8th Infantry Brigade War Diary: June 1944

The 8th Infantry Brigade June 1944 war diary covers the Brigade's D-Day assault landing and the subsequent battle for the Caen sector, from La Brèche and Hermanville-sur-Mer to positions around Gazelle and Château de la Londe. The period opened with the amphibious landing and advance to Colleville-Montgomery on 6 June, followed by sustained patrolling, minefield-laying and repeated attacks to secure the fortified position at Château de la Londe, amid persistent enemy shelling and mortaring.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/611

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WO 171/611 8th Infantry Brigade HQ

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The 8th Infantry Brigade are mentioned in 1 other war diaries from June 1944.

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Page 1 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LA BRECHE	6	0720	Two leading coys 1 S LAN R touched down at beaches at LA BRECHE
			and although met by MG and Mortar fire made satisfactory
			progress.
		0725	Two leading Coys 2 S YORKS touched down on left of 1 S LAN R,
			also encountering some opposition.
		0745	Second waves of the two leading Bns touched down, met by small
			arms and mortar fire. Lt.Col Burberry 1 S LAN R was killed
			whilst directing operations on the beach and Major Stone took
			command of the Bn.
			One Coy of 1 S LAN R proceeded to deal with a strong point to
			the right of the bridgehead.
		0810	1 S LAN R overcame all opposition on the immediate beaches,
			except for the occasional sniper and started to move towards
			HERMANVILLE-SUR-MER
		0825	The reserve bn 1 SUFFOIK touched down on the beaches at

Page 2 of 15

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
6		LA BRECHE and quickly moved to the assembly area, a wood 900
		yds inland. This Bn only suffered about two casualties on the
		beach itself from enemy shell fire.
	0900	1 S LAN R reported HERMANVILLE taken and their Bn HQ established
		there, the Bn consolidating the area.
	0930	1 SUFFOLK assembled in the woods N.E. of HERMANVILLE-SUR-MER
		and one Company moved off to cover the Rn up to COLVILLE-SUR-ORNE.
		This village was soon cleared by another Company of this
		Bn.
	1200	B Company 1 SUFFOLK prepared to attack the first Bn objective -
		a coast defence bty of 10.5 cm guns
	1300	First locality taken by 1 SUFFOLK - the enemy surrendering
		after a few rounds had been fired by the covering troops.
	1320	A' Company 1 SUFFOLK moved forward through the village to attack
		a strong point immediately South of COLLEVILLE.

Page 3 of 15

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
6	1330	2 E YORKS reported the defences on the left of the bridgehead
		cleared.
	1430	Col. Huchinson, 2 E YORKS was wounded by mortar fire and Major
		R.H. Sheath assumed command of that Bn. Reorganisation of the
		Bn was taking place preparatory to their attack on the next
		line of defences to the EAST of the bridgehead.
	1500	A' Company 1 SUFFOLK were unable to capture the strong point at
		the first attempt due to heavy MG fire from the strong point.
	1800	2 E YORKS captured their second objective, taking a few
		prisoners.
	2000	2 E YORKS proceeded to take up a defensive position in
		ST AUBIN d' ARQUENAY
	2100	1 SUFFOLK finally succeeded in taking the strong point south of
		COLLEVILLE after stiff opposition and a large number of
		prisoners were taken. The Bn then proceeded to consolidate

Page 4 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	6		the area around this last feature.
		2130	2 E YORKS were relieved by 1 KOSB and the Bn drawn into Bde
			reserve West of COLVILLE-SUR-ORNE.
		2300	1 SUFFOLK were well dug in on their position and were sending
			out patrols to contact the enerry.
			The other two Bns were carrying out local patrolling during the
			night.
COLLEVILLE	7	0615	1 SUFFOLK were put under command of 9 British Inf Bde to support
			their attack on the right flank. 2 LINCOLNS came under
			command of this Bde,
		1130	1 S LAN R sent two platoons to secure PLUMETOT and CRESSERONS.
		1300	1 S LAN R captured PLUMETOT and CRESSERONS with very little
			opposition.
			2 E YORKS took over the defensive position on the PERIER ridge
			from 1 R.U.R. and carried out patrolling during the hours of

Page 5 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	7		darkness, making contact with 1 S LAN R in PLUMETOT and with
			1 SUFFOLK in area immediately South of COLVILLE-SUR-ORNE.
		1720	1 S LAN R in co-operation with R.M. Commando cleared LUC-SUR-MER
			and one company moved to contain the enemy in a strong
			point on the right, which was still holding out.
		2300	1 SUFFOLK settled down to spend the night in their
			consolidation area.
	8	1200	1 S LAN R ordered to move to BIEVILLE. One Company liquidated
			strong point at LION and took 80 prisoners.
			2 E YORKS no change.
			1 SUFFOLK under command 9 British Inf Bde.
	9	0900	The Bde relieved by 153 Inf Bde - completed by 1130 hrs.
GAZELLS		1200	The Bde relieved 9 Br Inf Bde in the area of GAZELLE and Bde
			HQ was established there.
		1614	Relief finally completed,

Page 6 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
GAZELLE	9	1630	Bde disposition as follows :- 2 LINCOLNS area LE MESNIL Not
			1 S LAN R area LE LANDEL - 2 E YORKS area LE BOIS DE MESNIL.
		1905	2 LINCOLNS report unsuccessful counter attack on their left
			flank.
	10	1400	Patrol of 1 S LAN R established that wood in LE LANDEL not
			occupied by enemy during daylight.
		1600	1 S LAN R despatched one Company to occupy the wood at LE LANDEL.
		1630	One platoon of 2 E YORKS established ANISY to maintain contact
			with 8 Cdn Inf Bde.
		1800	Relief of 2 LINCOLNS area LN MESNIL by 1 SUFFOLK commenced.
		2100	Remainder of 1 S. LAN R moved up to occupy area IN LANDEL. No
			enemy resistance.
		2359	Relief of 2 LINCOLNS by 1 SUFFOLK completed.
	11	1200	Tanks were reported moving into LA BIJUDE.
		1430	Enemy counter attack evidently started to form up in LA BIJUDE

Page 7 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
GAZELLE	11 (contd)		but after being heavily shelled by our guns nothing
			materialised.
	12		No change in positions of own troops. Spasmodic shelling
			during day of 1 SUFFOLK and 1 S LAN R. It is apparent that
			enemy has excellent system of O.Ps from areas LA BIJUDE and
			CHATEAU DE LA LONDE.
	13		Patrols of last night reported sounds of enemy tanks in
			LA BIJUDE.
			A civilian who walked into our lines reported that the Germans
			were evacuating CAEN itself and that the city was a complete
			shambles.
		1945	Enemy ammunition dump in LA BIJUDE set ablaze and exploding
			by our artillery.
			2 E YORKS spent day working on minefield in area MATHIEU.
			A soldier of 1 S LAN R drank a bottle of wine left by the

Page 8 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
GAZELLE	13 (contd)		Germans and was poisoned.
		1730	The Bde Comdr assumed temporary command of the Division as
			Divisional Commander had been wounded and evacuated. Lt. Col.
			M.A. Foster R.A. assumed temporary command of the Brigade.
	14		No changes in dispositions.
			A close study of the tip of the enemy salient at LA BIJUDE
			by our patrols reveals the possibility of approx 20 enemy
			tanks dug in, in that area. It is estimated that the enemy
			strength in infantry in that area is about one company.
		1530	2 E YORKS completed the minefield at MATHIEU
	15		2 E YORKS relieved 1 S LAN R in area LE LANDEL.
			1 SUFFOLK in area BOIS DE MESNIL. 1 S LAN R in GAZELLE.
		0700	Minefield immediately in front of 1 SUFFOLK completed by
			them.
		0900	Patrol report of 1 S LAN R revealed that the sound of enemy

Page 9 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
GAZELLE	15 (contd)		vehicles was heard in LA BIJUDE during the night and that
			fires were burning in CHATEAU DE LA LONDE, EPRON and LA BIJUDE.
		2215	2 E YORKS report that the Chateau at LA LANDEL contains some
			valuable art treasures which should be salvaged.
	16	1240	The Brigade was warned by Division that care should be taken
			when adjusting any minefields laid by the REs as the leading
			edges had been heavily booby-trapped. Slight enemy artillery
			activity during day,
	17		2 E YORKS report that the enemy is using dogs as a warning of
			the approach of our patrols. They have located one in
			LA LONDE.
		0650	All roads out of the Bde area leading into enemy lines were
			blocked to prevent our vehicles, if lost, becoming casualties.
		0900	It has been noticed that the enemy has a considerable number
			of H.A.A. Guns immediately North of CAEN which give trouble to

Page 10 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
GAZELLE	17 (contd)		our aircraft. The R.A. are to regard them, when located, as
			priority targets.
		2110	The RADAR Station at DOUVRES, which had been holding out since
			D Day was finally taken.
	18	0530	1 SUFFOLK reported that a German "flying bomb" passed over
			their area flying due SOUTH towards CAEN.
	19	0600	2 E YORKS patrol reported that there is no enemy In LA LONDE
			itself.
		1520	Warning order issued by this HQ as follows :-
			Reliefs - night 21/22 June - 2 E YORKS by 1 S LAN R. night
			24/25 1 SUFFOLK by 2 E YORKS.
			No changes during day. Enemy activity confined to mortaring
			and sniping of the LE LANDEL locality.
		2140	All units were informed that no passes were to be issued to
			civilians except for immediate entry to unit localities.

Page 11 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
GAZELLE	19 (contd)		The A.P.M. F.S.O. or Civil Affairs would issue General Passes.
			Field return of Officers week ending 3 June, 10 June, 17 June	APPX 'A'
			issued.
			Field return of Other Ranks week ending 27 May, 3 June, 10 June	APPX 'B'
			17 June issued.
	20	0700	2 E YORKS patrol reported no enemy in CHATEAU DE LA LONDE.
			No enemy activity during night.
			Slight enemy shelling of Bde area during day. Pilot from F.W.
			190 landed in minefield in front of 2 E YORKS. Slightly
			wouded and evacuated.
		1930	Now confirmed that enemy still holds CHATEAU DE LA LONDE. No
			enemy in LA LONDE. No changes in general situation,
			8. British Inf Bde Order No. 3 issued.	APPX 'C'
	21	0900	Relief of 2 E YORKS by 1 S LAN R in LE LONDEL area commenced.
		1830	Relief of above completed.

Page 12 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
GAZELLE	21	1900	Sharp bout of shelling on GAZELLE.
	22	0800	Standing patrol 1 S LAN R established in LA LONDE. LA LONDE
			shelled by enemy throughout day.
		1040	GAZELLE shelled by enemy. No casualties.
		1205	1 SUFFOLK bn area shelled. Casualties 1 killed 3 wounded.
			8 British Inf Bde Admin Order No. 4 issued.	APPX 'D'
	23	0200	1 S LAN R commenced silent attack on CHATEAU DE LA LONDE.
		0300	One Company of 1 S LAN R pushing forward, established two
			platoons in LE LANDE.
		0445	One Coy of 1 SUFFOLK moved up to reinforce LE LANDEL.
		0500	Weak counter attack by enemy repulsed.
		0600	Heavy mortaring of all Coys of 1 S LAN R and a sharp counter
			attack by the enemy supported by tanks, was put in. Coys forced
			to withdraw to LE LANDEL.
		1200	Sharp shelling attack on 1 S LAN R

Page 13 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
GAZELLE	23 (contd)		Heavy mortaring and shelling continued on Coys of 1 S LAN R
			throughout day.
		1700	A strong patrol from 1 S LAN R ordered to clear
			CHATEAU DE LA LONDE,
			8 British Inf Bde Admin Order No.5 issued.	APPX 'E'
	24	0030	Fighting patrol left for CHATEAU DE LA LONDE.
		0200	The patrol unable to complete assault due to heavy opposition
			from the CHATEAU DE LA LONDE and patrol withdrew.
		0630	1 S LAN R Companies all back in their former positions.
			Heavy shelling of 1 S LAN R continued spasmodically throughout
			day.
	25	0050	Relief of 1 SUFFOLK by 2 E YORKS in MESNIL wood commenced.
			Spasmodic shelling of Bde area continued throughout day.
			Dispositions as follows : 1 SUFFOLK - GAZELLE, 2 E YORKS -
			LE MESNIL wood, 1 S LAN R - LE LANDEL.

Page 14 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
GAZELLE	25 (Contd)		8 British Inf Bde Admin Order No. 6 issued.	APPX 'F'
			Field Return of Other Ranks week ending 24 June issued.	APPX 'G'
	26	1000	Bde Comd gave out orders for attack on CHATEAU DE LA LONDE,
			LA BIJUDE and EPRON.
			Nothing to report during day except spasmodic shelling of Bde
			area.
			8 Br Inf Bde Admin Order No 7 issued.	APPX 'H'
	27		Short shelling of Bde area during morning.
		1515	1 S LAN R commenced attack on CHATEAU DE LA LONDE.
		1625	Two Companies of 1 S LAN R established in LA LONDE
			One Company 2 E YORKS in position behind LE LANDEL for
			proposed attack through 1 S LAN R.
	28	0415	2 E YORKS and 1 SUFFOLK commenced new attack on
			CHATEAU DE LA LONDE through 1 S LAN R.
		0825	Two Bns established on objective.

Page 15 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
GAZELLE	28 (Contd)		Mopping up operations continued during day.
			Light enemy artillery activity in that area during day.
		1200	2 E YORKS counter attacked by tanks, but this was driven off.
			Remainder of day spent in consolidating positions gained.
	29		Brigade now disposed as follows :- 1 SUFFOLK- CHATEAU DE LA LONDE,
			1 S LAN R - LE LANDEL, 2 E YORKS - GAZELLE. Enemy
			activity confined to spasmodic shelling of forward areas.
			8 British Inf Bde Operation Instruction No.5 issued.	APPX 'I'
	30		The day spent in consolidating new positions and laying of
			minefields.
			Enemy activity confined to spasmodic shelling of Bde area.
			8 Br Inf Bde Admin Order No. 8 issued.	APPX 'J'

Units Referencing the 8th Infantry Brigade

The following units mention the 8th Infantry Brigade in their war diaries from June 1944:

8th Battalion Kings Royal Irish Hussars, June 1944 War Diary

Units Referenced in this war diary

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