War Diary: 7th Green Howards

Month and year: June 1944

The 7th Green Howards June 1944 war diary covers the units landing in Normandy at Ver-sur-Mer and their fighting inland to Longraye

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1303

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Page 1 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field	1 June.		Bn HQ. on H.M.T. "Empire Lance"
			C' Coy " " " "
			D " " " " Rapier
			A " " " " Mace
			B " " " " Halberd
at Sea	2		C.O. Carris, Sigs offr came on board 'Empire Lance'
			L.C.T. crafts started loading.
			C.O. had conference of Serial Comds.


	3 -		Usual Routine on board ships . Remainder L.C.T's
			loaded. Operational Maps issued.

	4 -		Church Services on all ships. Eve of D day.
		0800	L.C.T's moved out to 'NEEDLES' then returned
			Sea Rough, Wind Strong. 'D' day postponed.

Page 2 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
at Sea	5	0800	L.C.T's moved out of SOLENT towards the 'Needles'
			D' day postponed 24 hrs. c.o. visited other ship's
			Tps all preparing equipment for tomorrow.
			all L.C.A's loaded. Bag. visited Bn HQ. ship
		1700	Final conference with S.NT.O. C.O. A.H.L.O &
			all officer of Serials


	6 June	0300	Reveille
		0400	Breakfast for tps
		0420	First L.C.A commenced loading
		0520	Bn HQ. on board L.C.M.
		0530	C' Coy loaded L.C.As
		0725	A' H+ leading two Bns approaching the beaches.
		0800	B' & 'D' Coys beached

Page 3 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	6 June	0800	C' & 'A' Coys & Bn HQ. landed. Beach under slight
			montar fire. Grass fires burning to the North of
.			the Beach. Landing made at Rd leading South
			to VER-SUR-MER,
			Bn advanced upon one axis along North-South
			Rd through VER-SUR-MER, in the order B D, A
			C Coys - TAC. Bn HQ. VER-SUR-MER - clear of
			Enemy. M.T.O. establishing Vehicle assembly area.
			B, D. A Coys took WESTERN Road to CREPON
			halted at 912849 preparing to attack VER-SUR-MER
			gun Bty at 917843.
			C' Coy preceded by Tac HQ travelled along
			Eastern Rd. VER-SUR-MER Bty appeared to be out
			of action, movement seen. 40-50 prisoners were
			taken by 'C' Coy from this locality.

Page 4 of 47

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
France	6 June	C' Coy continued on Eastern Rd Tac HQ switched
		to join other three Coys who were meeting slight
		opposition from snipers and M.G's
		Five Carriers, the Mortar Pl and 6 A/tk guns now
		joined the Bn.
		Coys continued the advance supported by 4/7
		D.G. tks and 86 Fd Regt arty.
		D' Coy became involved - CREPON clearing
		up the Enemy. 900835.
		3 Remaining Coys continued and 'C' Coy
		leading met slight opposition at 903825. Bn suffered
		first casualties which were slight. a further
		40 prisoners were taken.
		Mobile column under Major Bowly 2 i/c
		comprised of Sqn of Tks Det of Carriers and B Coy

Page 5 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	6		Bn continued the advance 'A' 'B' 'C' Coys.
			D Coy still detached and were advancing
			from CREPON towards ST. GABRIEL.
			Bn and sqn 4/7 DG's met enemy opposition
			MGs & S.P. guns on the approaches to
			FRESNAY-LE-CROTTEUR. Four of our tks were
			hit. Naval shelling hindered Bn advance.
			Brig. visited Bn HQ.
			Bn less D coy continued advance towards COULOMES.
			C' Coy leading. Village reported clear Leading
			elements fired on from the fortified farm 878752
			bn orders from Bde Bn withdrew and
			consolidated for the night North of COULOMBS
			887773. Patrols to the village and to the SOUTH
			met no opposition. Five prisoners were taken in the

Page 6 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	6		moved off. Reached area of bridge 906805
			knocked out an enemy staff car killing an
			officer. Encountered enemy A tk gun on far side
			of the Bridge. This was dealt with by the arty.
			C' Coy passed through to capture the bridge
			intact and continued through CREUILLY.
			The Mobile column switched to take the
			bridge at 889799. This proved to be only a
			footbridge. Bn proceeded through CREUILLY
			met opposition in the way of MG. fire on the
			SOUTH side. Civilian reported two A tk guns
			in the locality. Mortars went into action.
			Patrol for 'C' Coy encountered enemy fire
			from the WEST. Reports of enemy armour to the
			SOUTH approaching the Bn.

Page 7 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
6		Bn area. Bty Comd in support sniped
		returning from a conference.
	1410??? hrs	2nd Tide personnel arrived.
		Bn. disposition A Coy. B Coy
		C' Coy BN HQ.
7	0100	D Coy rejoined - the Bn in posn.
	0530	1 Pl. A Coy on Right 1 Pl. 'C' Coy on left
		advanced towards the fortified Farm. A Coy patrol
		got within 200yds before being fired upon by
		M.G. The Bn advanced through COULOMBS
		behind the two patrols C followed by D Coy
		on the N-S Rd A Coy followed by B Coy
		on the track to the West of the Road.
		One Sqn 4/7 DGs in support were on the

Page 8 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	7		high ground to the WEST. The enemy in the
			FARM' were firing M.G. and 20mm. The whole perimeter
			was surrounded by a minified. One section of 'C'
			Coy reached the entrace at the EAST but were
			driven off. Supported by Tks firing MG and and
			solid shot C Coy gained the entrance and 'A' Coy
			passing through the minefield got into the
			WEST side of the enemy defences. 50-60 G.A.F
			prisoners were taken. Lt. J.D. Wilson 'C' Coy was
			injured. The Farm was constructed
			like a fort concrete position, communication trenches
			and large stores and supplies. Barrack huts were
			located in rear of the buildings. Much valuable
			wireless equpt was captured. The minefield consisted
			of wooden box mines and bakelite A.P. mines.

Page 9 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
7		a staff car knocked out at the X rds 876748
		contained a valuable long range Movie camera and
		accessories. This was captured complete.
		The Bn consolidated astride the X rds
		facing EAST. D Coy Right of the PARIS-
		CHERBOURG rd fwd with B Coy in area of
		the D.F. station in rear.
		A. Coy were on the Left of the road with
		one platoon fwd of the X rds 'C' Coy were -
		reserve in rear. Bn HQ was located.
		Contacts were made with the 5. E.Y
	1200	Bde HQ and the 6 Green Howards. Contact
		was made with the CANADIANS on the left.
	1500	a JOINT Post was established with the
		CANADIANS at 890730 in the wood near BROVAY

Page 10 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
7		The Post was comd by Capt. D. J. RICHES and
		our part of the POST comprised one platoon
		C' Coy one A tk gun and one section carriers.
		The WINNIPEG RIFLES had one platoon, two sec
		Carriers two A tk guns.
		There was no fire on the Bn front.
		Night Patrols were sent out. One patrol
		towards the Railway embankment reported enemy
		movement in the wooded area NORTH of LOUCELLES.
		875735. Contact Patrols visited the JOINT
		Post during the NIGHT.

8	0500	JOINT Post reports sound of enemy tracked
		vehicles and movement SOUTH of the Railway
		at BROUAY. POST was withdrawn to 892738.

Page 11 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
8		CANADIANS. counter attacked on Railway
		Embankment at BROUAY. Heavy encounter
		CANADIANS withdrew slightly.

		8 armd Bde with Div Recce Regt
		endevered to push forward through LOUCELLES.
		?Gun? tks in Bn area throughout the day.
	1900	Armd Bde and 1 Dorsets pushed forward
		through LOUCELLES. Brig visited Bn HQ.
		Bn patrols to contact JOINT Post and
		to check the village of ST CROIX GRAND TONNE.
		Pioneer Pl. put down minefield on EAST of Rd at
		877748. Wired and marked containing HAWKINS.

Page 12 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
9		Still - area ST LEGER.
	0730	D.L.Is and 8 Armd Bde forming up - Bn
		area to push though SOUTH
		pl. from 'D' Coy pl from B Coy established
		on Railway Embarkment at 863727 and 869727
		Enemy movement area in woods near AUDRIEU
		occasional sniping of the Pl posts.
		Brig. at Bn HQ.
		JOINT Post moved back to area of wood 890730
		Night Patrols - contact with JOINT POST
		and search of village ST CROIX GRAND TONNE
10		Outposts still in Posn. Enemy not very active
		report of slight enemy movement and sniping
		DIV. COMD at BN HQ. C.O. visited JOINT POST.

Page 13 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
10	1700	Civilian report of party of four enemy - AUDRIEU
		865717 and A tk gun A 870721.
		Carrier Patrol and 12 men A Coy sent out to
		deal with enemy at AUDRIEU. Returned to
		report enemy had moved SOUTH.
		Night Patrol sent out to deal with A/tk gun
		unable to advance beyond AUDRIEU because of
		MG fire.
		Further patrols to JOINT Post and to
		Embankment outposts.

11	0100	Report from CANADIANS via BDE that enemy
		gliders had landed in area of woods 883722
		Recce patrol standing by to go to JOINT Post
	0130	JOINT Post report enemy tracked vehicles moving

Page 14 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
11		SOUTH of BROUAY. Heavy enemy MG fire in
		this area. No news of paratroops or gliders near
		BROUAY. No further news of Enemy movement
		MG fire heavy all night in area of the
		JOINT POST.
11	0900	R.C. bhunch service.
	1000	Orders from Bde prepare to move and take up
		posns. area of woods 8871.
	1430	Bn crossed S.P. 877747 order B, D, A C. Coys
		Tac HQ followed in rear 'A' Coy.
		B & D Coys to advance WEST of BROUAY
		and secure the SOUTH side of the Embankment
		before A and C Coys and the tracked vehicles
		attempted to cross the bottleneck at BROUAY.

Page 15 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
11		B' Coy often being pinned on the Embankment
		eventually pushed forward slightly to be again held
		up by fire from the wooded area 770720. after
		withdrawing to the embankment they again pushed
	2230	Forward and one platoon killed 20-30 Enemy
		at 770720. Eventually after withdrawing again	?870
		to the Embankment and dealing with the casualties
		B' Coy were withdraw to the Bn area.
		Lt. G. Witmot was injured during the
		days fighting
		D' Coy were pinned on the Embankment
		all day eventually were recalled to the Bn.
		A' Coy pushed forward though the JOINT Post which then disbanded the CANADIANS
		returning to the WINNIPEG Rifles

Page 16 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	11		A. COY were N.E of BROUAY. C.O. made
			recce of the area and established Mortar and
			arty O.Ps. commenced ranging on the town.
			M.G. fire from the enemy was desultory.
			A Coy moved forward in the open country
			plus the C.O's recce party. This party was
			caught - the open country to the N.E of
			BROUAY by severe M.G. fire from close
			range. The leeding Pl. 'A' Coy and the C.O's
			party were on the outskirts of BROUAY
			Eventually under cover of smoke the whole party
			withdrew arty and Mortar concentrations were
			fired on BROUAY.
			Bn consolidated in the area NORTH of
			BROUAY A, C and D taking up posns

Page 17 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
11		A Coy 888729 C Coy 891729 D Coy 890731
		Bn HQ. 892733.
		Food and Blankets were ferried forward.
		Patrols were sent forward towards the village
		and embarkment.

12	0200	B Coy rejoined Bn.
	0500	Patrol to village located three enemy M.G.
		positions
		B Coy took up posn area 895733
		Snipers and O.Ps established fwd of A and C
		Coys. aggressive action taken all day. Snipers
		report two 'Kills'. Enemy movement seen at
		876716 engaged by artillery

Page 18 of 47

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
12	Night Patrols to embankment.
	2, N.C.Cs volunteered to go into the village
	and establish themselves preparatory to observing
	the enemy the following day. after recce of
	several buildings these N.C.Os returned it
	being impossible to find a suitable house.
	D+3 personnel arrived. Major H.R.D Oldman
	M.C. rejoined the Bn as 2 i/c.

		-
13	active Patrolling was ordered from Bde
	in preparation for the hand over to the
	K.O.Y.L.I.
	Recce patrols set out one to the village
	the other to cover the embankment WEST and

Page 19 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
13		contact the 6 Green Howards.
		The patrol to the village was accompanied
		by the Bty comd in support travelling in his
		Armd tk o.p. The Bty comd hoped to draw
		enemy fire and so assist the patrol
		to locate enemy posns. This patrol reached
		the Church without trouble but eventually
		approx 20 enemy were encountened a grenade
		duel took place the patrol withdrew without casualties.
		The patrol to the embandment travelled
		WEST contacted the 6 Green Howards and
		returned without incident.
	1300	Two further recce patrols set out
		first patrol set out to Bridge at 895721

Page 20 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
13		This patrol met heavy enemy fire from the
		area SOUTH of the bridge and from the
		village. Returned without casualties having
		collected a CANADIAN tk man within 75 yds of
		the Bridge. This man had been 26 hours in
		the area but could give very little information
		about the enemy.
	1300	The second patrol intended to travel WEST
		along the embandment cross to the SOUTH
		and recce back towards the village was
		find on by M.G. as soon as it reached the
		embankment from a Posn within 200 yds.
		Lt. Fredrikson was injured and six only
		of the 12 set out returned.

Page 21 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
13	1530	Commenced hand over to the K.O.Y.LI.
		Hand over complete sketches and plans of
		known enemy localities were given to the K.O.Y.LI.
		Bn commenced marching to Rest area 831745.
	2000	Bn arrived complete in new area
		Major H. E. Bowly resumed comd of 'C' Coy



14		Bn resting, reorganising, cleaning weapons and
		clothes.
		Bath parties to showers at BAYEUX
	1200	Bn ordered to be ready to move at 3 hours
		notice C.O. ordered to stand by for recce
		with Brig.

Page 22 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
14	1830	C.O and I.O to Bde for a Conference.
		Bns warmed to be prepared to take over from
		or through 231 Bde.
	1730	2 i/c. with covering party went forward to
		recce new the area of the 2 HANTS at LA SENAUDIER
		7869 Bn still at 3 hours notice to move.
	2145	2 i/c returned and reported HANTS still
		fighting in the area.


15		Still standing by to move. Men still resting.
	1230	C.O and I.O. at Bde conference. Orders to move
		to area in rear of 231 Bde ready to pass
		through the following day.
	1430	Bn marched forward followed by 6 Green Howards

Page 23 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
15		and 5 East Yorks The 2 i/c plus advance
		Party moved ahead of the Bn to recce
		the area for the night C.O & I.O. visited Bns of 231 Bde
		Bn spent night area 792701. I.O. visited 61 Recce Regt
	2200	C.O. to Bde HQ for conference
	2400	C.Os conference with all supporting arms
		comds and Bn offr.

16	0530	Bn moved out towards LA SENAUDIER - LA
		BELLE EPINE - LES ORAILLES followed by
		6 Green Howards 5 East Yorks
		C.O and I.O. with Carrier Escort preceded
		the Bn to contact fwd tps and obtain the
		latest information also recce the S. L and
		line of advance.

Page 24 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
16	0800	Bn with lead at LES ORAILLES.
		Coy Comds and specialist pl Comds fwd
		with C.O. making necessary recces.
	0815	Brig forward at LES ORAILLES with the C.O.
	0900	after morter (4.2) barrage bn crossed S.L
		at track 765664 'D' Coy on the Rd
		followed by 'B' Coy 'C' Coy to the Right
		followed by 'A' Coy Carriers and 1 sqn of
		24 LANCERS were making sweep patrols to the
		sides of the roads. The going for tracks
		off the road was bad and progress was slow.
		Bn moved as far as 773659 without
		opposition
		Enemy S.P. gun sighted on the rd
		780652 was firing directly along the

Page 25 of 47

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
16	road thus preventing any movement of vehicles on the road.
	The Brig and Bde I.O. were fwd with the C.O.
	Bn on moving fwd came under enemy MG.
	and Mortar fire. The leading Coy Comds
	Major H.G. Bowly and Major S.M. Boyle were
	killed Lieut Y.O. Pearce was injured.	Transcription note: initials unclear
	The Bde I.O. was wounded and the
	Brigade Comd had a near miss
	3 Enemy tks were seen in the area of
	the X rds 778656
	Bn consolidated in the locality
	A' Coy 772657 'B' Coy 770656
	C Coy. wooded area 773661 'D' Coy astride the
	road 771660. Bn HQ. 770661

Page 26 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
16		5 East Yorks sweeping the woods to the EAST
		of the Road consolidated in the area of the
		large wood 7765. 6 Green Howards had made a
		firm base in the area of the morning S.L.
	1700	The Brig visited the Bn HQ.
		The S.P gun knocked and one of our A/tk
		guns. Enemy M.G. and Mortar fire was
		intermittent. The 2 i/c had ferried amn
		forward to the Bd all day.
	1830	Patrol went out to the area of the Xrds
		777665 reported 2 enemy patrols to the SOUTH
		and one to the EAST of the Bn posns.
		Reported on condition of rd blocks.
	1830	Patrol sent and to new tracks and area
		between the Bn and QUESNAY - GUESON

Page 27 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
16		reported own tks in village of QUESWAY - GUESON.
		Track through hedges to WEST of road
		was made to enable supplies to be brought
		fwo and casualties to be evacuated.
	1015	Patrol to WEST of Road searching the area
		as for SOUTH as the X rds at 786644.

17	0215	Patrol returned and reported strength of enemy
		in area Xrds 786644 to X rds 777656 to be at
		least 1 Coy strong.
	0500	Patrol to recce Xrds 786644 returned after
		seeing enemy 17-18 strong on Rd at 775653
		it being impossible to cross without coming
		under sight of the enemy
	0515	Bn Comd, Coy Comds and Supporting arms recce

Page 28 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
17		the area of the 5 East York ready to take
		over.
	0800	D and C Coys move to relieve 5 East Yorks
	0900	Bn HQ A and B boys moved to new posns.
		Bn dispositions
		A Coy 777664 B Coy 775664
		C Coy 779661 D Coy 777688
		Bn HQ 775664.
	1200	One Platoon A Coy sent to try and hold
		the high ground at LONGRAVE 787665.
		Met slight enemy opposition saw enemy
		patrols suffered casualties and returned.
	1330	6 Green Howards commenced attacks LONGRAVE from the NORTH.
	1345	A coy commence to coy pass through D Coy and

Page 29 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
		B coy with one pl. on the WEST of the road
17		commend to pass through C Coy.
		Both coys infiltrated to within 200 yds of
		the lateral road GRANVILLE- LONGRAVE and
		were then held up with energy M.G and Mortar
		fire. Lt. Keslik was injured
		Capt D.J. Riches took over I.O.
		Bn consolidated for the night on the
		areas previously held with Coys disposed as
		follows:- B Coy 775656 A Coy 777664
		one pl. B Coy on Right of Rd 774656
		D Coy 777658 C Coy moved to RIGHT of
		B Coy 773655. During the move C Coy
		were shelled in area of farm 773656
	2130	C' Coy in position having suffered casualties
		Capt F.W.M Underhay promoted Major and posted to Comd 'A' Coy Capt A.W ???? appointed Adjutant.	Transcription note: Written names unclear

Page 30 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
17		Patrols were made to LONGRAVE and to
		X rds 776654. The patrol to LONGRAVE withdrew
		under fire. The patrol to the X rds met no
		opposition Major Gullet took Comd D Coy.
		Capt. D.H. Warrener re-assumed Comd 'C' Coy
18	0300	B & D Coys reported movement of track vehicles
		on their front possibly 2 tks.

	1200	Decided to attack across the lateral road
		LONGRAVE - GRANVILLE with B & D Coys.
		B' Coy left of Road. - N-S- and D. Coy on
		Right of Road. Objective High ground area 779651
		A' Coy relieved D. Coy who moved across the
		road behind C Coy. The pl of 'B' Coy on
		the night of the Road into the was brough into the Coy area.

Page 31 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
18	1430	H' hr for the attack. Supported by Bty of
		90 Fd Regt fiving H.E. concentrations and putting
		smoke on both flanks.
		attack successful both Coys reached
		objective with very little opposition. D coy
		took 7 prisoners. A coy moved up and took
		FARM - LA VARDERIE 780658 previously by passed
		by B coy. C coy moved up astrde
		the road behind 'D' coy.
	1600	2 Enemy tks reported on the axis Between
		B + D Coys. A/tk guns brought forward
		although unable to score a hit restricted enemy
		tk movements.
	2000	Enemy tk passed A coy travelling from LONGRAVE stopped at Z rds 777654 and was quickly brewed

Page 32 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
18		up by an M10 of 99 A tk Bty
		C.O. decided Bn would dig in and gave
		orders to C & D Coys then moved over to B Coy.
	2100	C.O. reported he was pinned down area of
		B' Coy by M.G. fire.
	2200	Strong enemy counter attack of infantry supported
		by tanks. 'B' Coy were over-run and the
		C.O. and others believed taken prisoner. Casualties were
		Capt I.D. Riles, Major R.H.E Hudson, Lt. J.C.S. Worley	Transcription note: Written names unclear
		Lient PHO. Ruddock Lt D.C. McConalie, Lt Warner
		L.O. from Bde and 125 approx. Meanwhile 'D'
		withdrew through 'C' coy and finally the whole
		Bn withdrew to the area of the 5 East Yorks
		taking up positions within their Bn area. 765665
		Maja N.R. D. Oldman M.C. took comd of the Bn.
		Attached copy of details as given by Lt Col P.H. Richardson after escaping	Appendix J.

Page 33 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
19	0430	Bn moved forward to positions in area
		of FARM on Right of Rd at 769658
		A coy 770658 'C' Coy 772662
		D coy commanded by Maj. GULLET.
		Personnel :- L.aB. rejoined the Bn.
		4 offrs and 144 O.Rs reinforcements joined
		the Bn at 'B' Ech.


20		Positions as yesteday. Improved - no contact
		made with the enemy. Reinforcements sent fwd
		to Bn positions
		Instructions re future operations for Div.	app D

Page 34 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	21		Bn relieved by EAST YORKS and moved
			to posns area of Rd junction LES ORAILLES
			7666
			A coy 765664. D coy 761663
			c coy 759665 Bn HQ. 762666
			No contact with the Enemy.
			39 Reinforcements joined the Bn.
			No incidents on Bn front. Contact made
			with 5 East Yorks and 61 Recce Regt.
			Brig. at Bn HQ.
			Standing Patrol of one Pl to be changed
			daily at LA BUTTE775673, provided by A coy Night standing Patrol put out by c coy at
			760663. This to be a permanent Night Standing
			Patrol of one Sec. One Coy visited Baths at Bayeux

Page 35 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
22	0430 - 0530	Normal Stand to
		Bn one Coy at a time visited showers at
		BAYEUX. 'B' & 'A' Echelon sent parties to
		showers.
		B' ech moved fwd and joined 'A' ech in
		the area 790698
		Lt. Col. W.R. Cox assumed comd of the Bn.
		standing patrols put out by D Coy and
		c coys fwd of Coy posns.
		Reinforments arrived. B Coy reformed
		under comd Capt. F Hunter.

Page 36 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
23	0600	Locations Bn HQ. 763666 A Coy 766664
		C' Coy 759665 'D' Coy 762663.
		B' Coy were in reserve posn N.W of Bn HQ.
	0800	Outpost LA BUTTE report N.M.S.
	0900	c.o; conference
	1,030.00	Brig visited Bn H.Q.
		4 C.LY. report they have a standing Patrol
		of 4 tks at LA BOTTE 7565
		Patrols of 61 Recce Regt covering area 772657
		Rd 764644 to 772648 . 773647 to MAUPETHEUS
		Chateau 788643 . Listening Post established 760644
	1700	Explosions heard from the area - ONCHY 690658
	1700	R.A.F. to bomb ORBOIS800630
	2005	2 air bursts fwd of Bn positions approx 766665
	2015	61 Recce regt repoty house at 772650 to be booby

Page 37 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
23		trapped. Patrol fired on from 769648.
	2200	Two shells landed 300 yds find of 'A' Coy 768664
		believed 88 mm or 105m.m.
	2400	shells landed in 'A' Coy area 767659.
		Patrol sent out to contact standing Patrol
24	0245	at LA BUTTE. Travelled too for SOUTH and
		bought in 1 wounded East York.
	0825	2 shells landed fwd of 'A' & 'D' Coys.
		contact officer from 4 C.L.Y. and 9 R.T.R.
	1530	Big visited BN HQ.
	2300	Patrol and out to road at 765645. Recce
		by Lt. T. Tanner reported no enemy posn at
		this spot. Nothing seen or heard of enemy
		in country between Road and Bn posns.

Page 38 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
25	0600	Shell from our arty landed 762665
		Coys resting as much as possible.
	1315	Brig. visited Bn Headquarters.
	1405	arty 7th armd Div is firing area 765636
	1612	Enemy shelling area of the xrds 767665 No
		fragments located.
	1630	Intermittent shelling EAST of Xrds LES ORAILLES
	2005	Arty shooting at gun posn reported by 61 Recce
		Rest at 765652.
	2035	Brig at Bn HQ.
	2145	C.L.Y. upond report enemy movement 764637.

26	0030	Lt Dorman patrolling to 765645 to look for
		Enery posn to observe shell results at 2005
		hrs 25 June and to listen for enemy movement

Page 39 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26	0325	Patrol returned report no enemy movement or
		posn at 765645 tracked vehicle heard on the
		road. Mortar firing from 20-30 yds south of 765645
	0115	Harrasing enemy shell fire S of Bn poons.
	1200	B' Coy took over posns of 'A' Coy and A Coy
		came into reserve.
	1400	C.O. gave talk to A Coy.
	1815	Enemy shelled area Xrds LES ORAILLES 3 shells.
	1830	Patrol under Lt. F.V. Hall set out to recce
		wood 763656 for A tk gun reported by recce regt
		to have knocked out 2 armd C's during the morning
		N of GRANVILLE. Two snipers were taken to
		shoot any Boche intefering with the K.Od cars.
	2105	Patrol and Snipers returned. No sign of gun

Page 40 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
		enemy mortar located area 762643.
	2130	Mortar posn fire on by bty conc.
		Patrol reported . M.C. heard area of GRANVILLE.
.
27	1100	air Battle in area of Br HQ - four bullets
		in Bn HQ area 1 R.A attached wounded.
		A coy and B coy changed positions
	1515	1 offr 45 ORs reinforcements arrived.
	1545	Bde Comd visited Bn HQ
	1900	C.O. visted Bn posns
	2100	C.O. 2 Essec visited Bn. News of move.
	2250	B.M. brought news of move. Bn to relieve
		S.W.Bs. is area between 5 East York, and
		6 Green Howards N of LONGRAYE
	2315	C.O. had short conference, 'A' Coy Comd

Page 41 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
27		A/tk, Carrier and Mates pl. Comds.


28	0615	A' Coy Dec Carriers 2 A/tk guns 2 dets
		Mortars moved off to new area.
	0630	C.O and I.O. visited Bn HQ of S.W.Bs 789687
		C.O. recce area of fwd coy to be taken over
		by A Coy.
	0900	C.O. to Bde HQ.
	0915	C.O. made Recce of new area with Brig. and
		O.C. "B" Coy 2 Cheshires
	1030	"O" Gp arrived at new location.
		2 i/c arranged for change over with 2 Essex
		all to be completed by 1430 hrs.
	1200	First elements of Bn arrived in new area.

Page 42 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
28	1500	Bn complete in new area.
		Posns. Bn HQ 789687 A Coy 785674
		B' Coy 778684 'C' Coy 779678 D Coy 784682
		O.P. recced in area 788667.
		Night Patrol Lieut W. Rimes and 2 ORs. recce	Transcription note: Written names unclear
		to area of LONGRAYE along river running
		N & S and road N to S to LONGRAYE782669
		No enemy heard M.G. firing to EAST of
		LONGRAYE. Time out 2330 hrs return 0300 hrs.


29		Bn setting in new positions
	1100	I.O. visited, 6 Green Howards to get dispositions.
		Bn reports and noting bearings of Mortars landing
		in 5 East Yorks and 6 Green Howards area.

Page 43 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
29	2330	Patrol led by Lieut F.V. Hall - fighting.
		Route:- Outpost 789667 along track to South to
		Hedge and track junc 791664 cross country
		to N-S road 789661 WEST to East of orchard
		788661. 6 Green Howards on left flank moved
		certain?? troops westwards and patrol became
		involved and delayed and was unable to carry
		out the task allotted carry .
	0300	Patrol returned.


30		BN reporting all Mortars and shells landing
		in neighbouring units
	1020	Unexploded shell at 779687.
		Brig visited Bn HQ.

Page 44 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
30		Plan prepared to push fwd at least one
		platoon into the orchard on the SOUTH
		of lateral Road at LONGRAYE. 'C' Coy were
		to push one pl fwd to building's at 783667
		and then A Coy were to put a platoon though
		and search the village of LONGRAYE and
		eventually consolidate in the ORCHARD.
	1330	Lieut Fleintoff and platoon moved fwd with	Transcription note: Written names unclear
		cable laying party and / see Pioneers
	1855	Reported building 783667 clear and platoon
		preparing defence posn.
		C.O. after seeing 'C' Coy started moved
		across to 'A' Coy and visited the arty O.P.
		at 784670 and observed the progress
	1445	1 Pl 'A' Coy under Lient Pickford travelled

Page 45 of 47

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
30		down the track to road at 783670. crossed the
		road and stream passed through the new
		outport established by 'C' coy and travelled
		along the axis of the road NW to SE searching
		all buildings and the area of LONGRAYE.
	1700	A' Coy Pl report LONGRAYE clear and now
		preparing to take up posn in the ORCHARD.
	1620	A/A shell landed in field to EAST
		of Bn HQ.
	1705	A' & 'C' Coy Comd and Lient Pickford making
		recce of ORCHARD 787661 were fired on from the
		SOUTH end of the ORCHARD by a schmeissers. One
		O.R. casualty. Enemy MG opened up from wood
		786657 and 791656 Mortar firing from 786657
		landed in the area S E of LONGRAYE

Page 46 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
PLACE	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	30	1800	Platoon of A coy withdrew and Bn final
			dispositions were as follows: :-
			Bn HQ. B & D Coys unchanged.
			A' Coy one Pl astride the rd at 785669
			pl at rd junc 788678 with elements fwd to the road
			Rear Pl in area 784674.
			C' Coy Pls at Farm 783667, wood junc 780672
			track area 779676.
		2000	Brigade Comd complimented the Bn upon the
			successful sortie carried out during the day.
			Night Patrol NCO and 5 from fwd Pl 783667
			along Road SE to House 787662.
			Intention to prevent enemy infiltration into
			LONGRAYE
		0200 - 0400	Patrol reported vehicle S of LONGRAYE moving

Page 47 of 47

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	30		EAST to WEST. Mortar and MG fire heard
			from area of LA POTERIE. No definite
			information

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War Diary: 7th Green Howards

Month and year: June 1944

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