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1st. Bn. Black Watch (RHR) of Canada
Month of February, 1945
Area WYLER MEER
ref Sheet 12 NW, Sqs - 7759 - 7658-7758
HOLLAND
1st. Feb., Thu
Weather - very mild, thaw. This morning Maj R. MacDUFF, acting O.C. THE BLACK WATCH, Lt W.J. SHEA, the I.O., Lt W.J. MILLS, Sigs Offr, Sgt CLEMMENTS, W.F., D81300, of the R.A.P., with the Coy Comdrs made a recce of the new area, and in the early afternoon the move up began. The Rifle Coys occupied posns in the sqs indicated, with BHQ at MR 755589, HOLTHURNS CHE HOF. All the coys were in posn by 1600 hrs with the exception of one pl of C Coy which was on the fwd edge of WYLER BERG, and could not move in until after dark. In the posns we now occupy all of D Coy and two pls of C Coy are dug in on GERMAN soil. The men are for the most part in dug-outs and while these were fairly comfortable while the grd was hard and the weather cold - now that the thaw has set in many of the dug-outs have over a foot of water covering the floors. The Change over itself was unproductive of any incident.
2nd. Feb., Wed.
Weather - mild with high wind. Routine Orders #903-920 issued today carries the names of two offrs who had previously been with this unit and who had received decorations. The D.S.0. had been awarded to Maj E.H. ANDERSON of the R.C.A.M.C., and the M.C. to Lt R.E. CHAMBERS who left the Bn about a year ago and is now serving in ITALY. During the night B Coy, our rt fwd coy, est contact with the R DE MAIS on our rt flank. There was some mortaring of C Coy's posn this morning and three cas were suffered: B11774 Pte LANCASTER, J.B. was killed and two others wounded. In the afternoon three 21cm (5 barrelled) Nebelwerfers opened up from the KRANENBURG area causing no damage in our lines. Some shelling was experienced during the day and in all 10 Moreps and 4 Shelreps were phoned in to our next higher fmn. Today we received the news that Lt S.W. NICHOLS, recipient of the M.C., had been killed in a plane crash while en route to ENGLAND on leave. The Padre, Hon Capt A. REOCH, today visited the men of D. Coy. in their most fwd posns. Information available to us indicated that 84 Inf Div is still holding all this part of the enemy's front.
3rd. Feb., Sat
Weather - mild and overcast. At 0300 hrs. today there was harassing fire carried out by the artillery to cover the sounds of the movement of tanks into the area immediately behind us. Today was a quiet day on this sector, very little mortaring or shelling taking place. In the afternoon our 6 pdrs. did some ranging on ZYFFLICH. There will be a small operation on our left tomorrow, and in the afternoon the Acting O.C., Maj. R. MacDUFF, briefed those of our subunits who will be giving diversionary harassing fire. Maj. E. MOTZFELDT who was wounded at Hill 67, in France, returned to us today, and took over his duties as 2 i/c.. A funeral service was conducted today at NIJMEGEN for Pte. LANCASTER, J.B., B11774, who was killed yesterday. The "Canada Gazette" today included the names of the following five Officers and men of this Bn. in their lists of the Mentioned in Despatches: Lt-Col. S.S.CANTLIE (died of wounds) Maj. F.P.GRIFFIN, (killed in action), A/Maj. E.R. BENNETT (killed in action), D82297 L/Sgt.KELLY, F.W., and D81913, Cpl. STEPHEN, R.E..
4th. Feb., Sun.
Weather - rain, overcast. No church services were held today. At 0800 hrs. this morning one unit of the 9th. Bde. put on a small attack, for the purpose of obtaining a prisoner, between our position and the River WAAL, on the flats there. The exercise was a success - six prisoners were taken, two of whom were wounded, several of the enemy were killed and only slight casualties were incurred by the 9th. Bde.. Our C Coy. reported that they had found in their area an unexploded 21cm. rocket, believed to have been one of those fired upon their positions two days ago. In the evening B Coy. sent out a patrol to make contact with our right flanking unit - the ROYAL HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY. On the first two occasions they were out, they were unable to obtain any response or find any trace of our friends, but on the third attempt located two men half way down the cellar steps of the house they were alleged guarding. The area behind us is undergoing a drastic change. Many new formation signs are seen and there is a great deal of digging in progress. Maj. R. MacDUFF, Acting 0.C., and Maj. E. MOTZFELDT, 2 i/c., today visited the forward positions of all the Companies.
5th. Feb., Mon.
Weather - overcast with rain. Today Lt.-Col. B.R. RITCHIE returned from leave. The Pioneers, under Lt. B. SMITH, blew up the unexploded rocket in C Coy's. area. During the last few days there has been much activity on the REICHSWALD front, for which no explanation can be provided. Our. O.Ps. have observed men, in twos and threes, moving here and there, and vehicle lights have been seen at night moving North and South in front of GROESBEEK. Some vehicle traffic would indicate the arrival of more artillery in the area. A patrol from the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS tonight reported that there is much more activity in front of us than there was when that regiment was in this position.
6th. Feb., Tues.
Weather - mild, showers. In accordance with orders received Tac. H.Q. commenced digging in today. This morning Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE O.C. the BLACK WATCH, attended a meeting at 3 Div. H .Q., where he was advised of the plans of that Div. in the forth coming push. "Buffaloes" will be used extensively by them in their part of the operation. Maj. J.P.W.TAYLOR returned to the unit today after an absence of just over six months. Artillery, armour, and many new troops are jammed into this area. There has been little enemy mortar or shell fire for the last few days on our positions. The patrol from the CALGLRY HIGHLANDERS tonight reported in to Tac. H.Q. that they had found everything very still on the flat ground in front of our B and C Coys. Tonight the roads behind us are closed to all traffic unless a permit signed by Brig. W.J. MEGILL, Commanding S C.I.B., be first obtained.
7th. Feb., Wed.
Weather - dull and overcast. Dug-outs around Tac. H.Q., A Coy., Sp. Coy., and Rear H.Q. of D Coy. were completed today. Tremendous quantities of artillery moved into the immediate area. Messages were received today from Field Marshall Sir Bernard L. MONTGOMERY, C-in-C, 21 Army Group, and Gen. H.D.G.CRERAR, G.O.C.-in-C., 1st. Canadian Army, and were read to the men. At the same time the men were briefed on the Operation VERITABLE which commences tomorrow. On the 30th. Corps front, five divs. will attack, the 2nd. and 3rd. Canadian, 15th. Scottish, 53rd. Welsh, and 51st. Highland. The task allotted to our Div. will be carried out by the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS and the REGIMENT de MAISSONEUVE who will attack, clear, and secure the town of WYLER, MR 781583 and form a junction with the 15th. Scottish Div. at RICHTERS GUT, MR 798566. An artillery barrage will commence at 0500 hrs. and the infantry will cross their start lines at 1030 hrs., with the attack by the 3rd. Canadian Div. going in at 1830 hrs.. From 1030 hrs. on the barrage will continue in lifts of 300 yds.. The 0.C., Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE, and the I.O., Lt. W.J. SHEA, attended a meeting at Bde. this afternoon, where Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE outlined to the gathering the plans of the 3rd. Div.. It is six months today since the opening of the barrage preceeding the break through to FALAISE at which time the BLACK WATCH were at BEAUVOIR FARM . At 2200 hrs. tonight our bombers passed overhead to bomb, EMMERICH, GOCH, and part of the REICHSWALD forest with incendiaries and H.E., allowing the enemy his first indication of the direction of our attack.
8th. Feb., Thur.
Weather - overcast with showers. Operation VERITABLE. The barrage opened up right on schedule and increased in tempo until 0740 hrs. when there was complete silence along the entire front to give the enemy an opportunity for retaliation and at the same time enable our counter-mortar people to spot such guns as he had firing. At 0750 hrs, the barrage re-commenced and at 1030 hrs. every unit in the area in possession of heavy weapons was firing. Field, medium, heavy and super-heavy arty., light, medium and heavy A/A., S.P. guns, tanks, Infantry A/Tk. 6 pounders, 3" Mortars, m.m.g. and 4.2" Mortars all started throwing in their contribution. Our forward coys. had withdrawn 300 yds. and did not return to their forward positions until 1200 hrs.. The din was terrific and kept on until late afternoon when it lessened some-what. There was, in the earlier stages, some mortar retaliation and C Coy. had three men killed, B158526, Pte. VINCENT, R.J., B159500, Pte. WHITLAW, J., and B103253, Pte. WILBUR, G.A., and three others wounded at this time. The REGIMENT de MAISSONEUVE established contact with the 15th. Scottish Div. at RICHTERS GUT and then swung back to join with the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS in the attack on WYLER. The fighting there was severe for a time, two attacks being beaten back before we were successful in gaining the town, at 1600 hrs., when 2 Div. H.Q. was notified that the Division's part in the 1st. phase of the Operation had been completed. Casualties suffered by the Bde. were approximately 15 killed and 63 wounded, and while it is not possible to give an estimate of the numbers of the enemy killed, there were 245 prisoners taken, and in addition 7 Officers and one woman, the latter having accompanied her boy-friend, A.W.L. from CLEVE, to WYLER. The prisoners taken were decidedly shaky after the pounding they had received. A draft of reinforcements arrived in A Ech. this morning, making the Bn. over strength. These men will remain in A. Ech. (though posted
to Rifle. Coys.)and undergo training there, under the supervision of CSM TURNBALL, A.F. D82922, with one n.c.o. being sent in from each Coy. to assist. The Div. School at CUIJK has been discontinued, and this afternoon we shall be picking up our men there. Instead of going to England on Privilege leave, the men may, if they so wish spend their seven days in Paris. Maj. J.P.W.TAYOR today returned to the command of his old company , and the Command now stands as follows: Officer Commanding, Lt.Col, B.R.RITCHIE, 2i/c. Maj. E.MOTZFELDT, A Coy., Capt. C.S. MacLaren, B Coy., Maj. R. MacDUFF, C Coy., Maj. J.P.W TAYLOR, D Coy., Maj. E.W.HUDSON, Sp. Coy., Capt. D.MENZIES. At 2359 hrs. tonight the roads were opened to traffic once more, without the necessity of passes being obtained beforehand. Tonight a sergeant from the R.C.E. called at C Coy. H.Q., to ask if he might blow up the house and use the rubble as roads material. As the house, or what remained of it, was being used as living quarters, the reply he received was a most emphatic negative.
9th. Feb., Fri.
Weather- dull and showery. The advance on this sector is, if anything ahead of schedule. This morning the 3rd. Div. secured MILLIGEN and by the afternoon the 15th. had secured NUTTERDEN and the 53rd. were fighting In the Northern end of the REICHSWALD, and had secured the high ground in the forest. Both the l5th. and the 53rd. have advanced beyond the first defences of the Siegfried Line. The 51st. Div. attacking through the South-Western tip of the Forest, had run into heavy defences, and were experiencing difficulty in getting through to their objective -GENNEP. At 1045 hrs. this morning the BLACK WATCH received the order to stand down, and the day was spent in checking over equipment and supplies.
10th. Feb., Sat.
Weather - raining. The road from BERG EN DAL to WYLER has been closed to 2nd. Div. until further notice. As the Bn. has now no tactical role, except in the event of a counter-attack, the Coys. have been authorised to relax, and move into any houses in the area to make themselves more comfortable. The A/Tk. and Mortar Platoons have returned from the forward area to the Rear area, around Sp. Coy., and will establish themselves in any houses available. At the present time all 48 hour leaves have been suspended. One of our leave parties, returning from BRUSSELS, ran into quite a spot of bother. Between GRAVE and NIJMEGEN the convoy in which they were forced to travel on account of the congested roads, was strafed by a lone enemy plane. The plane dropped anti-personnel bombs, and machine gunned the convoy, causing little material damage, before it was brought down by A/A fire. A large consignment of mail arrived today to gladden the hearts of the men. As far as this Bn. was concerned, the day passed very quietly . The padre, Hon. Capt. A. REOCH, buried a German soldier at MR 76855835, about 50 yds. in front of B Coy's. forward platoon. He had been killed about three months ago and was a member of No. 9 FLG Reg.42. D Coy. today found two German maps, one of which was marked. The markings indicated the posn of a Bn. H.Q. and four Coy. H.Qs. The Bn. H.Q. shown is in exactly the posn. indicated on the Defence Overprint for the Groesbeek area, Sheet 12 NW (E) at MR 738570 and was one of the conc. targets in our artillery barrage.
11th. Feb., Sun
Weather - mild arid overcast. A church service was held in A Ech. this morning, and a communion service in A Coy's. area at 1300 hrs.. Since the road leading up through the companies must not be used, a Ration Point was established at Sp. Coy. H.Q. where all coys. called for their rations at l5O0 hrs.. Today the I.O., Lt. W.J. SHEA went to 2 Div. H.Q. as Staff Learner, his post being taken over by Lt. J.B. MULHEARN of D Coy.. Capt. B.S.LEWIS, 2 i/c of D Coy. went to 5 C.I.B.H.Q. as LO,, taking over from Capt. E.D. PRICE who returned to the Bn. to take over his old position as 2 i/c of D Coy.. Internal economy is continuing, with all stores being checked-refitting taking place where ever necessary. B Coy. have relinquished their posn. as right forward coy. and are now back, with some of the men in A Coy. area, and the rest near Sp. Coy. In their area, the men of C Coy. today found the body of an American, presumably killed in the initial airborne in these parts. His identification was forwarded to Hon. Capt. A.REOCH.
12th. Feb., Mon.
Weather - snow, overcast. Snow fell during the night but was soon disippated by the rain which followed during the course of the morning. The advance on this sector has passed well beyond us now, and we are having a very quiet time. All surplus mortar ammunition - some 1300 bombs - was today returned to the dump. There was an ENSA show in NIJMEGEN today, attended by some of the men from the Rifle Coys. and Sp. Coy.
Area WYLER MEER
Ref Sheet 12 NW, GROESBEEK, Squares - 7759 - 7658 - 7758
13th. Feb., Tue.
Weather - overcast and windy. At 0150 hrs a message was received from Bde advising us to prepare to change our accomodation . At 1000 hrs this morning Maj E. MOTZFELDT, the 2 i/c, and Capt E.S. DUFFIELD left for NIJMEGEN to make a recce of the quarters we shall be moving into. These last few days it has been found necessary to keep a carrier at BHQ for the purpose of pulling wheeled vehs out of the mud which is all hereabouts. At l500 hrs a conference was called at Bde attended by the O.C., Lt-Col B.R. RITCHIE and the I.O., Lt J.B. MULHEARN Under discussion were the climatic, topographical, and fortuitous factors affecting the operation VERITABLE. Brig MJ.J. MEGILL, commanding 5 C.I.B., emphasized that Bns in the Bde would include river crossings in their training syllabi, and that the BLACK WATCH would lay special emphasis on this as, if a crossing could not be made on a Bde front, this unit will be the one to spearhead the Bde's action.
Area NIJMEGEN
Ref Sheet 6 SW, MR 722613
HOLLAND
Weather - cloudy. Orders were received today for the Bn to proceed to NIJMEGEN, and the movement was commenced during the latter part of the forenoon. In the town the Bn is located in the PRINCE HENDRICK BARRACKS, originally a barracks for Dutch Colonial Troops, and for the past four years occupied by the enemy. All the boys were settled in their new quarters by 1330 hrs. The coys are most conveniently centralized - A and B occupy one building, A and D another, and Sp a third while BHQ was established in a long building running along the heads of the others - in all forming a letter E. In the evening the K of C showed the movie, "This is the Life", in Sp's building. The coys were allotted turns as duty coy and this was D Coy's day. A 24 hr guard was posted at the main entrance, and considering the fact that the men had only hours previously emerged from life in dug-outs, a very smart turn-out was made. The Pipe Band moved up with the Bn in the afternoon and tonight played "'Lights Out" .
15th. Feb., Thu.
Weather - overcast. Bath parades were laid on today and a full turnout was the result. Pay parades here may not be attended regularly but the men never fail to appear for a good hot shower. In the afternoon the parades had to be suspended as the Bath is in the process of moving to one of the buildings behind our unit lines. It quickly went into operation again and we managed to get all the rifle coys through before the Bath closed at 1700 hrs . The Pipe Band played all calls during the day and turned out to play at the changing of the guard, the duties being taken over by Sp Coy. All men in the rifle coys wishing to draw pay were accomodated today.
16th. Feb., Fri.
Weather - bright sunshine. A Bde and Bn 0 Up was held today attended by the O.C., Lt-Col B,R. RITCHIE and the I.O., Lt J.B. MULHEARN. Once m ore the Pipe Band played for the changing of the guard. A Coy mounted the incoming guard, one of the smartest parades we have seen in many a long month, and favourably comparable to the guards we used to see back in ENGLAND. Following the ceremony the Pipe Band played "RETREAT". Innoculation of the Bn was completed today and pay parades were held for BHQ, HQ Coy, Sp Coy, and A and B Echs. Tonight's movie was "Seven Days Ashore".
17th. Feb., Sat.
Weather - overcast with slight drizzle. Blankets were changed today and quite a treat it is to have clean ones to sleep in after the treatment accorded them. Recce parties left this morning for the area into which we are due to move in the immediate future. Church parades laid on for tomorrow morning have been cancelled. A C.B. was laid on in the late afternoon but soon after was lifted.
18th. Feb., Sun.
Weather - wet. Orders were received this morning to prepare to move once more. Since this move will be taking us into GERMANY all necessary security measures were taken. Our Starting Line is MOOK which we must reach at 1840 hrs. At last, after 5 yrs of waiting, we are moving into GERMANY tonight. It has been a long, hard, and costly road that we have had to travel, and we have aided in liberating two countries and part of a third. Now we will be conquering, not liberation. If anything, the road becomes harder and fraught with more danger than ever before for we will have to contend with a hostile civil enemy instead of a welcoming, hospitable one such as we have experienced up to the present. At 1840 hrs the Bde, headed by our Bn, started crossing the Start Line. At 1130 hrs the C.O., Lt-Col B.R. RITCHIE, the I.O., Lt. J.B. MULHEARN and the five Coy Comds went ahead of the Bn to est Tac HQ and recce the ground held by the HLI at present. The BLACK WATCH will be taking over from this unit. The German border was crossed at approx 2015 hrs, and the convoy passed through the REICHS WALD arriving at BEDBURG, GERMANY at approx 2400 hrs. The DP, which was the NORTH edge of the REICHS WALD MR 878531, was reached at 2200 hrs. The marching personnel rode up on vehs of the 5 FD REGT.
Area CALCAR
Ref Sheet 4203, BEDBURG, GERMANY
19th. Feb., Mon.
Weather - cool and cloudy with intermittent rain. At 0430 hrs this morning D Coy reported that they were in posn, this being the last report in, and the Bn was now completely est in their posns. Tac HQ is at MR 950505. A scare was put into Tac HQ this morning when it was discovered that Capt E. PRICE, 2 i/c of D Coy, had disappeared together with a Sgt, two signalmen, a carrier, and a jeep . Later in the day it was cleared up - Capt PRICE having gone back to the rear, L.O.B. D Coy suffered two cas through shelling and sniping. Lt B.R. COOPER received a "blighty" and I/Cpl DURAND, E.J. was shot through the stomach. The 4th Bde passed through us this morning at 1130 hrs - the two leading Bns mounted on "KANGAROOS". Considerable mortaring was experienced in the Bn area today. The CAN SCOTS put in an attack on woods sq 9650, but the enemy counter-attacked and cut them off, leaving our D Coy right flank open. The situation was restored shortly afterward, and the enemy proceeded to shell and mortar D Coy's area heavily. Despite this heavy shelling and mortaring which lasted throughout the day, the coy was fed and made fairly comfortable by 2200 hrs.
20th. Feb., Tue.
Weather - Slight haze with rain in afternoon, clear and bright at night. D Coy suffered two cas today through mortar fire. The day was spent in resting and checking equipment. Maj E.W. HUDSON, O.C. D Coy, received the plan, from Lt-Col B.R. RITCHIE, for BA support of the ROYAL WINNIPEG RIFLES' attack to clear the woods immediately to B Coy's front. New Bren gun posns were dug after late supper - all within 100 yds of the road. The enemy seemed to want to make the day as uncomfortable as possible for the boys for they continued to shell and mortar D Coy's posn throughout the day. D Coy, being the most forward coy, received more than its share of shell and mortar fire.
21st. Feb., Wed.
Weather - clear and cool. Wars may come and wars may go, but Nature must continue in its predetermined course. Capt D.C. MENZIES, O.C. Sp Coy, acted as mid-wife to a cow, and we are pleased to say that both mother and offspring are doing as well as could be expected. At approx 0500 hrs this a.m. D. Coy was again heavily shelled and mortared, and apart from that "jerry" attempted to smoke the coy off from A Coy on the left. At hourly intervals throughout the day the Scouts reported their contact with the Cdn Scot Regt which is on the right of D Coy. All is well on that flank. At 0515 hrs L/Cpl WALENTYNSKI, G., B160755, of D Coy, observed stealthy movement 75 yds ahead of his posn, which was the rt fwd p1 and very well concealed. He quietly aroused the remainder of his section and had word passed along to the other two pls and to Maj E.W. HUDSON, 0.C. The pls waited until the crawling figures were less than 35 ft from them, then they opened fire with every weapon they had. The "Jerries" threw one grenade which burst 10 ft from the defending pl. At first light four bodies were observed in a semi-circle within 25 ft of their posn. They were absolutely riddled. Occasional mortaring continued but in spite of it, at 0900 hrs., D Coy opened fire according to plan in support of the ROYAL WINNIPEG RIFLES - five Bren guns being used on each task and ten on the last task. Each gun fired between 2000 and 2500 rounds during the three hr period. The R.W.R.'s attack was later reported a success so our firing was not in vain. Lines of communication were difficult to keep going. With each mortaring and shelling they were immediately broken. On one occasion, Maj E.W. HUDSON and his runner went out in between barrages and repaired them practically on the run. As they returned from this they got to within 50 yds of their Coy HQ when the runner, Pt. McAVOY, J.F., Bl55272, was hit by shrapnel and Maj HUDSON received a minor scratch. Cas had to be evacuated by carrier in the afternoon on account of the hy mortaring which the supporting fire brought on. Later in the afternoon the mortaring became intermittent and the coys were able to clean up and relax somewhat. Last night our patrols made contact with the Cdn Scot Regt on our rt at MR 969497 and the Calg Highrs en our left at 963571. Throughout the night NTR. Tac Hq and Sp Coy were strafed by jet planes at 1800 hrs but there were no cas.
Area CALCAR
Ref Sheet 4203, Sqs - 9550 - 9650 - 9651, GERMANY
22nd. Feb., Thu.
At 1400 hrs the Bn moved into the posn previously occupied by the RWRs. Tac Hq is new at MR 959505. The coys are now getting settled in the posns vacated by the ROYAL WINNIPEG RIFLES. The return of Capt V.E. TRAVERSY, formerly adjt and OC of Sp Coy, who was wounded on the 25th Jul, was heartily welcomed by everyone. He is promoted to the rank of acting maj and will be in command of A Coy. Last night our patrol made contact with the RRC on our right.
23rd. Feb., Fri.
Last night one of our patrols, composed of a Cpl and two Ptes went out to recce SE along the main rd from B Coy posn at rd junc MR 976513 towards CALCAR. At 2359 hrs they went through C Coy's posn in gen area 976504, NE along rd to x rds 983508, then along fd to bldg 98515071. They returned by the same route. The patrol leader reported that as they approached the x rds a shout was heard on the right coming from a house at 98515071. They went EAST along the edge of the fd coming into the house from the rear. A voice was heard speaking in German but no other voices could be distinguished. The patrol listened for approx 25 mins then returned to our lines. On the way in they picked up a Bren gun at an enemy trailer at 979506. There was no indication of mines and no rd blocks On the trip out and on the return trip the patrol came under MMG fire from gen area 988502 across rd at approx 979506. The roads were observed to be hard surfaced, fairly high, and giving an impression of fixed line fire. The patrol arrived back at 0200 hrs. Another patrol, Lt R.A. LINDSAY and two Ptes, went out at 2030 hrs to recce SE along high grd from C Coy posn at EAST end of woods sq 9750 to woods in sq 9849 and to recce to HS HORST, gen area 938502. The patrol went out through C Coy from gen area 976504, then to wood 982503 via br at 982506, circled through wood then across open fd to wood at 983501, circled through this wood coming out at ditch 935500 then NE across ploughed fd to HS HORST at 988502 and beyond to a limot of approx 989563. When the patrol started to cross the open fd from 985500 a burning house was observed at 98725025. They halted and observed the house from the grd for approx 20 mins then continued towards it. It was burning merrily and after searching the area without results they went on their way to the top of the feature. The patrol was then observed and a burst of fire came their way. Lt R.A. LINDSAY, the patrol leader, was in front and was taken prisoner after the enemy had first thrown a grenade. Since nothing could be done to help him the other two started back. A MMG opened fire on them when they were about 300 yds away and seemed to come from 989503. The patrol observed a br at 982506 - a wooden culvert which would hold it wehs. The woods at 982503 is clear of enemy and the woods at 983501 has many dugouts and is of fairly large trees. A stream running along the EAST edge of the woods has boggy banks while the fds in the area are ploughed but present no obstacle. The enemy encountered was believed to be of at least sec str - a MMG post. Since the area of woods and rd junc 976512 was reported by the R DE MAIS to be clear, a patrol recced along the rd from the edge of the woods 972505,during the day, to woods 976512 and B Coy then occupied the posn.
Area MOYLAND
Ref Sheet 4203, MR 943517, GERMANY
24th Feb., Sat.
Weather - Cloudy and cold in morning, fine and cold in afternoon. Today the Bn was relieved by the 5 WILTS and moved to conc area at MR 943517. The C.O., Lt Col B.R. RITCHIE, decided to have a sand table made covering the area to be taken in the initial phase of the coming operation. The rifle coys began making their posns in the wood as comfortable as possible - the majority digging dug-outs which would even put the Germans, master at that art, to shame. There was no mortaring or shelling in the area which was a pleasant change from our previous posns. Tomorrow morning an 0 Gp will be held at Bde for C.0.s to study the sand table model of the objectives in the coming operation. Bn I.O.s will attend also.
25th. Feb., Sun.
Weather - clear and cold, cloudy and rain in early evening. Last night the boys has a full night's sleep, the first one since entering GERMANY. The C.O. Lt-Col B.R. RITCHIE, and Lt J.B. MULHEARN, the I.O., attended the Bde 0 Gp at 1000 hrs for OPERATION BLOCK BUSTER. The following fmns will take part in Phase 1 of the operation: 2 CDN INF DIV, 3 CDN INF DIV, 43(W) INF DIV, 2 CDN ARMD BDE (elts). 5 CDN INF BDE will have under comd: A Coy 18 CDN FD AMB, one sqn 6 CDN ARMD REGT, and in support: 20 CDN A/TK BTY, RCA, 7 CDN FD COY, RCE, D COY TOR SCOT (MG). 6 CDN INF BDE is to attack, capture, and hold the high grd 0046 0047 simultaneously with 5 CDN INF BD 6 CDN INF BDE axis will be marked by Bofors with a sec of Bofors firing deceptive tracer towards KAPPELN. 5 CDN INF BDE is to attack on the rt with, in support, one 5qn 6 CDN ARMD REGT, one pl D COY TOR SCOT (MG), and on our left the R DE MAIS. The Bn will assemble in the present conc area. H hr will at 260430 hrs signalled by the code word TURRET. The limit of exploitation is the top of the ridge overlooking CALCAR - code word CRICKET, Start Line - code word GOLF, coy objectives: GULL, OTTAWA - B Coy, RAVEN - B Coy EAGLE - D Coy. The CALG HIGHRS are to be in the Div reserve and one sqn of the 10 CDN ARMD REGT will be assembled in area 9649 on one hrs notice to move from H hr to be employed on the order of the Div Comd to assist, if necessary, the completion of Phase l. The 43(W)INF DIV is responsible for keeping a firm Corps left flank and will relieve 5 CDN INF BDE by the following times: R DE MAIS posn -261400A hrs, RHC posn - 261800A hrs. All vehs of the RHC and R DE MAIS required for Phase I will be fwd of the rd 948485, 966504, by 252000A hrs. The rest of the day was spent getting everything organized and the Coy Comds briefed their coys in turn using the Bn sand model. It was decided that during the night Tac HQ would move ahead and est their HQ at 983482, the present locn of C Coy of the RHLI. Coys moved to the FUP according to plan.
Area CALCAR
MR 983422, GERMANY
26th. Feb., Mon.
Weather - rain, cloudy and cold in afternoon. Tac HQ moved off last night as planned at about 2000 hrs. The C.O., Lt- Col B.R. RITCHIE, moved with the arty reps around midnight. The C.O. was unable to locate the I.O., Lt J.B. MULHEARN and the Sigs Offr, Lt W.J. MILLS, who had gone ahead to est the HQ and when he arrived at Tac HQ, which was C Coy's posn of the RHLI, and neither the I.O. or the Sigs Offr were there he did not manage to est his Tac HQ until approx 0415 hrs. Meanwhi1e "jerry" put in a counter-attack supported by Sp guns on the RHLI posns. After a bit of hard fighting the situation was restored and no grd had been lost. OPERATION BLOCK BUSTER started at 0430 hrs with the usual arty and mortar barrage The coys crossed their start line on time and the opposition stiffened as they neared their respective objectives. D Coy captured their objective but their gallant Comdr, Maj E.W. HUDSON, was taken out severly wounded. They were then forced to return to A Coy posn. Due to 88mm and hy MG fire, Sgt MORRISON, R. was killed and Lt W.J.A. SHEPPARD, too. The Carrier Pl had 15 carriers bogged down end went fwd on foot. The situation was very sticky until the armour came in and shortly afterwards the enemy broke completely. 130 PW passed through Tac HQ during the mopping up process and all objectives were made firm by 1000 hrs The enemy had been forced to withdraw completely out of area. In the early evening the 43(W) INF DIV relieved 2 CDN INF DIV. 129 INF BDE relieved 5 CDN INF BDE and 4 and 5 Wilts and SOMERSETS relieved Bns. A Bde 0 Gp was called for 2000 hrs. The Brig explained that it was the Corp Comdr's intention that owing to confusion the enemy was in, he decided that rather than let the Bde rest overnight they would be committed immediately. The Brig decided that the CALG HIGHRS would advance down towards the HOCHWALD, R DE MAIS to follow, and RHC.
MR 005449
Ref Sheet 4303, GERMANY
27th. Feb., Tue.
Weather - Cloudy and cold, clear in afternoon. We were fortunate we did not have to move until 0900 hrs this morning. The tpt was an hr late moving off and moved at a rate of 3mph owing to the congestion of vehs on roads due to the awful conditions - the roads being badly cratered in many places. Tac HQ was est at 055449 and the Bn conc in the immediate area. Enemy arty fire killed two men from A Coy and slightly wounded Capt C.S. MacLAREN, their 0.C. The whole area became subjected to hy and continuous harrassing arty fire. A Bn 0 Gp was called and the C.O. explained that it was the intention to clear the lower rd running diagonally through the HOCHWALD. The order of committment was to be D and B Coys followed by A and C. Unit report lines were made and called Skinny, Fat, Thick, and Stout. The coys were to pass through the CALG HIGHRS and at first light on the 28th commence clearing the forest. At 1700 hrs the T.O., Capt A.R. HANNA, and 5 carriers containing rations for the Bn were coming from F Ech towards Tac Hq and had arrived at the x rds (MR 010465) when they became bogged down. After persevering steadily, the leading carrier managed to get away under its own power at approx 1900 hrs and was able to proceed a mile nearer Tac HQ. In the meantime, Capt A.R. HANNA had gone on to Bde Tac HQ to report veh cas for the day and on his way back he commandeered a small bulldozer which, however, proved unable to pull out the carriers. Capt A.R. HANNA then went beyond Bde and managed to procure the use of a large bulldozer. On the way back to the carriers "jerry" began shelling, using the sound of the bulldozer as the target. Shortly before this, at 2000 hrs, the enemy lightly shelled and mortared the x rds forcing the drivers to seek cover. The shells and bombs followed the bulldozer all the way causing great discomfort to the T.O. who, being unable to get into the armoured cubby hole of the big veh, was walking along behind it. Every time a shell or bomb began its whistling descent he would sprint around to the opposite side he figured it would hit. Despite the intensive fire two carriers were sent on their way and by 2100 hrs a third was free of the clinging mud. The fifth was discovered to have a split bogie wheel so the T.C with the help of CQMS HUNTER, G.R. proceeded to repair it. At 2350 hrs CQMS OXLEY, R., who had delivered his rations to A Coy, stopped and offered to help with the work .Shortly after they were shelled again and CQMS OXLEY, R. was hit, his leg being nearly severed above the knee. They did what they could for him and put him onto an armoured l5cwt which was going by a CCP. A few mins later the carrier was repaired, towed out, and proceeded on its way to its coy.
Area HOCHWALD
MR 017431, Ref Sheet 4303, GERMANY
28th. Feb., Wed.
Weather - clear and fine. The attack started but the coys were immediately pinned down by hy arty and mortar fire and no one was able to move. The cas, which were not too hy at the time, were almost impossible to move and not until noon time could a system be worked out in conjunction with the CALG HIGHRS whereby our cas were attended to and evacuated to rear areas. Control was hard as WT did not work too well and at times contact with coys was completely cut off. Maj V.E. TRAVERSY was ordered by the C.O. to stay with the tanks and lead them in accompanied by the Scouts to remove opposition which was holding up the Bn. They were unable to be of any material assistance to us and finally took up a posn in front of C Coy at the edge of the woods. Here Maj V.E. TRAVERSY, using the Scouts as runners, est contact between the coys and Tac HQ. At 2100 hrs a Bde 0 Gp was called and situation was discussed. At midnight it was decided that the R DE MAIS would move up and hold firm the grd at the edge of the woods, and we would withdraw for re-org. During the day we were subjected to hy arty fire but our own arty did good counter bty work and for the first time the Land Mattresses were used as support. Withdrawl was carried out as per schedule and all coys less B Coy moved back to conc around Tac HQ. B Coy was left in posn covering a gap between two fwd coys of the CALG HIGHRS.
Motzfeldt Major
Acting C.O.
SUMMARY.
The month of February has been a month of hard work and fighting. The period of static warfare has ended, and the drive which is now on is, we hope, the last phase of the war against GERMANY.
Some of the fighting was a test of the morale of the men, many of whom have never before been engaged in such stiff battles. A great boost to morale is the fact that we are now fighting on German soil, and it is a pleasant change to know that such destruction as we are causing is to German property, and not to that of a friendly people. Every step forward now is a step nearer Berlin, and we all feel that the end is in sight.
The loss of Maj. E.W.HUDSON, D Coy. Commander, who was wounded, is a heavy blow to us for he was an excellent leader of his men, a most enthusiastic soldier, and what we need now is enthusiasm to carry us through this campaign, the success of which depends so much on our punch and verve.
Casualties during the month totalled 3 Officers, 21 OR Killed, 4 Officers, 109 OR Wounded, 1 Officer, 5 OR Missing.
Casualties suffered by the Bn. since the commencement of Operation BLOCK BUSTER, when we participated in our first attack on German Soil were 3 Officers, 16 OR Killed, 4 Officers, 87 OR Wounded, 1 Officer 5 OR Missing.
Reinforcements received during the month totalled 8 0fficers and 82 OR.. Follows the names of the Officer reinforcements 3 Maj. E. Motzfeldt, Maj. J.P.W. Taylor, Capt. V.E. Traversy, A/Capt. W.L.Barnes, Lt. A.G.Gaum, Lt. L.R.Thomas.
