War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: October 1944

The 69th Infantry Brigade HQ October 1944 war diary covers the HQ, 6 & 7 Green Howards and 5 East Yorks actions and movements in The Netherlands.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/651

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Page 1 of 31

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			During the night movement of enemy tracked vehs was heard
			along the Bde front.
			At 0550 hrs preceeded by heavy mortar and shellfire, an
			attack began against 7 Green Howards from the NORTH. The
			attack was supported by at first only one tk.
			At 0710 the enemy had approached close in to B and C Coy
			but the tk had blown up on our mines
			(75 Grenades) and been hit by a 6 pr.
			There was a pause, and then the enemy brought up more tks
			and began to infiltrate between B and C Coy of 7 Green Howards
			causing one Pl to give some ground.
			By 1300 hrs one Pl of A Coy have been over-run and B Coy was
			surrounded by inf and tks. The Bde Comd moved the 5 E Yorks
			a posn immediately behind 7 Green Howards HQ with 1 Coy gp at
			723692. Tp of Welsh Gds tks sent to 7 Green Howards.

Page 2 of 31

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			An attack was being put in at the same time against the
			Irish Gds on the left.
			The posn further deterioated when the enemy also began
			infiltrating between A Coy and the coy of the 6 Green Howards to
			the SOUTH. The enemy now had 12 tks in the area and three
			coys of inf. His intention, according to PW was to take
			ELST (7070),
		1600	The position with B Coy surrounded A very hard pressed and
			C withdrawn, was held. Further counter attacks were beaten
		1630	off. The enemy then began to attack the HLI from BAAL
			(7568) and two attacks were also driven off.
			The enemy began to infiltrate behind D Coy also and threatened BHQ
			of 7 Green Howards. The Bde Comd decided to employ the
			5 E Yorks to restore the posn and they were ordered to
			reoccupy the positions of the 7 Green Howards so as to relieve them.

Page 3 of 31

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			1 Sqn tks from 13/18 Hussars were under comd and the whole
			of 43 Div arty in addition to 124 Fd Regt were in sp.
			5 E Yorks began their adv at 1830 hrs.
		2115	Heavy shelling began again on 7 Green Howards posns and on
			BHQ and 7 Green Howards reported that they did not think
			their B & A Coys were holding on any longer but had been
			over-run. The Bde comd ordered 5 E Yorks to dig in WEST
			of 7 Green Howards posns in view of the situation.
			However almost immediately afterwards the div arty came
			down right on the enemy posns (it actually came down 200
			yds short of the intended target) and the 7 Green Howards
			reported that if the East Yorks came up then the posns
			could be fully restored.
			There was unfortunately difficulty in finding the CO of the
			East Yorks to give effect to the order for them to adv again.

Page 4 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
1		The East Yorks had practically dug in before they were moved
		on, but reached their objective without opposition. The
		arty had broken the enemy posns.
	2310	One coy 7 Green Howards was relieved, and relief of other
		coys followed.
		The GOC of 43 Div had visited the Bde also GOC 50 Div. The
		Corps Comd also came to enquire about the 7 Green Howards.
		1 Dorset from 231 Bde was also placed under comd 69 Bde as
		protection for the bridges. 5 DCLT were moved to the former...
		posn of 5 E Yorks.
		During this action 4 tks were KOd by 7 Green Howards, 1 by
		Rocket Firing Typhoons. 1 SP gun Ferdinand was KOd by
		99 A tk Bty, The tks were all Tigers and Panthers.
		7 Green Howards had fought an extremely hard and long battle against
		strong enemy Sp hy armour and had held out for 18 hours.

Page 5 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
1	2310	They suffered only approx 40 cas and had endured long and
		frequent periods of heavy shelling.
		B Coy of 6 Green Howards under comd 5 E Yorks was not relieved
		This coy had stood its ground all day, in spite of enemy infil-
		tration and attacks and had done extremely well.
2		During the morning C Coy 5 E Yorks and their bn HQ were very
		heavily shelled They had been already shelled all day
		before they left BEMMEL and C Coy were badly shaken. The
		carrier Pl was sent to strengthen their posn.
		The Corps comd visited Bde HQ regarding changed plans. He
		also visited and congratulated 7 Green Howards.
	0730	GOC 50 Div held O gp at 69 Bde, for comd 231 Bde and CRA.
		The change of plan involved strengthening and enlarging the
		brhead, in order to destroy the enemy between us and the
		canal to the EAST. 231 Bde were to take over from 69 Bde

Page 6 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
2	0730	to day and 151 Bde to come into the area NORTH of the bridges
		relieving 6 Green Howards. 6 HLI were to remain.
		69 Bde orders for relief were issued.	Appdx D1
	1500	6 Green Howards were relieved by 8 DLI and all reliefs, except
		A Coy 5 E Yorks and B Coy 6 Green Howards (under comd 5 E Yorks)
		were complete by 1700 hrs.
		Tac Bde left at 1920. The Bde went into the town off NIJMEGEN.
		The whole Bde was under cover in schools and factory
		buildings,
		For details of posns see sitrep.	Appxdx C1
	1600	69 Bde came under comd 50 Div.
3		The whole Bde was living in buildings in the locn of
		NIJMEGEN. Offrs, ORs clubs were available. Unfortunately
		NO hall could be found for a cinema or concert party offered
		to the Bde.

Page 7 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
3		The weather was extremely cold and wet and it would have been very
		unpleasant out in the open.
		There were a few bombs during the night which fell in the town, one near
		7 GREEN HOWARDS. 69 Bde Bulletin No 39 issued.	Appdx J 1
4		The Bde remained in NIJMEGEN. 5 E YORKS were put at 4 hours notice to
		cross the br to be used as a local defence of the br if circumstances made
		it necessary. 69 Bde Op instr No 22 issued	Appdx D2
5		7 GREEN HOWARDS were substituted for 5 E YORKS and were placed at 4 hrs
		notice. This was later altered to 1 1/2 hrs but at 1930 hrs the normal 4
		hrs notice was restored.
6	1415	Bde Comd visited Div Comd. Bde Comd inspected each bn during morning.
7		Lt Col D.C. Wilson, the Lincolnshire Regt, was appointed to comd 7 GREEN
		HOWARDS in place of Lt Col Cox, who has been appointed comd of 131 Bde.
		Orders were received that Bde would be moving back out to the 'island"
		on 8 Oct in a defensive posn.

Page 8 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
7		During this period a large number of shells and some bombs have fallen
		near the bn billets. One man was killed and four wounded in B Ech of 7
		GREEN HOWARDS. The Offrs' and OR's clubs in NIJMEGEN were closed as a
		result of this shelling. Bde HQ played football matches each day.
8	0815	Bde Comd attended GOC's conference regarding to-day's take-over from 501
		and 502 RCT an the "island",
	0915	Bde Comd gave out orders for the take-over,
		7 GREEN HOWARDS were to take-over from 1 Bn 501 RCT in area DRIEL, 6
		GREEN HOWARDS from 1 Bn 502 RCT NORTH of ELST. 5 E YORKS were in res.
		The Bde could expect to remain in the "island" for 14 days, 50 Div
		passed under comd 12 Corps.
		The Bde Comd went to contact 501 and 502 RCT immediately after the
		conference, together with COs. Adjts who had also attended the conference
		went to pass on the orders to their bns.

Page 9 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
8	1130	Bde began to move.
		Capt Needler was slightly wounded by shelling near the br
		at NIJMEGEN. One CMP was killed by a shell at ELST.
	1245	Main bde arrived in assembly area. Soon afterwards Tac Bde
		moved to new location at 683707.
		5 E Yorks were able to reach their location by daylight but
		the other bns were not able to take over before dark. Their
		areas were overlooked by the enemy and no mov at all was
		possible by day. By night very close contact was essential
		between all coys owing to the large front and tendency of the
		enemy to infiltrate.
		7 Green Howards were complete by 0030 hrs and had contacted
		2 Bn 501 RCT on the right and 6 Green Howards on the left.
		6 Green Howards had more difficulty owing to an enemy patrol which
		infiltrated over the rly.

Page 10 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
8	1245	6 Green Howards standing patrol on its way to its posn was
		engaged by the Americans and some cas were suffered.
		6 Green Howards was complete by 0200 hrs. Both bns were in
		close contact with the enemy.
9		GOC visited Bde Comd and 6 Green Howards and 5 E Yorks.
		A new lay out was agreed.
		69 OP Instr No. 23 was issued.	Appdx D4
		It was a fairly quiet day. 5 E Yorks area was shelled
		spasmodically. The night was very dark and all coys had
		difficulty in finding their way.
		The change over was effected very slowly but without incident.
		5 E YORKS were in posn by 0030 hrs. 7 GREEN HOWARDS by 0430.
		Contact patrols were maintained with 2 DEVONS on the right
		and 2/501 Para Inf Regt on the left.
		Bns are in close contact with the enemy who have posns dug

Page 11 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
9		into the embankment in front of both 7 GREEN HOWARDS and
		5 E YORKS.
10		GOC visited Bde Comd and 7 GREEN HOWARDS. This was a very
		quiet day for all bns. Little harrassing was done and in
		return the enemy did not worry us. It rained all day.
		7 GREEN HOWARDS took one PW from the embankment in front
		of D Coy, who gave useful infm about enemy SOUTH of the river
		and in factory in this area. All bns are sending out
		fighting patrols tonight.
		Capt Needler returned.
11		Patrols were sent out during the night but chiefly owing to
		the rain and mud, no PW were taken. The enemy were confirmed
		in posn by all bns.
		12 Corps Comd and GOC visited Bde HQ.
	1720	Comd 501 Para Inf Regt reported that they had occupied the

Page 12 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
11		area 673757 and that the enemy had withdrawn also from the
		brhead at RENKUM 7376. He asked us to occupy factory at
		674758
	1722	GOC ordered 7 GREEN HOWARDS to est posts fwd of embankment
		and in factory.
	1830	50 enemy were reported crossing river at 672760. This
		party was dispersed by arty. fire.
		After conversation with Bde Comd, CO 7 GREEN HOWARDS was
		ordered to send patrol out to factory at last light and to
		est OPs on embankment.
	2130	This patrol from 7 GREEN HOWARDS returned and reported the
		factory occupied by enemy. On their way back they had
		contacted the American outpost. During the night another
		patrol confirmed factory still held by enemy. Other patrols
		between embankment and river found no enemy. Enemy were

Page 13 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
11	2130	heard along the enbankment opposite 5 E YORKS.
12	0830	Patrol from 7 GREEN HOWARDS reported NES from factory.
		Apart from this the enemy were more active than yesterday.
		6 GREEN HOWARD'S sniper killed two and harassing fire tasks
		were observed to score some successes. For details see sitrep.	Appdx C2
	2030	Recce patrols to factory reported no enemy and 2 pls from
		7 GREEN HOWARDS were sent to occupy factory and area of ferry
		at 679763, to remain all next day.
		There was some shelling, particularly 7 GREEN HOWARDS and
		5 E YORKS areas.
13		7 GREEN HOWARDS reported that all was quiet in front of
		their fwd pls. The enemy was generally quieter today and
		there has been less shelling. The rd to 7 GREEN HOWARDS and
		5 E YORKS was closed today and no one was allowed to pass
		without permission, of Bde Maj. This no doubt was the reason

Page 14 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
13		for the lack of enemy shelling.
		GOC visited Bde Comd and Bde Comd visited all coys of 5 E Yorks
		and 7 Green Howards.
		For details see sitrep.	Appdx C3
14	0900	GOC visited Bde Comd and 5 E Yorks.
		BHQ area 5 E Yorks was shelled by some rocket type of projectile the
		projectile after explosion left hollow cylinder and closely resembles
		a nebelwerfer. The sound and trajectory did NOT however seem like those of
		a nebelwerfer.
		Harrassing fire programmes, snipers and counter mortar fire tasks were all
		inflicted on the enemy, who kept fairly quiet all day.
		Shelling and mortaring have decreased considerably during last two days.
		The road to 7 Green Howards and 5 E Yorks was closed to all vehs and only
		MCs were given a pass.
		Patrols were sent out at night from all bns.

Page 15 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
14		For details see sitrep.	Appdx C4
		CRA visited bde with details of a scheme for providing "artificial moon-
		light" by means of searchlights to assist drivers on the roads.
15		Bns had a quiet night but patrols found the enemy still in posn.
	0630	PW deserted to 6 Green Howards. He was an Alsation from 3 Coy 37
		Festungs bn.
		The enemy has been more active today; grenades were exchanged over the
		embankment at 705759: 6 Green Howards sniper killed 3 and their mortars
		another one.
	1845	The "artificial moonlight" was turned on. This consisted of a
	2300	diffused light reflected on to the low clouds from two searchlights at
		NIJMEGEN. All bns reported that the light assisted mov of ration vehs
		on the rds without hindering patrols.
		The weather was wet and cold. It has been possible to bring one coy
		of 5 E Yorks out of the line to rest in a house prepared near Bde HQ for 12 hrs.

Page 16 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	2300	Muddy and wet conditions make patrolling very difficult.
		There was NO enemy reaction to the "artificial moonlight".
16		Patrols made contact with the enemy, but good patrolling was impossible
		because of the mud and wet.
		In the afternoon 6 Green Howards area was quite heavily shelled and mortared.
		3 casualties were caused. Harrassing fire programmes were
		continued.
		It was learnt that the GOC had injured himself and left the div.
		The"artificial moonlight" was again used, this time until 0100 hrs up to
		which time it will be required to cover the relief of the Bde night 17/18 Oct.
17		A raid organised by 6 Green Howards was unsuccessful owing to the numerous
		ditches in the area, which are impossible to cross silently. Other
		patrols contacted the enemy.
		A small counter attack sp by two SP guns developed against 6 DLI on
		right of 6 Green Howards, but made NO progress.

Page 17 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
17		The Bde is to be relieved today. 61 Recce Regt relieve 5 E
		Yorks 7 Green Howards and the NORTHERN res coy of 6 Green
		Howards having one tp in place of each coy.
		151 Bde relieve 6 Green Howards with their res bn 9 DLI.
		7 Green Howards will come under comd 50 Div and remain in
		ELST area as div res.
		69 Bde Op Instr No. 24 issued	Appdx D5
		The whole bn of 7 Green Howards will be housed under cover
		in houses and barns.
	1445	GOC Maj Gen Lyne (Late comd 59 Div) visited comd.
		The res coy of 6 Green Howards was relieved by day and by
		2200 hrs the whole bn was relieved and comd passed.
		61 Recce Regt had considerable difficulty on the rds and a
		number of vehs were ditched. By 0055 hrs 5 E Yorks and 7
		Green Howards were relieved.

Page 18 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
18		Bde HQ was located in a Mansion in the town of NIJMEGEN.
		The tps were either in this house or in other houses nearby.
		5 E Yorks and 6 Green Howards occupied the same buildings as
		before.
	0930	The Bde Comd visited the bns.
		GOC visited 7 Green Howards.
		A Dutch liason officer was attached to Bde HQ.
19		GOC visited Bde HQ and met the Bde Staff. He then went on
		to 5 E Yorks and 6 Green Howards.
		Dutch interpreters were attached to 5 E Yorks and 6 Green
		Howards.
20		Bde Comd attended conference at 50 Div.
21		Corps comd addressed all offrs and NCOs down to the rank of
		Cpls. Before he began the GOC spoke, introducing himself
		to the Bde.

Page 19 of 31

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	21		The Corps Comd gave an account of the adv into Holland and of
			the airborne operations, which was intensely interesting and held
			everyone's undivided attention for nearly 1 1/2 hrs. At the
			end, in the most effective manner, he administered a serious
			reproof as to 50 Div's present attitude. He warned us that the
			thought that 50 Div had fought more than any other div in this
			campaign and considered that it needed a long rest was not only
			wrong but was likely to prolong the war. There was he said a
			general tendency, chiefly among the new comers to the div, to
			trade on its past reputation, which must be eradicated.
			In spite of this criticism, when the Corps Comd finished, there
			a spontaneous burst of applause.
			Afterwards The Bde Comd held a conference for COs to discuss
			orders for the relief of 151 Bde and on a number of other
			points.

Page 20 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
21		The Bde Comd inspected the men of Bde HQ.
		69 Bde Op instr No. 26 issued.
		During the rest period a great variety of entertainments
		were provided, but very little notice of what entertainments
		were in fact available, made allocation of seats difficult.
		In addition several shows were cancelled at short notice.
		Bde HQ held a dance.
22	1540	Main Bde leaves for location adjoining 151 Bde HQ.
	1740	7 GREEN HOWARDS assumed comd from 8 DLI.
	2140	5 E YORKS assumed comd from 8 DLI.
	2155	Bde took comd from 151 Bde.
	0030	6 GREEN HOWARDS assumed comd and Bde was complete without
		incident. Artificial moonlight was used throughout and was
		of considerable assistance.
		Contact patrols to 61 Recce Regt and 508 RCT were the only

Page 21 of 31

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	patrols during the night.
	Lt M. Barker appointed Second Bde Sigs offr in place of Lt
	A Conroy, who has been posted to 74 Fd Regt.
23	Bde HQ moved from its extremely muddy orchard and occupied
	part of a farmhouse nearby. There was a barn for the tps
	cookhouse and another for recreation.
	The general enemy situation was very quiet. 6 GREEN
	HOWARDS had five pls in very close contact (30 yds in one
	case) wi th the enemy. 5 E YORKS have two pls across the rly
	in fairly close contact. 7 GREEN HOWARDS are not in close
	contact and three coys can cook and move about in the fwd
	areas.
	For locations see sitrep.	Appdx C5
	A rest billet was est in NIJMEGEN. Each bn will send one pl
	there for 12 hrs in rotation.

Page 22 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
23		Bde Comd interviewed offrs and NCOs recommended to be
		instructors at the Div School for Junior Leaders, to be formed.
24		Patrols during night contacted enemy but situation still
		quiet.
	1030	GOC visited Bns and Coys.
		There was an increase in enemy mortaring during the day and
		two direct hits were scored on house of A Coy 6 GREEN HOWARDS
		HQ. No cas were caused.
	2200	An enemy patrol with 3 spandaus and a bazooka crept up to
		the standing patrol of 6 GREEN HOWARDS at 709721 and forced
		it to withdraw. 6 GREEN HOWARDS snipers claim 2 killed, 1
		wounded. The enemy seem particularly sensitive about the
		orchard at 706724.
		Courts Martial were held at Bde HQ.
		Patrols during night heard enemy but did NOT draw fire.

Page 23 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
		7GREEN HOWARDS patrols crossed the LINGE canal, wading
		waist deep in water.
		Capt Needler, Sen LO and party left for ANTWERP on 48 hrs
		leave.
25		Harrassing fire tgts have been engaged by all bns with arty
		and 3 in mortars, and by 4.2" mortars and MG on tgts selected
		by Bde. This is now a daily routine. Leaflets were shot
		at the enemy along the Bde front by 74 Fd Regt.
		Enemy were quiet during the day but at 1950 hrs a patrol
		moved up along the rly embankment and captured a sec runner
		from the pl of 5 E YORKS fwd of the embankment at 705735. At
		the time, the man who was captured was on his way to warn the
		sec comd that dinner was ready. The enemy patrol was at
		first mistaken for the party bringing up the food.
	2145	5 E YORKS carried out harrassing fire programme in conjunction

Page 24 of 31

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	with B Coy 2 Cheshire for half an hour. Enemy reacted by
	returning fire and sending up numerous flares. For details
	see sitrep.	Appdx C6
	Courts Martial were held again at Bde HQ.
26	Patrols from 7 GREEN HOWARDS located enemy posns but no
	enemy were found SOUTH of the LINGE canal which is unusual.
	The enemy were again quiet during the day and a noticeable
	change has taken place. Formerly the enemy exposed
	themselves frequently by day but now they appear to know
	better. They have begun patrolling again which also points
	to the fact that either a relief has taken place or the
	number of better quality rfts has been increased.
	Courts Martial were again held at Bde HQ.

Page 25 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
27	0600	A patrol from C Coy 7 GREEN HOWARDS to occupy br (not
		marked on map) at 722714 had an unfortunate time. The pl
		reached the br and the Pl comd with the Sec Comd went fwd to
		recce the area and at the entrance to the br set off a mine
		or booby trap. The enemy opened fire from the canal and the
		remainder of the pl withdrew.
	0800	Two stretcher bearers and C Coy Comd went to recover the
		bodies of the pl sjt and pl comd. They found the br held and
		the Coy Comd was taken prisoner, while the SBs were returned
		to our lines. Pl Comd was stated to be safe but the body of
		the Sec Comd was found and recovered.
		An enemy patrol attacked the fwd pl of C Coy 5 E YORKS during
		the night and was repelled. Cas caused on both sides.
		Courts Martial were again held at Bde HQ.
		Capt Needler and leave party returned from Antwerp.

Page 26 of 31

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	27		The weather has been good since the Bde came into the line.
			It has been dry and not cold.
	28		Patrols during the night failed to find enemy. Fighting
			patrol from 6 GREEN HOWARDS went as far EAST as 715719 through
			known enemy posns and neither saw nor heard any enemy. A
			recce patrol sent out afterwards at 0200 hrs to 710722 heard
			mov of enemy. At first light patrols were sent out by 6
			GREEN HOWARDS and 5 E YORKS to locate enemy. 6 GREEN HOWARDS
			patrol encountered 2 enemy at 714724, whom they captured.
			Others who ran away were fired on. Two further PW were taken
			in same area, and a total of 15 enemy seen. PW were found to
			be 11 Coy 21 PGR (10 SS Div) who had relieved 37 Festungs Bn.
			A party was seen moving WEST along canal from 715719 and
			cas inflicted on them by our arty. 5 E YORKS patrol was
			fired on from houses 709734.

Page 27 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
		It was therefore clear that the enemy had not withdrawn but
		had merely altered his posns and carried out a relief. The
		only posns unoccupied were those along the main rd close to
		6 GREEN HOWARDS fwd coy.
		No alterations were made to own disposns after all.
		The enemy mortared and shelled fwd coys more than of late.
		7 GREEN HOWARDS harrassed area of br 721717 where mov was
		observed. During the night enemy was quiet. The weather
		has deteriorated and it was wet and cold.
	1730	Bde Comd attended conference at Div HQ on alteration of
		divisional lay out in island.
29		Recce patrols found enemy in expected posns.
	0900	Bde Comd held conference for COs in which details of
		proposed lay out were discussed.
	1200	Brig FYC KNOX left 69 Inf Bde on his way to

Page 28 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
29	1200	U. K.
	1700	Brig J. M.K. SPURLING arrived to take over comd 69 Bde.
		69 Bde Op Instr No 27 issued.	Appdx D7
		50 (N) Div Battle School assembled. 69 Bde provides 2
		Instructors; Capt Bawcombe, MC; 6 GREEN HOWARDS and one sjt
		from 7 GREEN HOWARDS.
		Four sec leaders from each bn will attend the first course
		commencing 30 Oct.
		The weather was fine but cold.

Page 29 of 31

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
30		Bde comd and BM visited each Bn.
		Except on 6 Green Howards front where there has been intermittent
		shell, mortar and spandau fire, the day was quiet.
		The new layout See op Instr No. 27) came into operation and
		6 D.L.I. relieved 7 Green Howards by 2300 hrs.
		One sec carriers by day and 1 Pl by night of 7 Green Howards
		under comd 6 Green Howards.
		Courts Martial again held at Bde HQ.
		50 Div Op INSTR No. 45 regarding evacuation of "island" in
		case of flooding, received
	2300	4 deserters gave themselves up to 5 E Yorks and gave considerable
		information on which fighting patrol for 31 Oct will
		be based.
31		Bde Comd inspected Bde HQ and visited 5 E Yorks and 6 Green
		Howards. Enemy was active during night with spandau;

Page 30 of 31

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	31		mortar and shellfire. Cas were caused from a bazooka fired
			into Pl posn of 5 E Yorks.
			7 Green Howards sent men to baths and cinema in NIJMEGEN.
			Footnote.
			5 E Yorks organised a training cadre and rest billet in
			NIJMEGEN at which a cadre of junior NCOs attended. One P1
			per bn was also sent to this rest billet for one days rest.
			The month, except for two rehabilitation (wrongly called rest)
			periods; has been spent on the"island". The weather has NOT
			been as bad as might have been expected although rain at the beginning
			of the month covered the whole island with mud; which has
			NOT wholly disappeared.
			Although days have been discribed as quiet there has always
			some shelling or mortaring of fwd coys. Bn snipers,
			particularly of 6 Green Howards have killed a very satisfactory

Page 31 of 31

Place	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	number of enemy during the month.
	Finally the Bde has for the first time got to know and
	appreciate the Americans.


Oct 17	Following addition admn Instr No 14 issued at	Appdx D9
	amendment for admn Instr at appdx D8.	D8

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War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: October 1944

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