War Diaries of 22nd Armoured Brigade Workshop

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

1945

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January 1945 Commanding Officer: Major W. Hammerton
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
K520745	1 0 12 Jan,		Nothing to report. Severe frosts continue.
	13,Jan		Moved to new locations South of Sittand (K676668)
	14.Jan		Some shelling inthe area. No casualties.
	15 - 31 Jan.		22nd Armd Bde engaged in operations on the front Many tanks come into Workshops,. Work proceeds daily on an average if 15 tanks.
			Recovery Section very busy. Transporters used extensively in forward areas, owing to impossibility of towing bf wrecks on the icebound roads,

February 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
K520745 (SITTARD)	Feb, 1		Swift thaw.
	2 - 7		Routine. Work on tanks heavy. The state of ground and roads makes work for recovery section.
	Feb.		Battlefield swiftly and successfully cleared
	8.Feb.		Major W. Hammerton (O.C) killed by a mine explosions while reconnoitering route to recover an abandoned D-8 tractor in HEINSBERG AREA.
	9 Feb.		Ordered to clear W/Shops by 14 Feb in view of the probability of a move,
	10 Feb -
	12 Feb,		Nothing to report.
	13 Feb,		Major-general Lyne CB. DSO, MC., GOC 7 Armd Div, visited Unit to lecture Unit on the conduct of recent operations/
	14 Feb. -
	20 Feb,		Nothing to report.
	21 Feb,		Moved to WEERT (Triactagedabbriek) K578963. Rest and refitting period.
			Recovery Section with W/Shops.
	22 Feb,		Refit programme starts. Rest period encourages ambitions programme of games and sports (inter0unit and within unit).
	23 Feb -
	27 Feb.		Routine.
	28 Feb,		Major J.W,Hallett joins Units as O.C..

March 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
K578963	1 - 18
(WEERT)	March 45		Worked continued steadily on large number of jobs.
	19 March 45.		G.P.C. 7 Armd Div, Major-Gen. Lyne visited the Unit. Everything satisfactory.
	20 - 26
	March 45.		The W/shops is gradually cleared, ready for the move.
A.010271	27 March 45.		To A.010271 (Goldern). Staging area,
A.160425	28 March 45.		Moved to A.160425 (Nialich).
A.469528	30 March 45.		054 hrs moved to A.496528. RAESFELD.
A.382632	31 March 45.		0600 hrs moved to A.382632, GEMEN.

April 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
A.382632	1 - 2		Nothing to report.
GEMEN
A529898	3		Moved 0630 hrs to area already alloted and held by advance party (A529898). On arrival of convpy, it was found that the area was occupied by a Coy. of K.O.S.B. (52 (Lowland) Div.) Since this impasse was causing a road block, a further recce was made, and the Unit leaguered in MIENBURG (A565934).
			Breakfast was made here. At 1100 hrs the first area was vacated and the Uniy moved back.
A565934	4		Expect to move tomorrow,
	5		Ordered a.m.to move at first light on 7th. Later ordered to move a.m. on 6th. Ar 2200 hrs ordered to move on 7th to areas not yet allocated.
	6		Nothing to report.
	7		Moved at 0630 hrs, to go to area allotted 65 miles away. (W22). Leaguered at 1300 hrs at MILIM (W22280). Messed from CREME to move on to area DILLINGEN.
STEMSHORN			Advance Party went off. Convoy moved at 1430 hrs and leaguered at STEMSHORN (W4229)/
(W4229)
	8		Two prisoners taken. One, in civilian clothes, denounced by a Russian and a German.
SJLINGEN	9		Moved to SJLINGEN (W724548) at 0630 hrs, Shop opened. A considerable amount of work brought in.
(W724548)			Expect to stay here 4 days, Difficulty experiences in coping with the various batches of Dutch, Belgians, Yugoslavs, Russians and Poles, the quondam workers in thus factory; but they give no trouble, The Germans are still meek, and only too painfully anxious to be allowed to help. All is well with them; the have captures several scores prisoners
	10 - 13.		Concentrated work produced teh repair of 14 tanks, Our peace was disturbed by canvasseurs fior our site. 84 (Br) Gen Hospital finally won the field by moving in en bloc.
X996522	14		0615 hrs moved to X996522, acid factory in NEINBERG.
	15 - 18.		Work on several tanks successfully completed.
	18.		Expecting to move on 19th at dawn, At 2330 informed that we must clear RETHE< Bridge by first light.
WOLTENDINGEN	19		0400 hrs moved to WOLTENDINGEN (X408952)
(X408952)	20		Rec Sec sent two ARVs to the outskirts of FINTEL (S2510) to received 6 armoured cars of Household Cavalry, Recce Regt to Gds Armd Div. Cars ere recovered. In doing so, ARVs were bogged. Another ARV and two Scammells went to their assistance and were also bogged. 15 men spent one night defending equipment.; the Recce Regt withdrew 5 kilos at Dusk.
	21 - 23		During these three days and nights 40 odd prisoners were taken from enemy withdrawing NE from FINTEL. On 23 Capt Nicol with Sgt Willins and party entered FINTEL and ordered the Burgomaster to surrender arms and enemy in hiding. Further 10 prisoners were taken
	24.		All equipment apart from Sherman ARV recovered, Further attempt will be made in 4 days with two D8s on a road being built to the ARV by civilians of FINTEL.
TODGLOEINGEN	25.		W/Shops moved to X337218,, TODTESEDT railway stations. Arrived at 0930 hrs.
X335227			Opened for work. In teh afternioon, learned that the railways trucks on the siding were occupid by displace personnel from HAMBURG. Moved to X335227 TODGLOEINGEN.
	26 - 29.		Work proceeded on many tanks. Sherman spares critical.
	30.		Sherman ARV bogged at FINTEL now being recovered.

May 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
B. L. A,	1		Sherman ARV recovered. In workshops for repair
	2 & 3.		Nil
	4		Celebrations in the evening of surrender of German Tps to Fd Marshall Montgomery.
	5.		Nil
	6.		Moved at 06.30 hrs. Through Hanburg to Ondorf X4255 Leaguered in Hitler Jugend school
	7.		Nil.
	8.		Moved to Itxehow Portland cement factory at 0515 (X 1794).
	9.		No work here Division engaged in shepherding surrounded Germans to concentrations areas North of Wilhelm Kaiser canal. New area for Uniot recce at Tillingstaeelt. Expect to be there 14 days, preparing Dive for 500 miles maech back to static area of occupation,
	10.		Ordered tomove 0515 tomorrow, Order to move cancelled at 23.30 hrs,
	11		Moved to Beringstadt railway station N 182150
	12-14		Nil.
	15.		We are in 8 Corps area, B,D,M.E, 8 Corps has ordered that REME Units will not occupy railway area. It is necessaryy to move vehicles off teh station yard.
	16-24/		Nil
	25-27.		Nil
	28		Capt Capbell leaves to go on course -Duties of Regimental Officer taken over by Lt Dalby.
	29.		Nil.
	30.		G.O.C came and gave a talk on our roll in the advance after crossing the Rhine.
			He talked of our future roll as a Division.
	31.		Sent sundry tanks (lone mileage vehicles) away to Hamburg

June 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
N182150	1	June.	Nothing to report.
(BERINGSTEDT).	2	June.	Kin's Birthday. Holiday declared,
	3 + 4	June,	Nothing to report.
	5	June,	Recce sent to look for new area. Location for the Unit.
	6	June.	Holiday declared. (D-Day Anniversary).
	7 = 12	June.	Nothing to report.
X1501978	13	June.	Moved from Beringstedt into area N. of Itzehoe.= Edemdorf (X1501978)
(EDENDORF)
	14	June.	Nothing to report.
	15-30	June.	Nothing particular to report. W/Shops activity continued at fairly high pressure, Movements set on foot to organise Unit theatre and recreation room, to run a Unit newspaper (2 editions punished this month) to initiated a horse-riding school. It is expected to remain in this area until Winter quarters are found for the Division. Accommodation is not good. A large proportions of the men live under canvas. Mil. Govnt. threaten to dispossess of the scholl, the most useful building.

July 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
EDENDORF	1-19		Nothing to report.
X 1501978	20		Moved to garages of Hannesten Barracks. Excellent site for work and shelter.
			Accommodation for troops not good. (S 176542).

S175908	21-24.		Nothing to report.

	29.		Institution of a weekly OCs parade on Sunday-alternate weeks- inspection and kit inspection,
	30-31.		NIL.

August 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ITZEHOE	1	Aug.	New billets obtained for ORs in flats outside the hospital area. Occupation effected immediately/
S.176942.
	2 - 31		Remained in the same area. Expect to remain here at least until the Spring, and therefore have become more settles and static.
	Aug,

September 1945 Commanding Officer: Major J.M. Hallett.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ITZEHOE	1 - 17		Nothing to report. Severe shortahe of personnel owing to large numbers being released, proceed on PYTHON and LILOP.
S.176942.	Sept,

	18 Sept.		Informed that a reconstruction of the Div is to take place. All ranks of Age and Service Group 26 and earlier to be removed from the Bde,
			All ranks of A ^ B Gps 27 or later to stay, unless they are ineligible by state of service overseas in accordance with the regulation governing elihgibility for SEAC

	19 - 30		Preparations in hand for the reception of all "eligible" replacements for the Div REME. Preparations also in hand for the posting out of our "ineligibles".
	Sept.

October 1945 Commanding Officer: J.M. Drake
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ITZEHOE	1 Oct		Transit Camp opened by this unit to handle the REME reinforcements for the Division required under reorganization scheme Authority from Division for Accommodation Stores, transport, rations etc. Also civilian cooks,
	2 Oct		225005, Lt. N,Haslam posted to HQ 7 Armd Div.
	3 Oct		256059 Maj J,E, Drake l 255693 Capt D. J. Hallam and 500565 Lt I..? Edwards joined.
	5 Oct		154648 Capt A,D, Wilmot T.O.E, 544986 Ly. R Appleby T.O.E. and promoted to A/Capt. 27 Reinforcements T.O.E.
	6 Oct		14 Reinforcements T.O.E.
	7 Oct		Div forecasts 2nd Reorganization Scheme on A&B Gps 32 and over
			17 Reinforcements T.O.E.
	8 Oct		Maj J.M. Drake assumes command, 16 Reinforcements T.O.E..
	9 Oct		64 Reinforcements T.O.E. ??? maximum personnel this Transit Camp 157 in 65 out.
	10 Oxt		185539 Capt P. Turnball posted. 5 Reinforcements T.O.E.
	11 Oct		40 Reinforcements T.O.E.
	12 Oct		Winter quarters (Barrack Block of ex German hospital) occupied by ORs.
			Maj J.M. Hallett assumes duties of CREME pending arrival of newly appointed CREME.
	16 Oct		Visit by Mj Gen Lyne, who addressed the troops
	18 Oct		Winter quarters obtained for Sgts Mess.
	19 Oct		Winter quarters obtained for Officers Mess,
	24 Oct		Return required for 2nd Reorganisation rendered, About 7% of personnel affected.
	26 Oct		Informal Inspection by bew CREME Lt.Col. C. Wilkinson
			Visit by C.E.M.E. 8 Base Sub Area reference administration of 928 Tyre Repair Unit for which this unit is responsible,
	29 Oct		Visit by CREME who address the tropps.
	31 Oct		Maj J.M. Hallett S.O.E. on Class "A" Release.
			164 Reinforcements arrived during the month of October.
			496 Reinforcements passed thro' Transit Camp during the month of October,
			221926 Lt. R.G, Cockerhan joined unit.

November 1945 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ITZEHOE	1 Nov		P.I. received for Capt W. Sexton R.A.O.C.
	2 Nov)
	)
	3 Nov)
	)		Nothing to report
	4 Nov)
	)
	5 Nov)
	6 Nov		Visit of A.D.O.s. Lt.Col. Patrick.
	7 Nov		278419 Capt Sexton joined the unit.
			185539 Capt Turnball detached to 922 Armd Tp Wksp.
	8 Nov		Visit of CREME
	9 Nov		Nothing to report.
	10 Nov		292442 Capt McCarty attached FAP pending allocation in Division.
	12 Nov		Lt Beet attached FAP pending allocation in Division.
	13 Nov
	14 Nov
	15 Nov
	16 Nov		Lt Cockerham took over duties of Regtl Officer from Lt Edwards.
			Visit by DREME Lt.Col. Wilkinson
			Capt Hallam attended first meeting of EMEs to answer training No 2 at HQ 8 Corps
	17 Nov		Lt Edwards attended EMEs meeting at HQ 8 Corps on Wksp equipment.
			Cfm Hillary accepted Class "B" Release.
	18 Nov		Lt Edwards proceeded on leave.
	19 Nov		Capt Hallam received Class "B" Release - did not accept.
			Cfm Simpson proceeded on compassionate leave to Edinburgh.
	20 Nov
	21 Nov		Lt Ronald arrived from 131 Bde Wksp
			L/Cpl Buston proceeded on B&M Motor Cycle Course at Keswick,
	22 Nov		Conference at this Wksp on (1) 2nd Line Repair Proceedure
			(2) Outstanding indents of LADS & Wksps for engines. (3) "A" Veh RAOC scales.
			Attended by OC 22 Armd Bde wksp, REME 22 Bde, EME 8, EME 6 IDG, OC 107 AOFP
			Page covering intermediate dates missing
	27 Nov		Capt Appleby reported back from detachment to 23 Port Wksps REME
			OC Major Drake, proceeded on leave to UK.
	28 Nov		Capt Hallam took over command of unit wef today/
			Lt Lewis reported on posting from 34 Tank Bde Wksp REME & FAP wef today.
			Capt Caswall reported on posting from & FAP wef today.
	29 Nov		Second re-organisation commenced. Capt Sexton on Short Leave.
	30 Nov		Lt Lewis proceeded on UK Leave.

December 1945 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ITZEHOE	1		Lieut. WESTERWAY proceeded on U.K. Leave.	App I ^{Folio 1} attended A.F.W 3008. 9.s red 1.142.45
"	2		Lieut. HOMAN-BERRY 295320 reported in, attached to 131 Workshop until positing instructions received.
"	3		Transit Personnel continue to arrive, and redistributed to various Units
"	4		Lieut. HEIGHT 555240 proceeded on 4 days Education Course.
"			Lieut, WAITE 292454 T.O.E.
"	10		All Officers attend the Divisional Commander Maj-Gen LYNE L.O, CB DSO farewell speech
"	11		Visit of the D,C,A to Workshop.
"	12		Visit of the new Divisional Commander Maj-Gen Roberts G.P.B. CB, DSO MC, to workshop, accompanied by XX C.R.E.M.E.	Appe I ^{Folio 2} attended A.F.W 3008. 9.s 8/12/45
"	15		Maj. J.M Drake returned from leave, reassumes command of Workshops.
"	18		Lieut. LEWIS 292459 returned from leave. Posted to 143 Fld Pk Sqn RE.	15^th Dec 45 App I Folio 3 attended A.F.W 3008. 9.s
"	21		Lieut. WESTERWAY 515501 returned from leave, and left for Berlin the following Day.
ITZEHOE	22		Many promotion difficulties due to this Unit holding Transit Pool for all R.E.M.E. in the Division, involved in re-organisation. Units posting in re-inforcements, tend to post them to this Unit, whereas destination may ne 131 Bde W/S in Berlin via Transit Pool. Where N.C.Os. are so posted, though not T.O.E. by this Unit, much corresp0ndence ensures with 2nd Echelon who9 query existing promotions with the W/E.	Appendix I ^{Folio 4} attended A.F.W 3008. 9.s
			Only 67 of All Ranks, on present strength of the Unit, were on the strength three months ago.
ITZEHOE	25		Xmas Day celebrated in traditional style. Dinner served to Men by the Officers and Segeants.
"	28		Lieut. COCKERHAM 221926 proceed on Class "B" Release.	29 Dec 45 App I ^{Folio 5} attached
"	31		Five O.Rs/ required to complete Second Re-organisation.	A.F.W 3008. 9.s
			Eight personnel still held in Transit Pool/

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