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    War Diary: 8th Battalion Kings Royal Irish Hussars

    Month and year: October 1944

    The 8th Battalion Kings Royal Irish Hussars October 1944 War Diary covers the units time in the Netherlands, including taking part in operation Don and Alan.

    National Archive Reference: WO 171/843

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    WO 171/843 8 Kings Royal Irish Hussars
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    War Diaries That Reference 8th Battalion Kings Royal Irish Hussars

    The 8th Battalion Kings Royal Irish Hussars are mentioned in 1 other war diaries from October 1944.

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    Page 1 of 7
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    4633571Under Comd 15(S) Div, with the role of a
    mobile res. (See 8H Operational Order No 8)
    During the night 30 Sep/1 Oct the enemy
    counter attacked on our sector but this attack
    was broken up by our mortar and arty fire and
    8H was not called out. During the day the
    regt carried out maintenance as far as
    commitments allowed. At 1700 hrs the C.O.
    gave out his orders for an attack on WEIBOSCH
    4237 and SCHIJNDEL 4038, to be carried out in
    conjunction with 158 Bde of 53 (W) Div. The
    attack was planned for 4 Oct but was cancelled
    on 3 Oct.
    GSGS 2541 Sheet 5. Appx I 8H O.O. No.8.
    4633572Maintenance and rest in 15(S) Div res.
    46335738H came under comd 51(H) Div who were
    relieving 15 (s) Div but the regt's role
    remained unaltered.
    4633574Under comd 51(H) Div in mobile res role.
    5 Queens Bn left comd 8H. During the
    morning the C.O. gave of talk to all Sqns and
    echelons in which he dealt with the current
    war situation, and stressed the necessity of
    adopting a non-fraternizatian policy towards
    German civilians when the regt had crossed the
    Reich's frontiers.
    4633575Under comd 51 (H) Div in mobile res role.
    Leading elts of 107 RAC of 34 Tk Bde arrived
    in 8H area preparatory to taking over. The
    relief was to be completed by 6 Oct when 8H
    would revert to comd 7 Armd Div, and, less
    one Sqn under comd 131 Bde, would relieve
    5 R.Tks in VEGHEL 4837.
    46335768H less two Sqns under comd 131 Bde and responsible
    for the defence of VEGHEL 4837. At approx
    0900 hrs A Sqn moved to VEGHEL to relieve
    Sqn of 5 R Tks. The enemy was holding the
    WEST bank of the ZUID WILLEMS CANAL. as far as
    EASTINGS 45, so patrols from HQ Recce Tp were
    sent to the area 4539 during the morning to
    counter possible enemy crossings. These
    standing patrols remained out until last light
    but reported no enemy movement. At approx
    1500 hrs RHQ less Tac HQ moved to area 473375.
    Tac HQ and C Sqn remained in their old
    locations until the take over by 107 RAC was
    completed, after which C Sqn came into
    reserve in VEGHEL. B Sqn had moved in the
    early morning to the area LOOSBROEK 4544 and
    came under comd 131 Bde as a mobile res.
    On 8H arriving at VEGHEL, 621 Fd Sqn RE came
    under comd with tps disposed along the line
    of the rly 463378 - 472383.
    To Sheet No. 2/......
    Page 2 of 7
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    47337478H less B Sqn under comd 131 Bde and responsible
    for the defence of VEGHEL. At first light
    Recce Tp patrols moved out to the same area as
    on 6 Oct but again they had nothing to report.
    As far as possible HQ, A and C Sqns continued
    with maintenance. Morning stand-to which had
    been in force since 30 Sep was continued from
    0600 hrs to 0630 hrs. Evening stand-to was
    discontinued as the enemy did not appear active
    in 8H sector.
    GSGS 2541 Sheet 5.
    47337488H less B Sqn under comd 131 Bde. At first
    light Recce Tp patrols went out as usual.
    Again they had nothing to report though in the
    late afternoon small parties of enemy inf
    estimated at 12 men succeeded in crossing the
    canal at 425409 and 437405, overrunning a Queen's
    Bde O.P. at the former location. Civilian reports
    placed these enemy patrols as far EAST as the area
    4739 but no trace of them could be found and it
    was assumed that they had succeeded in recrossing
    the canal although the post at 425409 had been
    reestablished. During the day B Sqn sent a
    successful fighting patrol, consisting of two
    tps, to MIDDELRODE 4042. Although the enemy
    reacted strongly and put down hy DF with mortars
    and arty our tks reached the EASTERN outskirts
    of the village and shot up numerous enemy in
    the village. They were however unable to obtain
    a P.W. for identification purposes.
    47337498H less B Sqn under comd 131 Bde. During the day
    Recce Tp patrols reported only stray rifle shots
    WEST of the canal. During the afternoon the
    enemy shelled VEGHEL, five rds of hy calibre
    landing in the vicinity of the cinema which was
    in use by our own tps at the time.
    There were no casualties.
    473374108H less B Sqn under comd 131 Bde. At midday a
    Daimler patrol of the Recce Tp found itself
    attacked by converging rifle and MG fire. It
    was unable to gain observation of the enemy and
    withdrew. A Tp of C Sqn was sent out but
    found no trace of the enemy. The Daimler patrol
    was restored, with light tks in close sp, and
    a foot patrol was maintained on the bank of
    the canal itself. A Sqn relieved B Sqn in the
    area LOOSBROEK and came under comd 6 Queens bn.
    A Tp supported by Inf undertook a fighting
    patrol to 402445. Four enemy, possibly more,
    were killed, and useful identifications obtained.
    47337411Under comd 131 Bde Recce Tp patrols were sent
    out as for 10 Oct but had nothing to report
    during the day. Leave parties were sent to
    EINDHOVEN and re-painting and general maintenance
    of all vehicles continued. One coy 6 Queens Bn.
    came under comd 8H at 1800 hrs and 8H area of
    responsibility was re-defined : bdy between 8H
    and 6 Queens all incl 8H line of rly 479385 -
    canal br 464377.
    To Sheet No. 3/......
    Page 3 of 7
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    473374128H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. Recce Tp
    patrols went to area 4539 at first light
    but had nothing to report during the day.
    621 Fd Sqn RE left comd 8H at 0900 hrs, their
    posns along rly line 479385 - canal br 464377
    being taken over by one coy 6 Queens bn.
    Refitting and maintenance was carried on as
    usual.
    GSGS 2541 Sheet No. 5.
    473374138H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. Again there
    was nothing to report from Recce Tp patrols on
    the ZUID WILLENS CANAL. One offr per sqn was
    granted 48 hrs leave to ANTWERP.
    473374148H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. There was
    nothing to report from Recce Tp patrols on
    the ZUID WILLEMS CANAL, but considerable
    minelaying activity on the part of the enemy
    was reported from the remainder of the Div
    front. The C.O. held a conference on training
    and programmes for the following courses
    were approved :- Offrs Cromwell D & M Course,
    Tk Comd Course, Offr Patrol Leaders Course,
    Wireless Ops Course, Map-reading course.
    In the afternoon a football match was played
    against a local team, resulting in a win for 8H.
    473374158H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. At first
    light Recce Tp patrols went out as usual but
    had another quiet day. Leave parties were
    sent to EINDHOVEN.
    473374168H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. Courses,
    as planned, commenced and continued throughout
    the morning. Recce Tp patrols had nothing to
    report.
    473374178H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. C Sqn who
    were ready to relieve A Sqn as mobile res in
    the LOOSBROEK area 4544, were ordered not to
    do so and remained under regtl comd at VEGHEL
    Recce tp patrols were accompanied by C Sqn Daimler
    sec. They had little to report beyond
    desultory firing SOUTH of the ZUID-WILLEMS
    CANAL. During the day 8H Sigs personnel were
    inspected by the O.C. 7 Armd Div Sigs. At
    1100 hrs the C.O. attended a conference held
    by the Div Comd to discuss future ops.
    473374188H less A Sqn under comd. 131 Bde. Recce Tp
    patrols and courses as usual. The C.O. gave
    a talk to all Sqns on the present war situation
    and outlined the regt's possible future
    role. At 1100 hrs the C.O. himself attended
    an address by the Army Commander at
    NISTELRODE 5047.
    473374198H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. Recce Tp
    patrols were out at first light but had nothing
    to report during the day. Recce parties were
    sent out to 8H concentration area for the
    coming operation, in the area ZANDKANT 4443.
    The re-painting of vehs was completed. Sixty
    offrs and ORs attended an ENSA performance in
    VEGHEL.
    To Sheet No. 4/......
    Page 4 of 7
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    473374208H less A Sqn under comd 131 Bde. Recce Tp
    patrols were sent out as usual but
    had nothing to report.
    During the day maintenance was completed and
    courses ended.
    B Sqn moved from VEGHEL to a new conc area at
    438432 and came under comd 7 Queens bn in
    readiness for the forthcoming operation.
    GSGS 2541 Sheet No. 5.
    47337421Under comd 131 Bde. 8H was relieved of all
    responsibility for the defence of VEGHEL.
    At 1000 hrs RHQ moved to 8H conc area at
    443436 and C Sqn moved to 442443 where one
    sec HQ Recce To came under comd.
    A Sqn moved to 461448 coming under comd
    5 Queens bn in readiness for operation
    ALAN phase 1 which was to commence on 22 Oct.
    (See appendices).
    Appx II 7 Armd Div O.O. No. 16. Appx III 131 Bde O.O. No.8.
    44343622Under comd 131 Bde. The attack was delayed
    slightly owing to bad visibility but by
    0730 hrs B Sqn were across the S.L. B Sqns
    rt hand tp suffered an early casualty when
    one tank was lost on a mine at 403435 and the
    remainder of the to were held up by an enemy
    strongpoint at 398435 throughout the morning.
    The left hand tp reached the main rd DINTER-
    MIDDELRODE without incident at 406430, and then
    turned WEST making first contact 400430.
    Here the tp ldrs tank was mined and almost
    immediately engaged by a med. cal. A Tk gun
    firing from the area 396429. Another tp,
    sent down to assist, had two tks bogged and
    the tp ldr shortly afterwards was sniped in
    the area 400431. The rt hand tp together
    with the res tp brought heavy fire to bear
    on the houses at 398435 knocking out one
    75 mm A Tk gun there. A simultaneous attack
    overran the area and they then brought fire
    to bear on enemy withdrawing along the
    MIDDELRODE-BERLIKOM rd. B Sqn 2 i/c was
    wounded by shrapnel. On the rt, A Sqn, with
    5 Queens Bn, had similar difficulties with
    boggy ground and mines, losing two tks on
    the latter. The ARVs grouped under the
    RTA - an arrangement which was found to work
    very well - dealt with two bogged tks. A
    Sqn made steady progress in bitter fighting
    against dug-in inf, and few prisoners were
    taken but many enemy were killed. By last
    light the fwd to of A Sqn was in DOORNHOEK
    at 386448 and 5 Queens bn established
    themselves along line DOORNHOEK - river
    382440. A Sqn went into close leaguer, area
    394444. B Sqn leaguered 407436 and during the
    night 7 Queens bn entered MIDDELRODE without
    difficulty, the enemy having withdrawn under
    cover of darkness. On the right C Sqn who
    had been observing the wood 4147,4146, had
    nothing to report.
    Appx IV 1/7 Bn Queens O.O. No. 1.
    To Sheet No. 5/......
    Page 5 of 7
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    44343623Under comd 131 Bde. B Sqn, its task
    completed, reverted to comd 8H during the
    morning. C Sqn's role was as for 22 Oct and
    again they had nothing to report. A Sqn
    gave right flank protection during the day to
    5 Queens, who advanced against weakening
    opposition to BERLICUM and the line of the
    dyke 3745. At approx 1600 hrs. A Sqn also
    reverted to comd 8H and withdrew to leaguer
    close to RHQ.
    GSGS 2541 Sheet No. 5.
    443436248H came under comd 22 Armd Bde for the
    operation DON. During the morning the regt
    stood by in readiness to move to a fwd conc
    area SOUTH of the ZUID WILLEMS CANAL, and at
    1330 hrs recce parties were sent out. The
    Regt followed at approx 1500 hrs (For route and
    march table see Appx) RHQ. leaguered at 412393
    At 2100 hrs the C.O. attended a conference
    at 22 Armd Bde HQ (See Appx) and on his
    return issued verbal orders.
    Appx V. 7 Armd Div Mov Order 24 Oct 44. Appx VI. 22 Armd Bde Op Instr. No. 6.
    412393258H under comd 22 Armd Bde. The br at ESCH
    3037 was not completed, so the div
    was compelled to adv on a single centre-line
    via br at HAL 3240. The leading elts. of 11H
    were unable to pass through br hd owing to stiff
    opposition from en emy inf and 88mm A Tk guns.
    8H therefore received no orders to move during
    the morning. At 1500 hrs, however, 8H Gp and
    1 RB less two coys plus coy 7 Queens and det
    RE, were ordered to move to a conc area 3135
    preparatory to a night attack over the river
    by 1 RB in the area 2635. RHQ. leaguered at
    315357. During the night a patrol of 1 RB
    found the brs at 273354, 267353, 263349 all
    blown, though inf might cross at the last
    mentioned br. In view of the impossibility
    of getting armour across the river DE AA
    at this point, the attack by 1 RB did not take
    place.
    31535726At 0715 hrs the cl. 40 br at ESCH was reported
    to be nearing completion. 8H was therefore
    ordered to follow up the main adv over this
    br when it was completed, and to take over the
    role originally allotted to 1 R.Tks (See Appx)
    ,One Tp of C Sqn was to be left at the br 263329
    to harras the enemy at this point and divert his
    attention from the main br hd.
    Satisfactory progress was made during the
    morning by 5 and 1 R.Tks and at approx 1600
    hrs 8H moved from the area 315357 to follow
    up 1 R.Tks. The C.O. went ahead to UDENHOUT
    where he found 1 R.Tks engaged in mopping
    up the enemy rear guard. At last light 8H
    were ordered to assist 1 R.Tks in
    defending UDENHOUT during the night. At
    approx 1900 hrs the Regt arrived and went into
    posns previously recced by the C.O. RHQ went
    into close leaguer in the area 211387. B Sqn
    took over responsibility for the NORTH-SOUTH
    rd in area 320392 up which, it was expected,
    enemy rearguards would withdraw.
    Appx VI 22 Armd. Bde Op Instr.
    To Sheet No. 6/......
    Page 6 of 7
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    31535726(Cont). At 2200 hrs the C.O. issued verbal orders
    for the capture of LOON OP ZAND 2539 on the
    following day. Method : 8H was to adv
    with one Sqn (C) up along the centre-line
    X rds 203380 - rd junc 287400 - LOON OP ZAND.
    In the event of strong opposition being met on
    this route, C Sqn was to exploit alternative
    routes and would be supported in this by A Sqn
    NORTH of the centre-line and B Sqn SOUTH of it.
    Order of March : C Sqn, Tac HQ, A Sqn, K Bty,
    RHQ, B Sqn, Al Ech. B Sqn was to remain
    responsible for the NORTH - SOUTH rd 320393
    until relieved by 5 DG. The tp of C Sqn
    which had been left at the br 263349 had been
    subjected to continuous sniping but in
    return claimed 20 enemy wounded or dead.
    GSGS 2541 Sheet No. 5.
    21138727Under comd 22 Armd Bde. The night was
    uneventful and shortly after first light
    C Sqn passed through 1 R.Tks. First contact
    was made at 187400 where inf were dug in at
    the side of the road, and rd itself was
    covered by A. Tk fire. The leading tp was
    held up and it was decided to develop the
    SOUTHERN route X rds 192390 - rd junc 180380 -
    rd junc 179381 - rd junc 157380. Good progress
    was made on this route and shortly after midday
    C Sqn had their tps established WEST of the
    main rd TILBURG - LOON OP ZAND in the area
    155392. Here they were held up by dug in
    inf and arty. Meanwhile No. 4 Tp of C Sqn,
    in endeavouring to develop the main axis of
    adv at 187400 had successfully dealt with
    the inf but had lost two tanks from A Tk guns
    sited NORTH of the main road. 8H and 7 Queens
    bn now reverted to comd of 131 Bde and were
    ordered to attack LOON OP ZAND from the SOUTH.
    The C.O. issued verbal orders to the Sqn Ldrs of
    A and C Sqns. A Sqn was to support 7 Queens
    bn in the attack, while C Sqn with the tps
    already in posn, were to provide left flank
    protection. The attack went in at 1700 hrs
    but encountered stiff opposition and by last
    light was held up on the 385 Northing. RHQ
    leaguered 171383.
    17138328Under comd 131 Bde. The attack by A Sqn and
    7 Queens bn on LOON OP ZAND was to have been
    continued at first light but was postponed
    until 0815 hrs owing to enemy shelling of the
    F.U.P. There was stiff fighting all day
    against enemy MGs, mortars and arty. The
    first objective was captured at 1130 hrs
    and one tp of A Sqn two 50 m/m A Tk guns
    at 158391 and 159392. At 1430 hrs the same
    tp disabled an enemy. S.P. gun at the rd junc
    157398. The left hand tp found strong
    opposition at 154396 and street fighting
    continued until 1645 hrs when 1/7 Queens Bn
    consolidated along the line of the rd
    159398 - 152398.
    To Sheet No. 7/......
    Page 7 of 7
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    17138328(Cont). A Sqn had suffered no casualties and
    8H bag was on S.P. gun disabled, two 50mm
    A Tk destroyed, and 9 P.W.
    During the afternoon C Sqn supported 5 Queens bn
    in an attack to clear the rd WEST of 7 Queens bn.
    They reached the line of the 395 Northing but
    were heavily shelled and mortared and forced to
    withdraw.
    GSGS 2541 Sheet No. 5.
    17138329Under comd 131 Bde. 8H less C Sqn came
    into 131 Bde reserve. C Sqn under comd 5 Queens
    bn continued the attack to clear the rd running
    WEST from LOON OP ZAND. Bitter fighting took
    place with determined enemy rearguards in the area
    1339 and 1239 but by midday the rd. was securely
    held and our tks were thrusting WEST to the
    woods and on to the X rds 1039. At approx 1600 hrs
    8H was ordered to move to the area X rds 1038.
    Route : 171383 - rd junc 1538 - rd junc 161358 -
    canal 154345 - thence along the canal to main rd
    136350. C Sqn reverted to comd 8H and the
    regt leaguered in area 1137.
    In the morning O.C. C Sqn had suddenly encountered
    a German offr hiding in a slit trench and, with
    great presence of mind, had taken him prisoner
    by the simple expedient of jumping on his stomach.
    11637130Under comd 131 Bde. At first light B Sqn took
    7 P.W. from 256 Volks grenadier Div. These had
    been cut off from the general withdrawal by the
    arrival of our tks and had gone into hiding.
    During the night 7 Queens bn. patrols had found
    DONGEN (6640) still occupied. 11H
    patrols set out at first light
    to recce this town, and B Sqn 8H stood by in
    readiness to follow up and secure the town.
    At approx 0830 hrs 11H reported that DONGEN was
    clear and three tps of B Sqn immediately went
    to take up posn. at the canal br 0439, river
    br 059407, and at 059420. In view of the progress
    of 22 Armd Bde to the NORTH and NORTH WEST
    these patrols were withdrawn about midday. The
    remainder of the regt entered DONGEN at approx
    1130 hrs and took up comfortable quarters there,
    still in 131 Bde reserve. The remainder of the
    day was spent in maintenance and recreation.
    06340431Under Comd 131 Bde. At 0900 hrs the C.O.
    attended a conference at 131 Bde. 131 Bde was
    to relieve elts of 51(H) Div along the line of
    R. MAAS between 10 and 20 EASTINGS. 8H was to
    remain under comd 131 Bde in the role of mobile
    reserve. The regt stood by ready to move at
    midday but recce parties to the new area found
    that 51(H) Div were still in occupation and
    would not be ready to move out until 1 Nov. 8H
    move was therefore postponed and the remainder
    of the day was spent in maintenance and
    recreation.

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