War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: September 1944

The 69th Infantry Brigade HQ September 1944 war diary covers the HQ, 6 & 7 Green Howards and 5 East Yorks actions and movements in from France, through Belgium and into the Netherlands

National Archive Reference: WO 171/651

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Page 1 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
1	0630	Capt Needler (SLO) went to Bde SP with 19 set, a job which he
		was to do for the majority of future moves.
	0640	7 GREEN HOWARDS passed SP at AUNEUIL.
	0935	Whole coln passed SP tail being 1/4 hr late. This move went
		well. There was a slight hold-up in BRETEUIL which was
		overcome.
	1000	7 GREEN HOWARDS reached new location at 107519. Bde Comd
		went to receive orders from GOC. 69 Bde were to take over
		3 brs over R SOMME from 32 Gds Bde.
	1025	Bde HQ established at 106515. An LO was sent to recce the
		route to the brs and contact 32 GDS Bde at VILLERS BRETTONEUX.
	1200	Bde Comd gave out orders to O Gp. 5 E YORKS were to take
		over br at 3258 with onepl MMG. 6 GREEN HOWARDS were to take
		over brs at 2558 and 2158 wi th one tp 6 pr and one pl MMG.
		Route through BOVES. 7 GREEN HOWARDS were to move at the tail

Page 2 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
1	1200	of the coln to area 2355 (or if possible to cross CLUB route
		to 2655). Bde HQ to area CACHY 2253.
		Bde Comd then left to contact 32 Bde but they were on the
		move. However a coy HQ of GREN GDS were contacted at FOUILLY.
		They had one pl at each of the brs, the Bde were to take over.
		A traffic problem was created by 5 E YORKS requiring to cross
		CLUB route on which GDS ARMD DIV were moving. However, they
		succeeded in filtering through by 1600 hrs. Soon afterwards
		6 GREEN HOWARDS reported one coy in posn.
	1600	Orders were received to send one bn gp to ALBERT to help the
		Gds who were meeting opposition. Bde Comd gave orders to 7
		GREEN HOWARDS to move and approach ALBERT from SOUTH. GSO I
		visited Bde HQ.
	1930	Warning Order received that Bde was likely to move not
		before 0600 hrs to area EAST of DOULLENS.

Page 3 of 43

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1		During the day FFI had reported enemy in various woods but
			for the most part rounded them up themselves. The Bde Def
			Pl went out to search a wood under the CSM but was disappointed
			to find nothing and contented itself by bringing back 31 PW
			from the prison at BRETTONEUX. A further 170 were brought in
			from the prison here by 6 GREEN HOWARDS. Also 40 Russians
			were taken at BOVES. Maj Mellor, OC B Coy, 2 CHESHIRE and
			some FFI captured, after an exciting time, 400 - 500 PW.
			7 GREEN HOWARDS had contacted GREN GDS on the rd SW of
			ALBERT and had arranged fire sp from them. They advanced
			from the SOUTH, left their TCVs and continued on foot
			supported by a "stonk" from 2000 hrs to 2015 hrs by the Gds
			(who took no further part in the battle). The carrier pl
			went round to a pt (5769) overlooking the main rd running NE
			from ALBERT and found some 150 Germans in half-track vehs

Page 4 of 43

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1		making off. They KOd two half-tracks and took 49 PW, their
			own cas being 1 sjt killed, 1 OR missing, 2 wounded and 1
			carrier damaged. Meanwhile the two leading coys reached the
			outskirts of the town, but owing to the time, stopped there
			ready to enter the town at first light.
			69 Bde move for 2 Sep was postponed until later in the day
			when a route was available.
			There was a great scarcity of maps of all kinds. Not only
			were no 1/50,000 sheets of ALBERT available but there were
			only one or two 1/100,000 per Bn. This situation continued,
			the maps being received (in inadequate quantities) as the
			Bde was about to leave the area they covered.
	2		7 GREEN HOWARDS reported that 4 offrs and 100 PW in all had
			been taken in ALBERT, when all four coys began clearing the
			town at first light. 1 X 75 mm A tk gun and several vehs

Page 5 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
2		were captured intact. 9 PW and 17 Italians were rounded up
		from the CACHY area.
	1245	Orders were received for the Bde Gp to move to area WEST of
		ARRAS, by any route, as soon as possible. 69 Bde March
		Table No 19 issued.	D 1
	1500	6 GREEN HOWARDS passes SP. This was another successful
		move, through AMIENS, to a dis P at 3793. In AMIENS, a crowd
		gathered to wave the Bde through, and a large convoy of
		Germans passing in the opposite direction were booed. On the
		way, at VILLERS BRETTONEUX, three girls were seen in the
		central square of the town, having their hair shaved, all
		three together on a sort of scaffold, amid a great throng of
		people.
		Rfts arrived for 5 E YORKS.
		The Bde was passing through the last-war country now and the

Page 6 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
2	1500	VIMY memorial could be seen from the Bde dis P. Bde Comd
		visited the GOC en route and learnt that 50 Div was directed
		on ALOST near BRUSSELS. Todays move was 37 miles;
3		The Bde was placed at 1 hrs notice to move.
	1000	Bde Comd held a short O Gp to explain likely future plans to
		COs. 6 GREEN HOWARDS and 5 E YORKS were were to move and
		take up posns NORTH and EAST of ARRAS respectively, relieving
		231 Bde, who were advancing under Gds Armd Div.
	1500	Bde Comd and staff carried out inspection of Bde HQ vehs.
		A ceremony was held by the French, at which Lt Welch and 12
		members of the Def Pl assisted, in celebration of their
		liberation, at the Brit War Cemetery at Bde HQ location.
		No orders about the move or about time for next days move
		was available. During the night, starting at 2350 hrs
		reports came in from FFI of various parties of enemy up to

Page 7 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
3		2000 strong in the area NORTH of ARRAS. 5 E YORKS and 6
		GREEN HOWARDS sent out patrols but found nothing. These
		reports kept both bns up most of the night. The explanation
		was that there was a large party of enemy, with some fight
		left in them, NORTH of LENS. It was this party which was
		to cause a good deal of trouble to 151 Bde and HQ 50 Div.
4	0115	Orders were received from Div to send one bn at once to
		TOURNAI. The remainder of the bde to move at first light.
		69 Bde March Table No 20 issued.	D 2
	0325	7 GREEN HOWARDS moved off.
	0630	The rest of Bde Gp moved, through ARRAS to TOURNAI.
	0830	Bde Comd reached TOURNAI and contacted the American Comd.
		There was a Bde of Americans holding the town. No reason had
		been (and never was) obtained as to the reason for 7 GREEN
		HOWARDS moving so early. With the Americans in posn, as they

Page 8 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
4	0830	were, it was a puzzle to both Lt Col Cox and the Bde Comd.
		The rds were clear and the convoy went well. Bde HQ was
		established in TOURNAI at 925315 having crossed the Belgium
		frontier at 0947 hrs.
	1100	GOC visited Bde Comd with orders for one bn to be left at
		TOURNAI and the rest of the bde Gp to move to ALOST, as soon
		as possible.
	1215	Bde comd held O Gp and 69 Bde March Table No. 21 was issued	Appdx D3
		7 Green Howards were to remain guarding the eastern approaches
		to TORNAI whilst the rest of the bde moved to ALOST at 1345.
		5 E Yorks were to have 2 coys at TERMONDE guarding the br
		over the SCHELDE.
		There was difficulty getting the column through the streets
		of TOURNAI, but everyone was in well before dark, without
		meeting opposition.

Page 9 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
4	1215	Reports of enemy immediately began pouring in from the
		Belgiums. On the way a carrier of the 5 E Yorks had been
		attacked on the rd, the crew, aided by a DR from Bde HQ
		(Pte Billingdey) killed one and captured 7 PW.
		The civilians in ALOST were so enthusiastic that they became
		a nuisance. Any car stopping in the town was mobbed and a
		large crowd was continually milling round Bde HQ ( which was
		in a park) as if they were at a garden party.
	2200	Orders were received that the enemy were to be mopped up
		in the area tomorrow, but no move.
		It was learnt that a column of armd cars and possibly tks
		passing through were the only tps which had been in the area
		and that no tps had been in TERMONDE. 69 Bde were therefore
		the real liberators" of ALOST and TERMONDE.
		Comn was established with 50 Div over 40 miles away,

Page 10 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
4	2200	by means of a No.12 W/T set. An additional No.22 set was
		provided for the E Yorks to communicate with their 2 coys at
		TERMONDE.
		Distance from ARRAS to TOURNAI 41 miles and from TOURNAI to
		ALOST 37 miles.
5		The Bde remained at ALOST and learnt to its surprise how far
		ahead 30 Corps were of any other forces, even the American
		Corps on our right.
		The 6 Green Howards and 5 E Yorks began thorough patrols up
		to the river SCHELDE mopping up enemy. The Belgium forces
		were found to be much more business like in reporting inform-
		ation than the French. The information would be in writing
		(Usually typed on official note paper) with the official stamp.
		It appeared that the enemy's line of withdrawal ran EAST
		along the NORTH of the R SCHELDE and thus would account for

Page 11 of 43

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	5		our finding no enemy where civilians said they themselves had
			seen the Germans and been fired on.
			In the end owing to the continual flow of Belgium Army,
			civilians, scouts and women with information of enemy it was
			decided only to take note of those who had actually seen the
			enemy themselves within an hour or less.
			The chief of the Resistance and the reinstated Burgormaster
			of ALOST were given this information at Bde HQ and the former
			was called to sift all reports before approaching us.
			The Belgium forces are extraordinary keen but their effect-
			iveness was seriously curtailed by lack of arms and petrol.
			Nevertheless they collected large numbers of PW and handed
			200 over to us, which they had been keeping in the local jail.
			They would go out armed only with shot guns or revolvers
			to centain unknown quantities of Germans.

Page 12 of 43

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			It was hard not to be in a posn to supply them with arms
			and the petrol they were continually entreating us to give
			them. Some of the arms from German PW did not always find
			there way into the right hands and there were reports and
			hints that there might be trouble in the town, between the
			Belgium Army Forces and the unofficial "maquis".
			The initial enthusiasm of the crowd was maintained and sub-
			stantiated by the most generous hospitality. This was more	.
			sincere and practical hospitality than this Bde has experienced
			before, either in France or Sicily.
			The Bde comd dined with M. Moens de Haas.
			For details of bn patrols see sitrep	Appdx C1
			The total PW taken that day was nearly 900, 390 of which were
			taken by 7 Green Howards;
			69 Bde Bulletin No. 36 issued	Appdx J1

Page 13 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
6	0345	Orders were received that the bde were not moving on.
		The bns continued patrolling with carriers to mop up the area,
		and a further 180 PW were collected, with the help of the
		Belgiums.
		The Bde comd had lunch with Baron de MOYERSON.
		The GOC visited the bde comd and indicated the area the bde
		would be likely to operate in. The GOC came again later with
		information that there was opposition beyond ANTWERP and the
		Bde was not likely to move early.
		The tps had baths in the magnificent public baths in the town.
		25% were allowed out.
		7 Green Howards sent a patrol of coy Gp strength to collect
		enemy reported by civilians near LA FOLIE they spotted a num-
		ber of enemy and opened fire. The enemy fired back and then
		produced a white flag.

Page 14 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
6	0345	They were found to be a party nearly a bde strong, who had
		been captured by the SRY, and given their parole.
		The 7 Green Howards allowed them to surrender ceremoniously and
		to break their arms. The officers handed over their revolvers as if they
		had been swords!
	2330	Orders were received that the bde was to continue present role tomorrow.
7	0730	Orders were received for the bde to move at 1300 hrs to area MALINES. This
		was received just after the order "No move today" had been passed on.
	1200	Bde met GOC at 6067 and learnt that the plan for 69 Bde had been altered.
		Owing to the resistance EAST of Antwerp 11 Armd Div were unable to adv. Instead
		of assembling in the area MALINES, 69 bde were to adv and secure a brhead
		over the Albert Canal at 0485 and to investigatte the other br sites to the
		EAST, in order to find the most suitable place. 2 Army required this br
		All bridges over the canal were said to be blown.
		69 Bde March Table No.22 was issued	Appd D4

Page 15 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
7	1300	Bde column moved.
	1345	Bde comd stopped SC's recce parties and told them change of plan.
	1400	Bde comd gave orders to OC 6 Green Howards and 233 Fd Coy. 6 Green
		Howards were to go at once to the area 0485 and report on the bridges.
		One Armd Regt was placed under comd-but later removed.
	1800	6 Green Howards reported that the two EASTERLY bridges blown and that there
		was rifle fire from the opposite bank from area 0784.
	1826	Tac Bde HQ established in the grounds of the Chateau at WESTERLOO.
	2000	6 Green Howards reported that they had suffered cas from fire from opposite
		bank of the canal at 1182. All bridges were eventually reported as being
		blown.
		The Bde comd visited 6 Green Howards and ordered a brhead to be made at
		0435, crossing at 0584. Only two assault boats and 12 rubber recce boats
		were available.
	2300	7 Green Howards who had left TOURNAI at 1300 hrs began to arrive.

Page 16 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
7	2300	5 E Yorks who had been left at TERMONDE until relieved by 61 Reece were
		behind them. It was dark night and and these bns had difficulty in finding
		the way.
		Distance from ALOST to TONGERLOO 59 miles.
8	0130	6 Green Howards began crossing the canal, using two assault boats. A
		cable was laid across by this means and pulled back by a rope tied to the stern,
		It was a slow business but repeated requests to the CRE to produce more boats were unavailable)
	0230	Two coys were across. There was some opposition at first but, it faded
		out later. The four coys were across by 0415 and 7 Green Howards began
		to follow them across (7 Green Howards had travelled 102 miles today)
		Communications from fwd coys were bad and their exact posn was difficult
		to ascertain,
	0730	7 Green Howards reported two coys were across without opposition. How-
		ever from now the 6 Green Howards began to meet opposition from the houses
		at 047859 and from mortar fire. The REs reported that it was not possible
		to start the br as there was sniping from across the canal.

Page 17 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
8	0730	It was difficult to lay on arty sp because the enemy were so close
	0800	GOC visited Bde comd and informed him that 8 Armd Bde were to adv from the
		Gds brhead to the EAST and 61 Recce help with the left. Arty sp from 2
		Regts was arranged, and a raft constructed to ferry A tk guns across.
		7 Green Howards were by this time all across the canal, having accomplished
		this move with one good and one leaking assault boat, in a very short time.
		They met little opposition and reached their objective by 0930 but had to
		change their plan owing to the failure of the 6 Green Howards to reach their
		objective. The CO of 6 Green Howards was wounded.
		Owing to the distance from Div HQ the CRA established his HQ with 69 Bde
	1300	A raft was organised by 233 Fd Coy and the A tk and carriers of the two
		bns were ferried across.
		Lt Col Cox was put in comd of the force across the canal.
		30 Corps comd visited Bde comd
	1400	The first counter attack developed, which over-ran 2 Pls of A Coy 6 Green

Page 18 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
8	1400	Howards and forced C Coy 7 Green Howards to withdraw from
		rd junc at 0486 A Coy 6 Green Howards were reduced to 14
		men; but a number were espected to rejoin the coy; and in fact
		did later.
		Three further counter attacks were put in, after one German
		officer demanded the 6 Green Howards to surrender. All the
		attacks were repulsed and a number of enemy killed.
		By 1700 hrs the posn was quieter. Bde Comd had been across
		the canal and in view of the altered situation, the posns
		were adjusted.
		151 Bde was to cross the canal to the EAST, while 233 Fd Coy
		built a breat 076843 - 505 Fd Coy were to build a class 40
		br at 0685. 5 E Yorks were to cross by raft at 039859 and
		secure line from 035865 to 048869.
		7 Green Howards and 6 Green Howards were prepared to assist

Page 19 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
8	1400	with fire sp. 5 E Yorks began their crossing.
		For details see Sitrep	Appdx C2
		6 Green Howards had 70 cas incl CO and IO wounded.
		7 Green Howards had 1 Coy comd killed and 25 cas.
9		5 E Yorks crossed the canal by assault boats meeting slight
		opposition from buildings at 045855. These were cleared
		with help from 7 Green Howards some of the enemy being found
		asleep.
		By 0500 hrs 5 E Yorks had secured their ob jective with only
		5 cas, taken 50 PW and all essential vehs had been ferried
		across.
		During the day Bns patrolled fwd and to the WEST. 6 & 7
		Green Howards contacted 151 Bde on the right.
	1100	Bde HQ moved fwd to 043842.
	1200	GOC visited Bde HQ whilst the Bde comd was going round bns.

Page 20 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
9	1200	The orders were for 69 Bde to enlarge the brhead and to be
		prepared to relieve 151 Bde next day.
	1800	30 Corps Comd visited Bde Comd.
	1830	Bde Comd again visited 7 Green Howards and 5 E Yorks.
		69 Bde Op Instr G/63 issued with orders for 6 Green Howards	Appdx D5
		to relieve 8 DLI tomorrow.
		Total PW today: 52. 7 Green Howards found 60 dead Germans in
		their area.
		For details see sitrep	Appdx (3
10		After a fairly quiet night bns began vigourous patrolling.
		6 Green Howards were standing by to take over posns of 8 DLI
	1730	6 Green Howards moved to area 0784, covering the canal to the
		SE and ready to stop counter attack against 5 E Yorks or 7
		Green Howards. By 2045 6 Green Howards were in posn.
		7 Green Howards were ordered to adv to take up a posn near

Page 21 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
10	1730	POYEL (0587). . 69 OO No. 17 was issued	Appdx D6
		This was timed to start at 0130 hrs.
	2100	Owing to a counter attack with two tks which penetrated be-
		tween 6 and 8 DLI, 69 Bde were asked to help by advancing up
		the main GHEEL rd. The Bde comd ordered Lt Col Cox to move
		as soon as possible which the latter reported would be at
		2245 hrs.
	2250	7 Green Howards began their adv and occupied their objective
		with little opposition, by 0220 hrs.
		For details see sitrep	Appdx C4
		Lt Col C.F. Hutchinson DSO the East Yorkshire Regt appointed
		to comd 6 Green Howards.
11	0640	After a quiet night, patrols from all three bns made contact
		with the enemy.
		The tk and inf were reported still to be "milling about" near

Page 22 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
11	0640	the 6 Green Howards area. This tk had already driven Bde
		HQ of 151 Bde back south of the Canal. Later another counter
		attack developed with two tanks and inf between 7 Green Howards
		and 8 DLI.
	1700	30 Corps comd visited bde to explain general situation to
		Bde comd.
		A Line party of 69 Bde took 6 PW. The Germans had cut a
		length of line from 7 Green Howards line, and were waiting to
		ambush the line party. A gunner (OP) party were caught and
		their jeep was KOD. The Bde party was following and the NCO
		in charge saw what happened. Together with the gunners the
		six of them captured 6 Germans. Their story was related to
		Chester Willmot, BBC correspondent.
		The comd of 46 Bde, making a recce, preparatory to taking
		over tomorrow, visited Bde HQ. 69 Bde MOV Order No. 23 was issued	Appdx D7

Page 23 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
11	2045	6 Green Howards were ordered to send one coy to area of 8
		DLI (079873) to form part of 50 Div counter attack force under
		Lt Col Christopherson OC SRY. 8 DLI were weak in this area
		which appeared to be the favourite place for the Germans to
		counter attack.
		For details see sitrep	Appdx C4 (A)
12		Bns had a fairly quiet night, except for some shelling which
		was repeated in the morning. Patrols made contact with the
		enemy at VELUEKEN.
	1030	A conference was held at Bde HQ for the G1, BM, BMRA, BM 151
		Bde, APM and CRE to work out the movement over the two bridges
		for the relief by 15 (S) Div today.
		69 Bde March Table for MOV Order No. 23 was issued	Appdx D8
	1200	Comd and Recce parties of 46 Bde arrived. 46 Bde take over
		from 5 E Yorks and 7 Green Howards by 2130 hrs tonight.

Page 24 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
12	1200	44 Bde take over from 151 BDE and 6 Green Howards. The coy
		of 6 Green Howards in 8 DLI area was to remain until the
		following morning.
	1400	Main Bde left for new location at 088738.
	1800	6 Green Howards were relieved. They had used a raft to
		cross the canal and so avoided waiting for the br. Their A
		tk guns waited until the counter attack had been repulsed
		before crossing.
	2000	The houses at POYEL were blasted by tks and MIOs and the
		enemy withdrew firing the houses. By this time the relief
		of the other bns was well on the way and the counter attack
		held up the relief of 7 Green Howards.
	2105	5 E Yorks relief was completed. They also slipped across
		the br in a lull in the traffic.
	2210	7 Green Howards relief was completed.

Page 25 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
12	2130	command of the brhead passed to 15 (S) Div .
	2100	A bomb was dropped on D Coy 7 Green Howards area (NO cas)
	2000	Orders had been received from Div that the Bde was to move
		at 0900 hrs to relieve 231 Bde on the brhead at BEERINGEN
		(2375).
		69 Bde Op Instr No. 18 and March Table was issued.	Appdx D9
	2300	Tac Bde left for the new location.
		Total PW today 15, incl 2 Paratps from 6 Para Regt and OC
		10 Coy 53 Fleiger Regt. Distance to new location 10 miles.
13	0900	Bde column crossed SP.
		Relief of 231 Bde was completed by 1200 hrs.
	1215	Bde Comd held conference at new location (220750) The bde
		held the brhead but there were no enemy near. Two thirds
		of bns were allowed to be away from their posns and the time
		was to be used for maintenance and cleaning up.

Page 26 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
13	1730	BM attended conference at 231 Bde HQ. One bn 69 Bde was
		to relieve 2 Devons, who were to adv. Bde comd opposed this
		plan and in the end the bn did not move.
	2050	Air attack over bde area. NO bombs were dropped.
		Distance of move 15 miles.
14	1100	GOC visited Bde comd.
		Baths were available at the colliery at BEERINGEN for bde HQ
		and bns and there was an ENSA show.
		69 Bde Inf Bulletin issued also account of ALBERT CANAL	Appdx J1
		battle by 7 Green Howards.
	1500	Orders were received for 1 bn to relieve 231 Bde who were
		relieving the Gds and for the rest of the bde still SOUTH of
		the canal to move to area BEVERLOO.
		69 Bde Op Instr No. 19 and March Table issued	Appdx D10
	2200	Times of move were known. 7 Green Howards were to march

Page 27 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
14	2200	crossing the br at BEERINGEN at 0700 hrs. The remainder
		of the group were to move at 1455 hrs. See message.	Appdx D11
15	0700	7 Green Howards moved on foot to OOSTHAM. 233 Fd Coy in
		inf role, protected their left flank.
		5 E Yorks and 6 Green Howards remained protecting the bridge
		at BEERINGEN.
	1455	Bde HQ moved to 230807 near BEVERLOO.
		7 Green Howards task was to patrol area ordered in Op Instr
		and contact Belgium Bde. This was done and NO enemy found.
		Corps comd visited 5 E Yorks and 6 Green Howards.
	1800	Bde comd held short conference for CO's only in which future
		operations were discussed.
16		The bde remained in present area. Entertainments were
		provided by a film show and ENSA. 7 Green Howards patrolled
		again but saw NO enemy.

Page 28 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
16	1130	Bde comd, BM and COs attended a conference at BOURG LEOPOLD. It Gen
		Dempsey and Lt Gen Horrocks addressed the conference.
		Bde comd inspected 1 Coy of 6 Green Howards and 5 E Yorks.
17		Op Order No. 36 received from 50 Div
		69 Bde Op order No.20 issued with March Table and Signal Instruction.	Appdx D12
		Bde comd inspected 1 Coy of 7 Green Howards.
		Orders were received that the bde would move tomorrow to strengthen the
		area south of the Escaut Canal and br at 3596.
		69 Bde March Table No. 27 issued for this move.	Appdx D13
18	1400	Bde HQ moved to 354909.
		7 Green Howards occupied the area of the X rds at 3493. 6 Green Howards
		were south of the canal area 3695, in contact with 9 DLT on the left and
		9 (Br) Bde of 3 Div on the right.
	1800	The 5 E Yorks did not move until relieved at 1800 hrs on the BEERINGEN
		br by AA tps.

Page 29 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
18	2000	Air raid with 15-20 planes was made on the br at 3596. A house was
		set on fire but the br was undamaged. A number of A pers bombs near bde
		HQ causing 11 cas to B Coy 2 Cheshire and 1 to B Ech 7 Green Howards.
19		All bns had a quiet night.
		6 Green Howards patrolled the area in front of them across the canal to be
		followed, after a patrol, by another Coy to 3996.
	2245	The coy at 3996 was in posn. Patrols to contact 9 DLI and to the NORTH
		were to be sent out 0615 hrs.
		The RUR of 3 (Br) Div was contacted during the night.
20		6 Green Howards continued active patrolling 2 SS PW were captured, other-
		wise NES.
21	0200	Orders that the bde group less 5 E Yorks group were to move at 1245 hrs
		were received. The Bde would come directly under 30 Corps, 5 E Yorks
		under comd 50 Div.
	0930	GOC visited Bde comd regarding 69 Bdes move to area NIJMEGEN. 5 E Yorks

Page 30 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
21	0930	were now to move with the bde column.
		A new March Table was issued.
	1030	Bde comd held conference of comds of bde Gp. The Bdes exact task was
		not known, but we were to be prepared either to fight to go into harbour
		on or off the rd. Vehs were to keep 30 yds apart. Each unit was respon-
		sible for its own protection.
		1: 100000 maps were to be used; German 1:50000 to be used for particular
		areas.
	1130	Orders were received that there was to be NO move before 1400 hrs, owing
		to a bridging column being phased in.
	1345	There was now no move before 1600 hrs, but at 1430 hrs orders were re-
		ceived for a move at 1530 hrs.
		The bde prepared for this and got onto the rd but in fact the column did
		not move before 2345 hrs. All the time from 1730 hrs the bde was packed
		up and formed up ready to move onto the main route.

Page 31 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
21	2130	The bde comd was ordered to meet Corps comd with his recce go at 0800 hrs
		at 30 Corps HQ and left the column at 0430 hrs with OC 5 E Yorks 124 Fd Regt
		233 Fd Coy, B Coy 2 Cheshire and 99 A tk Bty.
22		The column moved by degrees during the night.
	0800	Bde comd received orders from Corps comd.
	0900	Bde comd issued orders to recce Gp :- 5 E Yorks were to take over from
		5 Dorset to guard the NORTH end of the bridges at NIJMEGEN 7 Green Howards
		to take over from 7 Hants on the SOUTH of the bridges. 6 Green
		Howards to be in reserve in NIJMEGEN with one coy at the br at 6760.
		The Netherlands Bde were u/c with a task of patrolling and guarding the
		br at GRAVE (6253)
		The Bde was to assemble at the area SOUTH of GRAVE and move into posn as
		soon as possible so that 130 Bde of 43 Div could be released for further
		operations.
		A Sqn 61 Recce was also under comd.

Page 32 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
22	1145	Bde HQ arrived at Zealand (5746).
		The Bde comd contacted 130 Bde, where COs also contacted their recce
		parties. It was learnt that 30 Corps had over-ruled the Bde comds orders
		and the whole column was being brought up the rd over the br at GRAVE.
		The Bde comd met the COs of 6 and 7 Green Howards there.
	1630	5 E Yorks completed relief of 5 Dorset, the 7 Green Howards were complete
		soon after.
		It was now learnt that the axis had been cut by the enemy SOUTH of EUDEN
		Main Bde was the last serial to come through.
		NO news of any kind was available as to the fate of the rest of the
		column nor could communication be est. An LO tried to get through but
		was not successful.
		Reports were received from Netherlands Bde and 61 Recce of enemy. For
		details see sitrep.	Appdx C5
23		Bde comd visited American Airborne Div HQ and 505 Para Bde.

Page 33 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
23		There was still no news of the Bde column cut off SOUTH of VEGHEL.
		Patrols were continued by 61 Recce and Netherlands Bde. For details see
		sitrep.	Appdx C6
		At 1745 hrs 7 Green Howards reported that the sec of A tk guns left behind
		with the main column had arrived in NIJMEGEN. The 6 Green Howards re-
		ported, after communications had been est, by means of a step-up set,
		that their CO had reached them and that they and the rest of the column
		were OK.
		The enemy had been shelling the rd br at NIJMEGEN 716630 but otherwise bns
		had nothing to report. Contact was made by 5 E Yorks with 5 Gds Armd
		Bde and by 7 Green Howards, with 504 Para Bde (US)
		The Corps comd visited the bde during the morning to advise us of
		future operations.
	1700	Gliderborne reinforcements for 82 US div and some Polish paratps with sups
		dropped in the EAST of GRAVE.

Page 34 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
24	0630	LO from 6 Green Howards arrived to report the column was on the way.
	0910	Attack by fighter bombers on br at 716630 NO damage
		In addition the SOUTH side of the br was being shelled, in 7 Green Howards
		area.
	1000	Bde comd received orders from GOC Gds Armd Div. 69 Bde came under comd
		Gds at 1400 hrs.
		Bde Comd then gave orders to CO 5 E Yorks.
	1345	O Gp held at 7 Green Howards. Bde comd gave out orders:- 5 E Yorks to adv
		and occupy area BEMMEL (7367) 6 Green Howards area 7167 and 7 Green Howards
		area 7168. 1 Sqn Welsh Gds under comd 5 E Yorks.
	1445	Tac Bde moved to 713638 beside 5 Gds Armd Bde.
		7 Green Howards carriers were in posn at 1615 hrs without opposition and
		whole bn was in posn by 1830 hrs. 6 Green Howards were in posn by 1900 hrs.
	1730	The 5 E Yorks began to meet opposition from LMG rifle fire on left of their
		advance one coy of the carriers were sent to turn the enemy's flank in this area.

Page 35 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
24	2100	It now began to get dark and eventually 5 E Yorks settled in about
		1000 yds short of their objective, intending to set out again at 0700 hrs
	1930	Bde HQ(Tac and Main) moved to 694673
		During the night 6 and 7 Green Howards contacted each other and 7 Green
		Howards contacted 7 SLI on their left at 705698 and 5 E Yorks.
25	0700	5 E Yorks continued their attack on BEMMEL and overcame opposition from
		LMG and snipers in buildings particularly on the left. By 1200 hrs they
		had captured 80 PW (incl 20 wounded) and counted some 40 dead.
		During the morning 7 Green Howards patrolled and small parties of enemy
		were located at HOOGEVELT 723696 and VERGERT (731696)
	1400	Final dispositions were made by 5 E Yorks with fwd tps on line 788675 and
		781678, ie on objective - They had been slow yesterday owing to the late
		start and also the fact that much of the country was low lying and
		unsuitable for tks.
	1700	GOC Gds Armd div visited bde. Infm from patrols was required next mornang

Page 36 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
25	1700	as it was likely enemy were withdrawing from AAM area and possibly whole
		area SOUTH of R NEDE RIJN.
	1730	5 E Yorks became involved again with party of enemy, close to C Coy.
		There had been two battle groups at BEMMEL, probably up to 500 or 600 men
		incl SS
		7 Green Howards found enemy still in posn at AAM during afternoon.
		For details see Sitrep.	Appar C7
		A message of congratulation to 30 Corps from Field Marshal Montgomery
		was published.
26		During the night 5 E Yorks were shelled. 7 Green Howards patrols reported
		probably no enemy in AAL. 5 E Yorks patrols were fired on from same posns
		as enemy occupied last night.
	0845	Corps comd visited bde comd with infmn of todays plans to enlarge and
		secure the NIJMEGEN brhead.
	0945	GOC Gds Armd Div visited bde. Bde comd gave orders to CO 6 & 7 Green Howards.

Page 37 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
26	0945	7 Green Howards were to occupy area 7469. After this 6 Green Howards
		were, to form up on line 739694 and 734682 and pass through 5 E Yorks to
		D occupy HAALDEREN (7566).
		Contact was made with 505 Para Bde (US) on right.
		The 7 Green Howards started at 1200 hrs and advanced rapidly for 2000 yds
		before meeting the enemy. The carriers were brought up but the two lead-
		ing coys were held up until it began to get dark. Meanwhile at 1600 hrs
		6 Green Howards who had moved up behind 7 Green Howards began to adv.
		They ran into considerable shellfire at BEMMEL and the IO and leading coy
		comd (Capt Semple) were killed.
		Considerable resistance was met by 6 Green Howards incl A tk guns and inf
		and the bn was unable to adv beyond the 74 Easting grid.
		7 Green Howards reached their objectives by first light, being able to
		resume their adv after the moon had gone down. CO 7 Green Howards was
		wounded. For details see sitrep.	Appdx C8

Page 38 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26	0945	During the night 7 GREEN HOWARDS contacted the WG on left,
		5 E YORK'S investigated the factory at 7455 and found it occupied
		as also were the posns immediately in front of them.
		There was again considerable air activity over the NIJMEGEN
		brs and two enemy planes were shot down.
27		7 GREEN HOWARDS were in posn without trouble, but soon found
		enemy in posn along canal immediately in front.
		6 GREEN HOWARDS began their adv again at 0800 hrs after
		arty preparation. By 1000 hrs they had adv toward BAAL but
		began to meet hy opposition from A tk guns and inf, and one
		coy was surrounded. Two successive Coy Comds were killed or
		missing.
	1030	GOC Gds Armd Div visited comd regarding todays ops.
	1330	GOC 50 Div visited comd .
		Bde Comd ordered a 5 E YORKS to adv to assist 6 GREEN HOWARDS

Page 39 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
27	1330	and they began at 1430 hrs advancing successfully to their
		objectives. By dark, 6 GREEN HOWARDS had reached intermediate
		objectives and stopped. 5 E YORKS continued to re org during
		night. The GAF again appeared over NIJMEGEN and one plane
		was seen to be shot down in the morning. For full details	Appdx C9 & C10
		see sitreps.
28		During the night patrols made contact with the enemy. 5 E
		YORKS continued to reorg their posns during the night and
		early morning. It was a very cold wet night and the tps had
		a very unpleasant time. 5 E YORKS had dug in in three
		different places during the day and night.
		Bde Comd received orders from GOC Gds Armd Div. The Bde
		was to remain in present posn and hold the brhd.
	1230	Bde Comd gave out orders to COs only at HQ 6 GREEN HOWARDS
		and a note of future intentions.

Page 40 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
28	1330	GSO III passed on Bde Comd's local orders to remainder of gp.
		Corps Comd visited Bde a courier was waiting for him with an
		urgent message which contained the information that the enemy
		considered the elimination of the brhd of the first priority.
		The Corps Comd originally came to find out the condition of
		the tps of the Bde. In view of the enemy report, the Corps
		Comd left for 43 Div and org 5 DCLI as a counter attack force.
		He then returned to Bde HQ with further orders for a counter
		attack force. Bde Comd was visiting Bns and did not see Corps
		Comd.
		69 Bde Gp Op Instr No 21 in confirmation of verbal orders	Appdx D14
		was issued. Bns began to move to their new posns at 2100 hrs
		7 GREEN HOWARDS being complete by 2115 hrs and 5 E YORKS by
		2130 hrs. There was more enemy air activity than before against
		the brs at NIJMEGEN continuing all day. The br was not hit

Page 41 of 43

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
28	but some cas were caused in 6 GREEN HOWARDS B Ech and among
	civs. Shellfire was also directed on the br and approaches
	were hit. For details see sitreps	Appdx C11 & C12
	It was another very cold night but dry.
	An LO from 5 DCLI and 2 IG remained at Bde HQ.
29	The night was quiet. At 0800 hrs it was learnt that a
	40 ft gap had been blown in the rd br at NIJMEGEN and a span
	of the rly br had been blown down.
	69 Bde Gp was placed under comd 43 Div. GOC visited Bde
	Comd and ordered Bde to harass the enemy as far as possible
	with patrols and harassing fire.
	5 E YORKS area was continuously shelled during day from
	1000 hrs. The bn was well dug-in and only one cas resulted,
	3 vehs were KO. At 1930 hrs there were signs of a counter
	attack forming up opposite 5 E YORKS and the shelling was

Page 42 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
29		intensified. At 2015 hrs the enemy began to adv towards 5
		E YORKS. D/Fs were fired and the enemy engaged with mortars
		and LMGs. The whole 43 Div arty also fired and this succeeded
		in beating up the attack. By 2045 hrs things had quietened
		down. Corps Comd visited Bde Comd and asked after the
		condition of the tps. For details see sitrep. 7 GREEN	Appdx C13
		HOWARDS sent out fighting patrols during night.
30	0900	Air attack by Typhoons was made on factory 7466, and at
		HAALDEREN 7566 which appeared to be successful.
		GOC 43 Div visited Bde Comd with infm that 6 HLI of 52 (l)	see Appdx D15
		Div were coming under comd 69 Bde and would relieve 5 E YORKS.
		5 E YORKS would then be available for attack on HAALDEREN.
	0900	6 GREEN HOWARDS moved further SOUTH and WG took their place,
		as first counter attack force.
	1230	A conference to cood harassing fire tasks of the Div was held

Page 43 of 43

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
30		at Bde under OC 8 MX (MG Bn.) Corps Comd visited Bde Comd.
	1730	Whilst he was giving orders to CO 5 E YORKS, CO 124 Fd Regt
		and MG Coy Comd, for the attack on HAALDEREN. Corps Comd told
		Bde Comd that an attack was expected on American AB Div tonight,
		and he again enquired about our own tps.
	1830	6HLI took over from 5 E YORKS and comd passed to them.
		They took over same coy posns. During day there was still
		some shelling of BEMMEL and 7 GREEN HOWARDS area and the enemy
		were observed in their usual places. Gen Franklyn GOC in C
		Home Forces visited 6 GREEN HOWARDS. His son Capt
		J Franklyn was missing believed killed, after the fighting on 26
		Sep

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War Diary: 69th Infantry Brigade HQ

Month and year: September 1944

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