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1st. Bn. Black Watch (RHR) of Canada
Month of May, 1945
Area HUDE
Sq. 4801 Ref. Sh.2816 Hude
GERMANY
1st. May, Tues.
Weather - cool with showers. This morning Lt-Col. S.W.THOMSON, D.S.O., M.C, Commanding the BLACK WATCH, left to take over the duries of Brig. W.J.MEGILL, D.S.O. at 5th. Bde. H.Q.; Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY will be acting C.O. of the BLACK WATCH in his absence. Lt. D.H.COWNIE took over the duties or I.O., Lt. J.G.ROBERTS going to the Scout Platoon. It was decided to send A Coy. out on a patrol to the North-West of our present area, tomorrow, and Maj. E.S.DUFFIELD was briefed tonight. The men spent the day in checking equipment and resting.
2nd May, Wed.
Weather - cold and intermittent showers. This morning A Coy. left at 0700 hrs. moving to the area of HEKELERANOAR, Sq. 5103, (Code name KITBAG), prior to sending out patrols to three more forward objectives known as:
MAJOR I - HIDDIGWARDEN - Sq.51O7
" II - HEKELLN - Sq.52O7
" III - HARMEN HAVSEN - Sq.5306 - 5406.
Kitbag was reached without incident and the patrols from there started out at 0930 hrs.. All bridges on the wide canal from MR 503065 to 519048 were reported blown. footbridge, however, was found at MR 515053 and from there on our patrols had to take several detours owing to the terrible state of the roads, the innumerable irrigation ditches and the number of craters and demolitions. Major II was reported clear of the enemy and later on Major III likewise. On our right flank British recce elements had approached to within 300 yds. of Major III, and from there reported it clear, before our men went in. When the patrol approached Major I, however, they encountered s.a. fire coming from the village. The patrol went to round and called for smoke to be laid down ahead of them by our Artillery to cover their withdrawal over the open country. The smoke screen was most effectively laid down from 511075 to 520071 and the patrol was able to return without incurring any casualties. Late in the day it was decided to send C Coy. to KITBAG and this move was completed by 1900 hrs.. B and D Coys. remained in HUDE. The K.of C. an the movie "In Society" tonight to an appreciative audience partly comprised of A Ech. personnel who are now located directly acrose the railway tracks from Tac.H.Q.. It was laid on that O Coy. would patrol to Major I, II, and III in the morning.
3rd. May, Thur.
Weather - intermittent showers. Early this morning C Coy. patrolled on the same plan as A Coy. yesterday. One patrol went via Major II and III, encountering no opposition, but on the return trip this patrol was fired upon by a sniper from Major II. The other patrol also went through Major II to Major I and met with heavy s.a. fire, from the first group of buildings at HIDDIGWARDEN. The patrol withdrew in accordance with instructions, and in good order, suffering no casualties. The Royal Artillery were called upon to lay a concentration on the area and their fire was most accurate - all the rounds landing on the target area. Returning through Major II sniper fire was again encountered. In the afternoon a movie was shown for the men or B and D Coys. and this was repeated for the A and C Coy. personnel in the evening. Liberated and conquered radios tonight brought us the news of the complete capitulation of the German Armies in Italy. This coupled with the word that Berlin is now KAPUT leads us to the belief that the end is definitely in sight. Further substantiation of this might be found in the role are presently playing - a role quite alien to our Div. and the Canadian Army as a whole. At 2000 hrs. weasels were picked up at Bde. to be used tomorrow to transport A Coy. in an attack on HIDDIGWARDEN, Major I, which town they will clear and hold.
OLDENBURG
MR 317077 Ref. Sh. 2815 Oldenburg
GERMANY
4th May, Fri.
Weather - cold with intermittent showers. At an early hour the A Coy. attack was called off, and the Bn. was advised that we would be moving to OLDENBURG which town has surrendered to the 6th. Bde.. At l500 hrs. the move to the new location was made, A Ech. following shortly thereafter. An O Gp. was called at Bde. at 1900 hrs., where the Acting C.O., Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY was notified that the BLACK WATCH would hold itself in readiness to exploit to the North on the thumb of land lying between WILHELMSHAVEN and BREMERHAVEN. The men will be riding in Kangaroos and our task will be to seek out and destroy the enemy in that area. Upon the return of Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY a Bn. O Group was called. As the Coy. Commanders and the Commanders of the Supporting arms congregated in the room where the meeting was being held, the radio was playing. At 2100 hrs., the time scheduled for the O Gp. Maj. V!E.TRAVERY decided to wait until after the B.B.C. news broadcast before proceeding as he had, only a few minutes earlier heard a news flash. The broadcast brought us the news we have awaited so long, and for which we have travelled so far: "All German Armies in Northern Germany, Holland, Denmark, Heligoland and the Frisian Islands have surrendered unconditionally". There was a moment of silence while he enormity of it all was comprehended, then followed a round of mutual congratulations. The O Group was immediately disbanded and the Acting C.O., Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY contacted Bde.. He was advised that the operation scheduled for the morning was cancelled and that we could stand down until further notice. The Cease Fire becomes effective at 0800 hrs. in the morning. There was some celebration throughout the Bn., but largely the feeling was one of relief rather than jubilation.
5th. May, Sat.
Weather - cool with intermittent showers. At 0800 hrs. this morning the "Cease Fire" order became effective in this district. The men had an easy day today as there as no move. In this area there are a number of Russian and Polish prisoners, and for many of them it was truly a day of celebration - the vodka flowing freely. The thought has often been with us that the day of Victory would be -"just another day" and so it largely turned out to be. At 2300 hrs. and O Gp. was called at which time we were advised that we will be moving to an area in Northern Germany to take up occupational duties.
NORDENHAM Area
Ref. Sh. L2 Wilhmeshaven L3 Bremerhaven
6th. May, Sun.
Weather - raining in morning, clearing later. At 0900 hrs. this morning a recce party left for the new area and at l500 hrs. the Bn. moved off for its new duties. Then the recce party arrived in the town of NORDENHAM they were the first Allied soldiers seen in the town, and caused no little confusion. It was decided to set up B.H.Q. in the Court House and as the party was leaving the building a local policeman approached Capt. S.E.GRIFFIN and took upon himself to hand the town over to us. On the way up to the new area many strange sights were seen. Uniformed Germans were directing traffic, others were heading for home on foot, on bicycles, on horseback, in German army trucks or private cars. Largely their appearance was just unkempt. In fields by the roadside and on the road itself were piled arms of all descriptions. It was with pleasure that we looked upon all that equipment, no longer pointed against us. The Bn. is now responsible for an area approximately 75 square miles in extent, and the Coys. are located as follows:-
A Coy. - STOLLHAMM - 418468
B Coy. - KLEIN ECKWARDEN - 458507
C Coy. - ECKWARDEN - 356492
D Coy. - BURHAVE - 409536
Sp Coy. - RHIESEWARDEN - 495481
B.H.Q. - NORDENHAM - 493440
The Engineers of the German Army, in collaboration with ours, are clearing up all the minefields, and today, as D Coy. went in to its area they were conducted through one minefield by a German officer. It was decided that the B.H.Q. would not go into NORDENHAM this night, but instead pull in at a farm at 475445.
7th. May, Mon.
Weather - fair and warm. At 1400 hrs. the Bn.moved on to NORDENHAM. The coys. n their respective areas"have commandeered halls or barns for'the men. The day as spent in unloading, cleaning up, making bunks, getting boilers for water, prearing latrines and sanitation, and in general getting set for a two week stay. A Ech. rejoined the Bn. today. It was announced tonight that ll German Armies in Europe have now capitulated, unconditionally.
8th. May, Tues.
Weather - clear and very warm. VE DAY. Today a section from the Mortar platoon was despatched to BLEXEN MR 5347, to supervise the ferry service there. No German soldiers are permitted to use the ferry. It has been reported to us that some of the Poles in the District have been guilty of appropriating for their own requirement food stocks from private homes in the area. After an examination of the conditions under which the forced labourers have had to exist it is some wonder that they content themselves with taking food, and to all complaints of this nature we have been constrained to reply that had the Germans not brought the Poles into the country the situation could not have arisen. At KLEIN ECKWARDEN, B Coy. appointed new Burgomeister. This man spoke English with a decided Irish brogue . The Coys. contacted German officers and laid on curfews, etc. in their own areas. In the morning all Coys. held Coy. inspection, a daily ritual. while we are stationed here, and a transport check. In the afternoon sports parades were held in all the companies. B. Ech. joined the Bn. tonight.
NORDENHAM Area
Ref. Sh.L 2 Wilhmeshaven L 3 Bremerhaven
9th. May, Thur.
Weather - clear and very warm. Each day we see the German soldier making his way to his regimental area on all sorts of conveyances. Near here are some forced labour camps and the Russians, Poles, Austrians, Dutch, Belgians and French therein incarcerated are being evacuated to OLDENBURG with all possible speed. Convoys depart daily for that town where a transit camp has been established for displaced personnel. A congratulatory telegram was received today from Capt. J. DUCHASTEL, until recently Q.M. with the unit. One platoon from B Coy. was sent 8 miles from "Home" to guard an ammunition dump. In the remaining platoons a kit inspection is being held and all transport is being painted. Lt. A.E.TWEDDELL has been appointed Coy. Fire Marshall and has acquired a German Fire engine. The K. of C. showed a movie tonight in NORDENHAM in a theatre commandeered for the purpose, for H.Q.Coy. personnel. Canteen parades were held today for the rifle companies.
10th. May, Fri.
Weather - clear and very warm. This morning the G.O.C. 2nd. Cdn. Inf. Div., Maj.-Gen. A. BRUCE MATHEWS, C.B.E., D.S.O., E.D., held a conference of all Officers in the Div. at which time he discussed demobilisation plans and the occupational role of the Canadian Army. In each Coy. parades were held, taken by Hon.Capt. A.REOCH in the absence of the Acting C.O., Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY, and messages from Gen. H.D.G. CRERAR, Comd. lst. Canadian Army, Lt-Gen. G.G.SIMMONDS, G.O.C. 2 Cdn. Corps.and Maj-Gen. A. BRUCE MATHEWS, G.O.C.2 Cdn. Inf. Div, were read to the men. A two minutes silence was then observed in remembrance of all the boys who will not be going home with us. D Coy. had a visit today from the officer commanding a German A/A unit in their district. On behalf of the three hundred men under his command the officer wished to sign up in the Canadian Army to fight against the Japanese. A D R Service has been inaugurated, making the rounds of the companies at 0900 hrs and again at 1800 hrs. daily. B Coy. had a 1098 weapon inspection and a transport inspection today, by the Q.M. and the T.O. respectively. Sp. and H.Q. Coys. had their Canteen Parades today. A movie schedule has been drawn up - the K. of C. is permitted to draw two films and the showings will be - Monday and Thursday, D and C Coys., Tuesday and Friday - A and B Coys., Wednesday and Saturday, Sp. and H.Q. Coy..
11th. May, Fri..
Weather - clear and very warm. Protestant Church services were held for A, C and D Coys. today. This afternoon we were contacted by Engineers of the 29th. U.S.Div., who were making a survey of the area, and by an Intelligence Officer from the U.S. Navy. The Acting C.O., Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY and the Adjutant, Capt.E.S.GRIFFIN visited A Coy. in the late afternoon and remained there for supper. A congratulatory telegram was received today from Lt-Col. F.S.MATHEWSON. In the course of the next few days it is anticipated that details of the Canadian Demobilisation Plan will be made available. The plan appeared in today's issue of the "Maple Leaf", and all copies will go to Coy. Cmdrs. first, who will discuss the information therein with the Platoon commanders who in turn will discuss it with the men.
12 th. May, Sat
Weather - clear and very warm. Protestant Church Services were conducted today for the men of B and Sp. Coys.. There has been a great deal of pressing of uniforms, blancoing of web, and shining of brass recently, but not a single grippe on the subject has been heard. It would appear that the men are only too willing to put up a good front before the Heinies of the town. The Q.M, Capt.A.J.H. LEEK, had a mleeting with all the C.Q.M.Ss. this morning, and later he inspected all the Bn. vehicles. Arrangements have been made that stores and rations will be picked up daily by the Coy. vehicles at the Bn. stores in NORDENHAM. A supply of beer was made available today on the scale of two bottles per man. In the afternoon, the I.O , a Lt.D.H.COWNIE, contacted the American naval, authorities at BREMERHAVEN in connection with our granting permission for the movement of vessels on the River WESER. Most of the Coys, held swimming parades this afternoon. The B. Coy. Fire Marshall is now called upon to supply water for a large canvas bath which has been erected in the open for the use of the officers. The K. of C. have been instrumental in delivering books to each company. As there are all to few to go around, corporals may be seen reading aloud to groups of men gathered around them.
13th. May, Sun.
Weather - clear and very warm. The pipe band lead the men of H.Q. Coy. to a Protestant service this morning, held in the local theatre. Although somewhat unaccustomed to parades the men put on a very good show. Later in the day the Padre, Hon.Capt.A.REOCH, conducted services for the isolated platoons. A mobile bath is now in operation in A Coy area and the men of H.Q. Coy held clean up day today. Swimming parades were held in the rifle Coys..
14th. May, Mon.
Weather - clear and very warm. The Acting C.O. Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY, accompanied by RSM LEITCH, carried out an inspection of B Coy. this morning and found the men in good shape. A and C Coys. had a G1098 inspection this morning, and a canteen parade in the afternoon. Today the police of NORDENHAM turned over to the Bn. all weapons in the possession of civilians in the town, and picked up by them in the area. These included everything from A/A guns, to B.B. pistols.
15th. May, Tues.
Weather - slightly cloudy, very warm. D Coy. was inspected this morning, and both D and B Coys. had G 1098 inspections and canteen parades, following. There was a Pay Parade for all Coys. today. Orders today carry notice of the forthcoming Ontario elections in which some 175 men of the Bn. will be eligible to vote. The mornings parades were followed by an afternoon of swimming and sports - except for those men on guard at the ammunition dump, the airfield and the ferry.
16th. May, Wed.
Weather - fair and warm. Today Lt-Col. S. W. THOMSON, D.S.O. M.C., returned to the BLACK WATCH, his spell. of duty at Bde. terminated. Questionaire forms were circulated throughout the Bn. today, soliciting the mens' preference as to their disposal, Pacific theatre of War, Occupational Duties, or return to Civil Life - if eligible one l5cwt. truck from each Coy. was allotted to take some of the men into OLDENBURG to an ENSA show playing there. There was a G 1098 inspection for Sp. Coy. today, and Canteen parades for Sp. and H.Q.Coys..
17th. May, Thur.
Weather - fair and warm. The pipe band left this morning for Holland where a massed band from the Canadian Army will proceed on a tour which will include The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. H. Q. Coy. had an inspection of G 1098 equipment today. All gas stores with the exception of respirators, for which crates are in course of construction, were turned in today.
18th. May, Fri.
Weather - fair and warm. At 0830 hrs. this morning a recce party headed by the 2 i/c Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY, left to inspect the area into which we will be moving next week. The accommodation available there is as yet unknown, and a survey will have to be made. The padre, Hon. Capt. A REOCH, spent the day with the men of C Coy. and stayed there overnight. Tonight the Officers played the Sergeants at softball winning 20 to 10.
19th. May, Sat.
Weather - fine and warm. Today Capt. D.C.MENZIES returned to theeBn. after a course in England. Inspection parades were conducted in all coys. this morning and the afternoon was spent in swimming, sun bathing or sports. Hon. Capt. A.REOCH spent the day with the men of D. Coy..
20th. May, Sun.
Weather - fair, warm, with high wind. A Coy. Commanders O Gp. was held this morning to discuss the sweep of the Bn. area which will be made on the 22nd., to check for stragglers from the German army. All houses and barns will be checked by the men of the rifle coys. and support coy.. Capt. D.C.MENZIES today took over command of C Coy. and was appointed to the rank of Major. Voluntary R.C. and Protestant Church Services were held today for all coys.. Swimming parades were held in the afternoon. Today the Battle Group BEHREND moved out of the 5 Bde. area.
21st. May, Mon.
Weather - overcast turning to rain. A recce party left for the new area this morning to make allocations within the area. When we move to that location the morning will be taken up with parades and inspections and the afternoon devoted to sports and recreation. A condemnation parade was held in A and B Coys. today, the men wearing their oldest and most disreputable clothes. So far 4 0fficers and 75 ORs. have volunteered for service in the Far East. At 1030 hrs. this morning the C.O., Lt.Col S.W.THOMSON, D.S.O., M.C., Hon. Capt. A.REOCH, the Padre and Hon. Capt. B. J. O'Callaghan of the K. of C.attended a conference at 5 Bde. H.Q.. The 29th. U.S. Div., upon taking over control of the area across the River WESER from us discontinue the ferry service between BLEXEN and WESERMUNDE, and as a result a number of civilians were stranded on this side of the river since yesterday afternoon. Since no direct contact could be made with representatives of this formation we commandeered a river barge at BLEXEN, and ferried them over to their side of the river.
22nd. May, Tues.
Weather - overcast with showers. Today the sweep of the area commenced and the many stragglers picked up were sent either to the stragglers collection point in A Coy's. area, or the B.H.Q. for a check up on the papers held. By the time the search was completed the only men of the German army remaining in the area were some pioneers under their own officer, who will be working in conjunction with the U.S. forces, in cleaning up the minefields in the area.
Weather - showery. At the present time we have a party of 20 drivers engaged in driving towed enemy vehicles from the submarine training school at BRAKE, MR 497275 to the Eclipse Dump at OLDENBURG. At 0800 hrs. this morning a recce party left for the town of VAREL to look over the accommodation available in that area, into which the Bn. will be moving shortly. In the afternoon, at l500 hrs. 100 men from the BLACK WATCH joined with representatives from the other units in 3 C.I.B. in a ceremonial parade at BRAKE, when the district was formally turned over to the 29th. U.S. Div.. Lt-Col. S.W.THOMSON, D.S.O., M.C., Officer Commanding the BLACK WATCH was in command of 3 C.I.B. in the absence of Brig. W.J. MEGILL, D.S.O., Capt. S.E.GRIFFIN, our unit Adjutant was Adjutant of this parade, and RSM A.LEITCH, also of the BLACK WATCH was RSM of the parade. Despite the inclemency of the weather, the Handover parade went off without a hitch. The BLACK WATCH contingent was under the command of Maj. C.S.MACLAREN, and many men from the companies attended as spectator . The Artillery of the 29th. U.S. Div. represented the Americans, and their band was present to provide suitable calls and music. A Canadian Army Concert Party show "Combined Op.." performed for units of this Bde. in the Central Cinema at Brake, in the evening - 120 men from the Bn. were permitted to attend each of the two performances. A Coy. held a party this evening. The men had a fried chicken dinner, washed down with rum punch and beer. A movie was shown and that was followed by more eating and drinking. It was voted a most successful evening.
23rd. May, Wed.
Weather - fair and warm. Each Coy. held its regular parade in the morning and the rest of the day was spent in packing preparatory to the move scheduled for tomorrow morning. The Bn. will move on foot, staying over one night en route, and arrive in VAREL on the 26th.. In the course of this evening, however, plans were changed and TCVs. will be forthcoming for the move which will not take place until Saturday. The advance party left for the new area at 1800 hrs.. At 2359 hrs. tonight, control of this area passed from us to the 29th. U.S. Div..
25th. May, Fri.
Weather - fair and warm. Some of the Coys. used their vehicles today to transport beds, tables, chairs, etc., down to VAREL, as in that town we have taken over house from which the furnishings, and the civilians, have been removed. This week the recreational parties to OLDENBURG have been continued on the same schedule as last.
VAREL
MR 2734 Ref. Sh. L 2 Wilhemshaven 1:100,000
GERMANY
26th. May, Sat.
Weather - showery. At 1030 this morning we picked up TCVs. at RODENKIRCHEN, MR 478345, preparatory to the move. Gen. H.D.G.CRERAR, G.O.C. 1st. Canadian Army paid a visit to the Bde. this morning and expressed a wish to inspect the BLACK WATCH. Conducted by Maj. V.E.TRAVERSY, Acting C.O.. of the unit, the party arrive just as our convoy was lining up ready for the move. Rather than have the men debus the G.O.C.-in-C. walked around among the vehicles chatting with some of the men and the officers. At a luncheon at 5 Bde. H.Q., attended by the commanders of all the units in the Bde., the G.O.C. in C. mentioned that it was his preferenc that the units go home as units, and parade as units upon arrival, from the station, rather than break up at the stations. The move to the new area was commenced at noon and the head of the column crossed the D.P. one minute ahead of schedule, at 1329 hrs.. The remainder of the day was spent in settling in and getting acquainted with the new area.
27th. May, Sun.
Weather - fair and showery. Voluntary church services were conducted this morning for the men of each denomination. The settling in process continued with the men out searching for straw, etc.. A Coy. Cmdrs. meeting was held in the evening when information was given out re the purchase within the coy. areas of surplus fresh produce.
28th. May, Mon.
Weather - fair with showers. The rehabilitation training program commenced today Capt. A.G.POWERS has been appointed Chief Instructor, and to co-ordinate the program. Representatives from each company will handle all details within the companies. Lieut. P.H.MacKENZIE takes over command of H.Q.Coy.. The massed pipe hands of the 2nd. Cdn. Inf. Div. played Retreat tonight, in front of our B.H.Q.. Even the Germans seemed impressed! The band on this occasion was under the command of Pipe-Major E.J.PEDEN, of the BLACK WATCH. Today Lt-Col. S.W.THOMSON, D.S.O., M.C. Officer Commanding the BLACK WATCH was appointed to take command of 5 C.I.B.. Maj V.E.TRAVERSY will be Acting Officer Commanding the unit, with Maj. C.S.MACLAREN Acting 2 i/c.. Capt. B.S.LEWIS will be commanding D Coy..
29th. May, Tues.
Weather - fair with thunder showers. This morning the Bn. marched to a field at MR 238318 there, with the rest of 5 C.I.B., to be inspected by Lt-Gen.G.G.SIMONDS, Commander 2 Cdn. Corps. The Parade was in the hands of Lt. Col. S.W.THOMSON, D.S.O. , M.C., of the Black Watch, and RSM A.LEITCH of this unit was RSM of the parade. The Corps Commander arrived at 1030 hrs. and after the playing of the General Salute by the pipe band, was introduced to the unit commanders of the Brigade. The units were then inspected, the Corps Commander stopping to talk with some of the men, after which we rallied around him in the centre of the parade ground while he delivered a short address to the men. The Bde. then moved off and forming up six men abreast marched past the saluting base at MR 247317 where the Corps Commander took the salute, the massed pipe bands playing for the march past. At a luncheon at 5 Bde. H.Q. attended by the commanders of the units in the Bde., Lt-Gen. G.G.SIMONDS spoke at some length upon the tie-in with the U.S.Forees, and also indicated that we may expect to remain in an occupational role until early in July, when we will be transferred to Holland for a spell. In the afternoon all men not on essential duty were permitted to walk out in the town of VAREL. A Wet Canteen was opened for the men in the evening.
30th. May, Wed.
Weather - fair end warm. After Coy. inspections in the morning and the Rehabilitation lectures, the men participated in Coy. sports. In the evening a party was held in the Sgts. Mess in honour of RSM A.LEITCH who is leaving for Canada in the morning .
31st. May, Thur.
Weather - fair and warm. One section of Carriers was despatched this morning to EMDEN for a three or four day period, to be attached to 301 Bde. in occupation there. A Swim Parade schedule has been drawn up allotting the beach at DANGAST MR 260399 to each of the Coys. in turn. A Coy. Commander's meeting was held in the morning and a W.O's. meeting followed. There was a general discussion of responsibilities and duties and the appointment of CSM TURNBULL, A.F., D82922 to be Acting RSM was announced. An ENSA show played two performances in the town of VAREL this evening where attendance was by allottment.
V.E. Traversy, Maj.,
A/Officer Commanding,
1st. Bn. The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada
