18 issued.	B 13
769692	13	1100	Summary of patrols night 12/13 Jul.	A 11
		1100	GOC visited Bde HQ to discuss regrouping of bde with Comd.
			61 Recce Regt less one sqn are to take over area held by 7
			GREEN HOWARDS, 7 GREEN HOWARDS are to relieve 5 E YORKS, who
			are to go into Bde res area LA SENAUDERIE X rds 7868. C Sqn
			61 Recce Regt to take over fwd posns 7 GREEN HOWARDS this
			evening.
			Throughout the day enemy activity was slight.

Page 14 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	13	1645	RAF took oblique photos in front of 6 GREEN HOWARDS and 5
			E YORKS area.
		1800	C Sqn 61 RECCE REGT came under comd 69 Inf Bde.
		2010	6 GREEN HOWARDS completed the mutual relief of their B and
			C Coys.
		2150	C Sqn 61 Recce Regt relieved A Coy 7 GREEN HOWARDS. Troop
			locations are 780668786664788668786664. A Coy 7 GREEN
			HOWARDS now at 778684.
		2307	Fwd sec 6 GREEN HOWARDS attacked by enemy patrol. Our cas
			3 killed.
			Information Bulletin No 19 issued.	B 14
769692	14		Summary of patrols night 13/14 Jul.	A 12
		0100	Minefd was laid from 790669 to 792666 as protection to our
			front and in order to make it possible for fewer tps to hold
			this front and thus give one Bn chance to go into res.

Page 15 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	14	0200	It was learned that the Sec of 6 GREEN HOWARDS who were
			attacked at 2250 hrs, were approached by several enemy who
			pretended to give themselves up. When the sec came out of
			their slit trenches to bring the enemy in, they were fired on.
			Cas now reported to be 3 killed, 1 missing.
		0900	4 deserters from I/988 GR and 2/988 GR gave themselves up
			to 61 RECCE REGT, C Sqn. See Information Bulletin No 20.	B 15
		1230	Relief of 5 E YORKS by 7 GREEN HOWARDS less one pl at X rds
			776654 (which is being relieved at 2300 hrs) completed.
			Locations as follows: 5 E YORKS Bn HQ 779664 A Coy 782689
			B Coy 778683 C Coy 784682 D Coy 778684. 7 GREEN HOWARDS
			Bn HQ 772662 A Coy 774667 B Coy 775665 C Coy 777663 D Coy
			777656. 61 RECCE REGT is at 795684. D Sqn at 782679.
			Information Bulletin No 20 issued	B 15
		2300	Relief of pl 5 E YORKS on X rds 778654 by a pl 7 GREEN

Page 16 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	14	2300	HOWARDS was completed without incident.
		2359	Minefd at 788664 laid to protect the front held by 61 RECCE
			REGT, was completed.
769692	15
		0830	Recce party sent by 61 RECCE REGT to investigate farm at
			786668 saw movement and some enemy. They opened fire and
			this was returned in the form of single shots. A Cpl then
			appeared from the buildings waving a "Safe-Conduct" pamphlet,
			which had been shot over the enemy by the Fd arty on the
			previous evening. 1 Cpl 4 ptes from 7/988 GR were thus
			captured. See Information Bulletin No 21	B 16
		1440	PW from 2/988 GR brought in by 61 RECCE REGT, taken from
			area 788668. PW was drunk, so interrogation was not possible.
		1635	Regrouping of Coys of 6 GREEN HOWARDS. Coy locations are
			now A Coy 773646 B Coy 774655 C Coy 768663.

Page 17 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	16		Summary of patrols 15/16 Jul .	A 14
		0121	A V1 Flying bomb was heard by various members of the Bde,
			passing overhead. It exploded a few miles SOUTH of BAYEUX.
		0910	GOC 50 (N) Div visited Bde Comd and later 5 E YORKS & 7
			GREEN HOWARDS.
		1020	61 RECCE REGT reported enemy with approx 20 vehs on rd X rds
			7765 to LONGRAYE at approx 782658. This report was investigated
			throughout the afternoon by 7 GREEN HOWARDS whose patrols
			penetrated to LA POTERIE and saw no movement of enemy.
			Eventually at approx 1610 hrs it was conformed that NO met
			were in that area, but that parties of men from 7 GREEN HOWARDS
			had been moving in that area during the day.
		1930	6 GREEN HOWARDS relieved D Coy 2 GLOSTERS at 769649.
		1815	A conical shaped frame like a kite covered with silver paper
			and suspended from a red balloon floated to the ground at 777664.

Page 18 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	16	1815	This is believed to ba an anti radar device dropped by
			either own or enemy aircraft. It has been sent to GSI Div
			and a report requested.
			Some mortar fire fell in the LONGRAYE area during the
			afternoon.
			Information Bulletin No 22 issued.	B 17
769692	17		Summary of patrols 16/17 July.	A 1.5
		1050	5 E YORKS moved to new location astride rd LA BELLE EPINE
			7669 - LES ORAILLES 7666 in order to conc the Bde preparatory
			to an adv on the axis LES ORAILLES 7666 - LE LION VERT 7964.
		1200	61 Recce Regt less one sqn reverted from command, 61 Recce
			Regt is now grouped to operate on right flank of 50 (N) Div.
			C Coy 6 DLI took over their posn in area LONGRAYE.
			During the morning the enemy mortard LONGRAYE and LA VARDERIE
			without inflicting any casualties.

Page 19 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	17	1800	5 E Yorks completed their move to new locations. Their
			posns are now Bn HQ 764676, A Coy 759676, B Coy 763675, C Coy
			766676, D Coy 765681.
			One pl of 7 Green Howards moved to 783666.
			Information Bulletin No. 23 issued.	B 18
769692	18		Summary of patrols 17/18 Jul 44 see Inf Bulletin No. 24.	B 19
		0530	3 Polish PW from 7/987 GR surrendered to D Coy of 7 Green
			Howards.
		0730	2 more Polish PW came into 7 Green Howards posns, also from
			7/987 GR. This Coy holds posns astride the road running SE
			from 777653. Statements from them indicated that the enemy
			were pulling out and leaving behind mines and covering parties.
		0900	A patrol from 6 Green Howards (to verify above statement)
			to 773646 and 774644 reached the wood at 773646 and fired
			Brens into it; this was answered by strong Spandau fire.

Page 20 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
769692	18	1200	A similar patrol to 781652 by 7 Green Howards collected 3
			deserters from 7/987 GR, on its way out and failed to contact
			the enemy.
		1400	7 Green Howards patrol to POTERIE FARM at 784656 reported
			buildings clear.
		1500	A further patrol by 7 Green Howards to orchards at 787660
			saw no movement.
		1600	A patrol by 7 Green Howards to est standing patrol with R/T
			in orchard 787660 contacted 3 enemy advancing from SW to
			orchard. Fire was exchanged and our patrol suffered cas
			one killed. One enemy believed wounded.
		1730	A patrol by 7 Green Howards to the buildings at 788655 re-
			ported the area clear.
			A Thunderbolt fighter No.36583 burnt out, was found in the
			area immediately SOUTH of the buildings.

Page 21 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	18	1730	The patrol then moved EAST to 789656 and was fired on from
			789655 by a Spandau.
		1900	6 Green Howards sent a patrol to copse at 779649 and engaged
			it with Brens, no enemy fire was returned.
			Information Bulletin No.24 issued.	B 19
769692	19		During today the Bde has moved fwd to occupy posns vacated
			by II/987 GR and I/988 GR to a depth of approx two miles.
			When it became clear that the enemy was pulling out, fwd
			bodies of 6 and 7 Green Howards moved to occupy this ground.
			These were of Coy strength with supporting arms and were in
			constant touch with Bns.
			The main body of each of fwd Bns remained still.
			This was done to avoid ambushing of large bodies by the
			enemy in view of the extreme closeness of the country. When
			the fwd bodies reached the second report line, which was the

Page 22 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
769692	19		main rd.
			LE LION VERT 7964 - rd june at 785643 the fwd bodies halted
			and their respective bns came up to them. This occured at
			approx 1600 hrs.
			See Inf Bulletin No. 25 Section A for summary of period	B 20
			19 Jul 44,
774657		2130	The Bde is now located as follows Bde HQ 774657
			5 E Yorks Bn HQ 778651 A Coy 781645 B Coy 782650 C Coy 782653
			D Coy 777650. Two secs carriers at 770647.
			6 Green Howards Bn HQ 785646 A Coy 784638 B Coy 788643 C Coy
			789641 D Coy 784642.
			7 Green Howards Bn HQ 797644 A Coy 798647 B Coy 795647 C Coy
			795638 D Coy 798639
			Bde HQ moved to new location after last Bns F Echelon tpt had
			moved fwd, thus leaving the roads clear for Bde HQ vehicles.

Page 23 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
774657	19		This was at approx 2015 hrs.
		2315	An enemy aircraft flew over the Bde area in an easterly
			direction and straffed the area to the EAST of the Bde area.
774657	20		Details of patrols night 19/20 Jul contained in Information
			Bulletin No. 25 Section B	B 20
		0930	A Recce patrol reported a Spandau at 785634, which fired on
			patrol when it opproached.
		1000	7 Green Howards Recce patrol to ORBOIS reported N.M.S.
			but a further patrol at 1105 hrs reported sound of movement
			and wireless oscillations at 795636.
		1200	5 E Yorks reported booby traps located on the track at
			781/651 and in the hedges at 778652 and 779652. Two of the
			booby traps were prepared 3 Kg charges and one was a grenade.
			All were operated by pull igniters and trip wires.
			One sec of the 5 E Yorks carrier pl is now at 775652 and one

Page 24 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
774657	20	1200	at 773656.
			One pl of 6 Green Howards is now at rd junc 779640.
		1245	Subsequently eight booby traps were removed from the same
			field. Four consisted of 3 Kg charges three of a pair of
			stick grenades and one of an egg grenade all operated by pull
			igniters attached to trip wires leading to slit trenches.
			Throughout the afternoon enemy shelling and mortaring of Bde
			area continued intermediately, particular in the area of the
			X rds at 796647.
			Information Bulletin No. 25 issued	B 20
		2155	One Polish deserter came in through 6 Green Howards Lines
			from 7/987 GR.
			Results of this mans examination are incl in Inf Bulletin
			No. 26 para 4 sections (a) and (c)	B 21

Page 25 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
774657	21	0630	A Recce patrol from 6 Green Howards reported movement heard
			in LES LANDES785634.
		1000	A Recce patrol from 7 Green Howards to ORBOIS CHATEAU 801637
			reported the CHATEAU as clear of enemy. Spandaus opened
			fire on the patrol from 803634 and 805636 and a section was
			identified as being located in the hedge row NORTH of the
			orchard at 803635.
		1100	A patrol from 7 Green Howards located enemy at 804635.
		1435	The GOC visited Bde Comd.
		1650	On receiving a message from Div that enemy agents are tapping
			phone wires within area bounded by FDLS and Div HQ, the BM
			issued an order that R/T proceedure and security measures will
			in future be used when talking on telephones throughout the
			Bde.
		1730	Bde Comd attended a conference at Div HQ. Subject -

Page 26 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
774657	21	1730	future ops and intentions.
			Information Bulletin No. 26 issued	B 21
			Heavy rain throughout the day made living conditions most
			unpleasant.
			During the night 21/22 heavy mortar fire was put down by the
			enemy in area 5 E Yorks. No cas.
774657	22	0730	6 Green Howards fired 12 rds 2" mortar into LES LANDES 7863
			to draw enemy fire. Spandau and small mortar fire from LES
			LANDES resulted.
		0835	Enemy aircraft flew over Bde area, NW direction; smoking and
			losing height.
			The aircraft had previously been heard straffing rds in the
			area and was engaged by 25 LAA Regt RA.
		1400	A carrier of 7 Green Howards was blown up the carrier appeared
			to have detonated a double teller mine laid at a depth of

Page 27 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
774657	22	1400	2 to 21/2 ft. Thus the mines escaped detection when the rd
			was checked by REs. The mines had probably been driven
			over by many vehs before the shear wires was sufficiently
			worn through to allow detonation.
			Information Bulletin No 27 issued	B 22
774657	23		Report on patrols for period 22 Jul - 23 Jul see Information
			Bulletin No 28.	B 23
		0730	6 Green Howards carried out a small operation to draw enemy
			fire and ascertain if they were still holding LES LANDES. For
			details see Information Bulletin No 28.	B 23
		1130	Suspected enemy mortar posns at 801626 and 790626 engaged
			by 15 Hy Mortar Pl 2 Cheshire and 3" mortars of 7 Green
			Howards.
		1945	5 E Yorks readjusted their Coy who are now in posn as follows.
			A Coy has pls at 779649, 781651, 779652 B Coy has pls at

Page 28 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
774657	23	1945	779649, 781651, 779652, C and D Coys posns unchanged.
			Inf Bulletin No. 28 Issued	B 23
774657	24		Patrols for period 23/24 Jul see Inf Bulletin No. 29	B 24
		0645	2 German PW from 7/987 GR gave themselves up to 6 Green
			Howards.
			Information obtained - see Inf Bulletin No. 29 para 3.
		1120	7 Green Howards sent out a patrol to deal with a German
			patrol seen in area of house 795637.
		1215	7 Green Howards patrol fired on house 795637 with PIATS.
			Enemy patrol withdrew towards LES LANDES.
		1300	1 Pole deserter from 987 GR came into 6 Green Howards.
			details of his statement are given in Inf Bulletin No. 29
			para 3.
		1800	7 Green Howards saw about 10 enemy NORTH Of CHATEAU ORBOIS and
			opened fire; one enemy cas was seen.

Page 29 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
774657	24	2100	Corps Comd Lieut Gen G.C. Bucknall CB MC, visited Bde Comd.
774657	25		Patrols for period 24/25 Jul see Inf Bulletin No. 30	B 25
			During the night approx 20 shells fell in the area 7765-
			7760. 1 cas (wounded) in Bde HQ, 1 cas (Wounded) 99 A/tk
			Bty.
		0530	2 German deserters from 3/988 GR came into 7 Green Howards
			lines at 795637. For details of their statements see Inf
			Bulletin No. 30	B 25
		1140	GOC visited Bde HQ.
		1800	7 Green Howards moved C Coy to 795645 and B Coy to 795638.
		2000	Broadcast by 21 A. Group team, assisted by Div IO to out-
			post line of 7/987 GR was carried out in front of 6 Green
			Howards.
			Details of broadcast in Inf Bulletin No. 31	B 26
774657	26		An uneventful morning.

Page 30 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
774657	26	1100	GOC visited Brig and subsequently went on to visit 6 and
			7 Green Howards.
		1500	Bde Comd 231 visited Brig Comd to discuss take over tomorrow.
			Information Bulletin No. 31 Issued	B 26
			6 Green Howards patrol during night went out to 790637 where
			they saw no movement but were mortared They then moved to
			pt 136 and saw no enemy in the house there. On investigation
			however enemy were observed approaching the house from LES
			LANDES. Two grenades were thrown at the enemy and spandau
			and rifle fire were encountered in reply. The patrol then
			returned to their own lines.
			This evening the Bde is to move into rest in the area 7972
791726		1600	Bde HQ moved into the location vacated by 231 Bde HQ at
			791726

Page 31 of 33

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
791726	26	1740	5 E Yorks relieved by 1 Hamps. 5 E Yorks now at 771721.
		2100	Comd passes from 69 Inf Bde to 231 Inf Bde.
		2300	6 and 7 Green Howards relieved by 2 Devons and 1 Dorsets
			7 Green Howards now at 770733.
			6 Green Howards now at 769729.
			The situation remained generally quiet and there was little
			enemy activity during the relief.
791726	28		The Bde spent the day in resting and administration of which
			it was much in need since this is its first day out of action
			since D Day. Bathing parties were sent to Bayeux. Full
			advantage was taken of the fine weather, and washing and gen-
			eral cleaning up was carried out, all day.
			Sports and games were also on the programme.
791726	29		The rest period continues, and so mercifully does the fine
			weather. In the afternoon the bde attended a concert party

Page 32 of 33

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
791726	29	given by George Formby and a small supporting cast, in the
		rear of the CHATEAU in Bde HQ area. This was much enjoyed
		and appreciated by all.
		After the performance the Bde Comd entertained George Formby,
		his wife and the rest of their party to tea in the mess.
		Soccer matches were played later in the afternoon between
		5 E Yorks and 6 Green Howards and 7 Green Howards and Bde HQ.
791726	30	The Bde continues to enjoy its rest.
		In the morning there were church parades for all denominations.
		The final of the Bde Soccer tournament was played in the
		afternoon between 5 E Yorks and 6 Green Howards. Result
		6 Green Howards 3 5 E Yorks 2.
		Another sunny day much appreciated by everybody.
		56 and 231 Bdes today put in an attack on the enemy on their
		respective fronts. It is possible that 69 Bde may shortly

Page 33 of 33

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
791726	30	have to pass through 56 Bde if the enemy withdraws, which he
		may be forced to do owing to the successful attacks by the
		American Forces and 8 Corps on our right flank.
	31	Bde remains in rest area. Bde Comd visits 56 Bde from which
		69 Bde may have to take over on 1 Aug.
		Bde HQ played a football match against 50 Div Sigs. 50 Div
		team won.
		In the evening the officers of Bde HQ were invited to the
		CHATEAU the grounds of which formed the Bde rest area.
		The following O.O. were issued during the month
		69 Inf Bde. O.O. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	appx D, D1, D2, D3, D4
		69 Inf Bde. ADM. INSTR. Nos 9.10.	appx E, E1.

Found this useful?

If you've found this resource useful please consider supporting us to digitise more war diaries, documents and maps.

Layers

War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: July 1944

Viewing map locations