War Diary of 5th Royal Tank Regimemt 1945


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tks
Month and Year:- January 1945			C..O.:- Lt.CoL. C.A. HOLLIMAN DSO MC
			Ref Maps:- 1.100,000 Sheets 9. 4. 11

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information


LIMERICHT	1		Regt. Location at LIMERICHT 668703.
	2		No event.
	3		‘C’ Sqn relieved ‘B’ at HOTUM and occupy inf posns there
	4		No event.
	5.		‘A’ Sqn with part of Recce Tp under comd take over from ‘C’ Sqn.
	6		N.T.R.
	7		‘A’ Sqn relieved by 8H.
	8		N.T.R.
	13
	14	1300	Regt moves area GELEEN 6367 making a direct change over with Main HQ 7 Armd Div.
			Route – SITTARD.
GELEEN	15		N.T.R.
	16		The CO addresses all ranks in the Cinema on the forthcoming operation “BLACKCOCK” the object of which is to clear the enemy resistance between the Rivers MASS and ROER. Fmn taking part 7 Armd Div 8 Armd Bde 52(L) Div and 43 Div,
	17		All ranks dance in Cinema.
	18		No event.
	19		Regt at 1hrs Notice to move as from 1100hrs.
	20	1330	Regt leaves for operations ‘C’ Sqn leading approach march made to BOCHTEN 648733.
	21		C.O. Lt.Col. C. A. Holliman DSC MC killed by enemy shell fire at SCHILBERG X-rds whilst on the way to 22 Armd Bde. Maj D.W. Macdonald assumes comd of the Regt. ‘C’ Sqn moved to HOLTUM
	22	1430	Regt moved to ECHT.
	23		‘C’ Sqn came under comd 2 Devons 131 Bde and passed through St. JOOST 715617. 9 and 12 Tps supported 2 Devons in night attack on AADENBERG 747828.
			Attack successful and remainder of night spent mopping up – 18 PoW incl 1 Offr were taken and approx. 100 Inf routed and observed making off in an easterly direction. During the early hours of the morning both tps were subject to heavy and accurate shell fire.
			Casualties:- L/Col Billett KIlled
			The new C.O. Lt.Col. A.R. Leakey MC arrives and takes over comd of the Regt.
ECHT	24		‘C’ Sqn consolidate AADENBERG. 9 Troop moved to Pt. 703673 and 12 Tp tp 754832 where the remained in observation.
			‘B’ Sqn moved from ECHT to a farm at 753835. 7 Tp opened fore at some Boche seen digging in around the station 732844, setting fire to the waiting room.
			5 Tp brewed up a house at 751878 where some movement had been seen.
			Casualties Tpr Wilson ‘C’ Sqn Wounded.
	25		‘A’ Sqn left ECHT and spend the night outside MONTFORT at 743827 with No. 1 Tp in posn supporting the 2 Devons at 764835.
			‘A’ Sqn remained in the same posns around the wood where 3 Tp were subjected to a certain amount of shell fire at 762843.
			‘C’ Sqn swapped ober tps Nos 11 and 11 taking over from 9 and 12 tps. The latter two in the afternoon with 2 Carrie secs and 2 Inf pls of 2 Devons continued the advance eastwards. 9 Tp reacg 773837 with an Inf patrol at 782839. 12 Tp reached ?????? ??????? 778804. In the evening ‘C’ Sqn withdrew to ECHT.
	26	0900	‘A’ Sqn moved off to support 1 Cdo Bde ??? 1 Tp was placed to posn 734843 supporting 6 Cdo. remainder of Sqb at 732846
		1400	Nos 1 and 2 Tps went out with 6 Cdo to do a patrol in area road 7683 RHEINE. Enemy guns in wood – Spandau fire from house 773863. After firing Bren and HE at the house patrol returned. ‘B’ Sqn did a recce forward to try and find out where or what the enemy were doing.
			One Honey Tk belonging to Recce Tp was hit by a Bazooka. Apart from unpleasant stonking on Sqn Hq and 3 Tp bothered by snipers, al objectives were reached without enemy interference.
			“C” Sqn remained in ECHT.
			Casualties:- Tpr Jenkins and Tpe Steel wounded.
	27	1000	No. 1 Troops ‘A’ Sqn relieved No. 3/
		1300	2, 3, and 4 Tps supported 6 Cdo in a recces in force with the intention of safeguarding the left flank of the 5 Cdo and 1 RB who were clearing St. ????????????????? ????.
			Some enemy were shooting, but apart from shelling and mortar fire all objectives were reached in the end.
			‘B’ Sqn returned to posns as before with ????
			‘C’ Sqn to ECHT.
	28		1 and 4 Tps ‘A’ Sqn patrolled to ???? ??? as before and were heavily mortared, ????? and ???? ??? ??? Cdo took ????. ‘C’ Sqn moved up and took over from ‘C’ Sqn with tps at ?????, ???? remain in observation all day. ‘C’ Sqn moved to MAASBRACHT ???? and ??? RHQ.
MAASBRACHT	29		‘C’ Sqn HQ went to ???? rest of text is illegible on the present copy.
MAASBRACHT	30		Nos 1 and 2 Tps ‘A’ Sqn patrolled same area. Cdos entered wood 7685 and intended to clear it, but lost two officers killed and several men wounded.
			One Dingo was lost on a mine and the driver wounded.
			The patrol eventually returned after an unsuccessful attempt to recover the dingo which a second mine exploded, killing Capt. J.C. Messent of the Recce Tp.
	31		B Sqn relieved ‘A’ Sqn of its commitments – other NTR.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- February 1945			C..O.:- Lt.CoL. A..R. Leakey MC.
			Ref Maps 1:50,000 (23, 36) (27, 37)

Date	Time	Place	Summary of Events and Information

1		MAASTRICHT 710845	Reg. under Comd. 1 Commando Brigade, “C” Sqn. being employed in an observation role with Sqn. HQ at MR 710815 Maasbracht and troops in position at 750843, 758834 and 772838. Apart from spasmodic gunfire NTR.
2			“C” Sqn. troops moved out at first light to positions of previous day, being preceded by an Infantry patrol of 2 Devons for each troop, who in turn searched wooded area and tracks for mines. During the day Heide Wood was shot up with HE and Besa a certain amount of mortar fire was returned. Towards evening enemy were observed at 773851 apparently digging in. These were promptly shot up; it was however difficult to observe the damage inflicted but the enemy disappeared. At last light troops were withdrawn.
3			“A” Sqn. relieved “C” Sqn. who returned to Brachterbeek. During the day “A” Sqn. T and A’d sights from their positions, practising both Direct and Indirect firing into Heide Wood. 7685 – Spielmanshof 772851 and the factory area 756869.
4-5			“A” Sqn. Continue to T & A. Remainder of Regt. continue maintenance.
6			“C” Sqn. took over “B” Sqn’s positions at Maasbracht. One troop was out at 734843. This troop was placed under command 6 Commando Brigade. Wounded:- 7910799 Tpr. Smith, M.
7			1 Troop of “C” Sqn. supported by Commandos moved to area 733869 and shelled the island in the R Maas SW of Linne. At least 12 enemy killed and wounded. Also destroying what was thought to have been the only W/T set on the island being used by the enemy, killing the operator. Towards nightfall one scout car accompanied the Commandos who broadcast to the enemy resulting in the surrender of 12 more Boche. Casualties:- Enemy 24 killed, wounded and POW. Own:- 14218456 Tpr. Newman P. DOW.
8			“B” Sqn. took over “A” Sqn. positions, otherwise NTR.
9			An enemy patrol of 6 men attacked a tank at 737843 with a Bazooka, these however were seen off by 6 Commandos.
10			Div. Comds. talk in the cinema to all officers and full rank NCO’s, subject:- Exercise Blackcock.
11			“C” Sqn. took over positions from “B” Sqn. 08.30 hours. Recce parties left for next area Bocholt, otherwise NTR.
12-13			NTR. “C” Sqn. carry out shooting practice.
14			“A” Sqn. took over from “C” Sqn.. Sqn. HQ at 744822 with troop positions at 751841, 743837, 758833 and 772737, otherwise NTR.
15-17			Shooting practice continued, but there was a reply from an enemy gun of large calibre although no casualty was sustained.
18			NTR.
19	0715		Regt. less “A” Sqn. moved back into Belgium for a rest period, positions being taken over by 8 US Armd. Div.
	1130		Regt. arrived in Bocholt having taken the following route:- Schilberg X roads – Susteren – Masaeyk – Kinrooi – Bree.
	1500		“A” Sqn. arrived in Bocholt.
20			CO’s Sqn. Leaders conference.
21	1430		CO inspected HQ Sqn.
	1530		CO Inspected Recce troop.
22	0930		CO inspected “A” Sqn.
	1030		CO inspected “A2” Echelon.
23			CO inspected “B” and “C” Sqns.
24			Firing on Lommel ranges.
	1000		Lecture by Brigadier Wingfield D.S.O., to all tank Comds.
25			Firing on Lommel ranges..
26			Cloth model exercise at 22 Armd. Brigade in Bree attended by all officers.
	1000		Visit by Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery, D.S.O., who stopped for a brief period in the regimental area. Later he also visited the Cloth model exercise.
27-28			NTR.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- March 1945			C..O.:- Lt.CoL. A..R. Leakey MC.
			Ref Maps;-
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1-5		Regt. at rest in Bocholt.
	6-20		Regt. at rest in Nederweert.
	21		Sqns. on ranges at Lommel.
	22		Sqns. on ranges. Brigadier A.D.R. Wingfield, D.S.O., visited CO Lt. Col. A.R. Leakey M.C.
			Maj. D.N. Macdonald left with recce party to recce conc. area for operation “Plunder”. - Area Westerbrock 9719.
	23		Scheme with “I” Coy. 1 RB.
			CO to Divisional Comds. conference.
	24		The Regt. still in the area of Nederweert (Holland). The CO briefed Sqn. Leaders and explained the operation “Plunder” which was the crossing of the Rhine. This attack started before dawn and was led by 15 (S) Div. and 51 (HD) The role of the 7 Armd. Div. was to break out of the bridgehead as soon as possible and the first objective was given as Borken 539560. 5 RTR were to move from Brunen to Borken by subsidiary roads doing left flank protection to the Division. Operation order is attached.
	25		The Regt. moved off in the late afternoon and reached the conc. area at Westerbrock 9717 (Germany) at 19.30 hours. CO attended a conference at 22 Armd. Brigade and was told the route and timings for the move across the Rhine.
			By this time a firm bridgehead had been established by 15 (S) Div. and 6 Airborne Div. on our Corps. (12 Corps) front.
			By 23.30 hours Regt. grouping was complete and the following came under command 5 RTR: “I” Coy. 1 RB, “G” Battery 5 RHA, Tp. WD (flails), detachment 4 Fwd. Sqn. RE.
	26		The day was spent in working out detailed plans for our coming role. Recce parties proceeded ahead and crossed the Rhine to recce conc. areas in the Bridgehead.
	27		By 01.00 hours a Class 40 Bridge was across the Rhine and it was thus possible to pass the armour through a day earlier than was anticipated. The Regt. moved at 04.00 hours.
	28		By last light “C” Sqn. had reached the outskirts of Borken and joined up with the remainder of the Brigade group who had come up the main road from Brunen.
	29	0600	Regt. passed under command 131 Brigade and took up the following position of observation – “A” Sqn. - 333544 – 331548 – 335548 – 331553. “B” Sqn. - 304553 – 302556 – 304559 – 303557. “C” Sqn. - 364584 - 360591 - 374596.
			The enemy had received a good loosening up the previous day and all morning POWs were collected, a mixed bag including members of Battle Groups Karst and Becker. 3 members of a 75 mm SP from Battle Group Becker stated that their gun had been KO’d the previous day and also that Col. Becker had been seriously wounded.
		0855	Orders were received for the Regt. to go to area Borken 3962, with the exception of “C” Sqn. who remained in the position north of the river Aa.
			It was later confirmed that all bridges across had been blown. “A” Sqn. went to support 1/5 Queens in the area 399621. Two troops were employed in a sweep of the area 40664, north of Heiden. An unknown gun had opened up on 22 Armd. Brigade TAC HQ from this area. Quite a few enemy infantry with MGs came to light and the sweep yielded about 30 POWs, also 2 KO’d 88 mm already destroyed.
			Locations:- RHQ – 388604; “A” Sqn. - 399621; “B” Sqn. – 387604; “C” Sqn. – 382598. Bagrep. 81 POWs, 3 Ammunition trailers, 2 Staff cars.
	30	0735	2 POWs were picked up by a troop of “C” Sqn. at 369596 who were in an observation role in this area. The remainder of the unit were resting and ready to move along the main centre line.
			The 5 DG together with 9 DLI had moved on well and reached as far as Stadtlohn 4378. The 4^th Armd. Brigade on the left had contacted the 8H and on the right the Airborne troops were keeping well up with the Div. advance.
		1400	The Regt. was ordered to Gemen 4063 in order to be in position for an advance with 131 Brigade the following day.
			Locations :-
			RHQ 398629; “A” Sqn. – 400625; “B” & “C” Sqn. – 398629.
		2115	Regt. returned to Comd. 22 Armd. Brigade and ordered to conc. in area Sudlohn 4072 and be prepared to night march along the route Sudlohn – Vreden 3783. and then turn NNE along Brown route. “A” Coy. 2^nd Devons were placed under command to be carried on tanks.
	31	0100	A start was made in bright moonlight. All went well despite the difficult track until a road block was encountered at Pt. 378785.
			The infantry dismounted and removed the block and then the advance continued.
		0400	The leading tanks were bazookaed, one KO’d and the commander, Lt. Zoeftig wounded and taken prisoner. The tank then blocked the road which was just short of the first objective Vreden 3782. This made things difficult as there was no room to pass.
			A plan was made to clear the enemy out – after the leading tank had given supporting fire, the Inf,. were to go forward. This attempt was unsuccessful. At first light the enemy withdrew blowing the bridge at 373823 behind them. Any further advance was therefore jeopardised and the Regt. was ordered to return to the Brigade centre line. The route was then through Stadtlhon 4379 and then to turn westwards to Ottenstein 4387, Wessum 4789. The advance went very successfully and by last light Wessum had been recced.
			Locations:- RHQ - 440864; “A” Sqn. – 442865; “B” Sqn. – 443866 – 455875; “C” Sqn. – 455875 – 470899. Bagrep: 2 POWs, 1 – 75 mm

			100' MAESEYK LIEGE MINDEN N3 Ref Maps;- BOLHOLT P1 BEEMAN M3 ORNASBRUCK N2 MUNSTER P2


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- April 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

Nienburg & Wessum	1		The Regt passed under command 131 Bde and was ordered to remain in the area Ottenstein - Wessum until relieved by a Bn of 155 Bde. The Coy of 2 Devons reverted to comd of 2 Devons.
			B Sqn continued to probe the defences covering Wessum, but the enemy were still holding this well-dug line. At 1130hrs, however, a 95 mm shoot by 4 tks was carried out on all known enemy posns. The results were excellent and 30 enemy surrendered.
			By 1300 hrs Wessum was entered and a further 15 POWs taken. Once again the Regt passed back to comd 22 Armd Bde and was ordered to move to Nienburg, MR 5693 which had been cleared by 1 RTR.
			131 Bde had now taken the lead and were directed on Rheine moving through Metelen, MR 4494. 22 Armd Bde were ordered to open up a second CL through Ochtrup and thence NE to Reine. The action at Wessum was hardly completed before the Regt was once again on the move, passing through Ahaus and thence on to Nienburg, 5695.
			On the way I Coy 1 RBs and G Bty RHA joined the Regtl Gp and by 1500 hrs the advance was started on Ochtrup. The Regt was led by 2 SCs of Recce Tp followed by B Sqn. As the leading car entered the wood at 586965 it was hit by a Panzerfaust and set on fire. The Comd, Lt Rhodes and his driver were killed. The leading Tp of B Sqn was deployed and engaged the enemy in the area, much Spandau fire was encountered. A plan was laid for 1 platoon of I Coy 1 RB to clear the wood, supported by the tks. After the area had been shelled, the inf entered the wood and cleared the part to the east of the road without difficulty, taking 6 POWs
			On crossing the road a certain amount of opposition was met but a tp of tks which had worked round to the N was able to bring fire to bear and the enemy withdrew to a farm in the NW of the wood. A carrier belonging to I Coy 1 RBs was blown up on the road in the wood and it was discovered that the area was heavily mined with R mines.
			By last light the wood had still not been completely cleared although the tks and the pl of I Coy estimated that they had killed at least 45 of the enemy and had taken a further 12 prisoner.
			A Section of Recce tp working round to the E of the main road reached 601966 and found a second line strongly held by the enemy. It was considered impossible to continue the adv that night and orders were given to stop the enemy advancing on the main Div CL. During the night the Recce Tp captured a patrol of 6 men who were out tank hunting with Panzerfausts.
			Day’s bag: 63 POWs
			Casualties
			Own killed - Lt G R Rhodes, Tpr C Riddle.
Wettringen MR 7101	2		The Regt moved to the area 6995 where it was considered there would be a chance of a few days rest before the next phase of ops started. By the afternoon 7 AD led by 131 Bde was closing in on Rheine but the northern flank of the CL was none too secure. At hrs,
		1700	12 Corps received information that a counter-attack was coming from the north and they duly took measures to deal with it.
		1800	5 RTR were moved to cover the roads N of Wettringen 7101. Thus instead of being able to enjoy a night’s rest and do maintenance, an unpleasantly wet night was spent guarding the approaches from the N of the Div CL. 15 POWs were taken during the night, but these were not aggressive members of the German Army. The counter-attack did not develop and at 1600 hrs the following day the Regt was relieved of its commitments and returned to rest in the area 6995.
			Day’s bag; 15 POWs.
6995	3		Rest and maint.
6997	4		Orders were given for the next thrust by div and the objectives were given as the crossing over the river Wessel to the SE of Bremen. The Regt were to lead the advance and the Gp included I Coy 1 RBs, G Bty 5 RHA, and they moved off at 1130 hrs. The route was Burgsteinfort - Emsdetten -MR 8597 to Mesum 8303 and thence on to the 11 AD CL through Tecklenburg MR 0502 to Lotte 1208. From here the Regt had to open the CL for 7 A Div and speed was essential in order to clear the 11 A Div CL. T
			he br over the Ems-Wessel canal at 1415 was intact and B Sqn who were leading crossed at 1930 hrs. The br at 3022 was reported intact and the Regt was ordered to secure this area by last light. The distance to be covered was 15 miles. By 1810 hrs, the leading tks were across the br, no opposition was met and the column covered the distance almost as fast as the vehs could travel.
3022	5		At dawn the advance continued directed on Diepholz, MR 3436. In the village of Hunteburg, 3236, a few enemy were seen but did not fight and were rapidly swept into the bag by a pl of I Coy 1 RBs; 22 POWs were taken.
			At 394278 a rd block held by about 20 inf was encountered. After shooting it up for about 10 mins, the enemy withdrew and the crew of the leading tk were able to deal with 5 brave Bazooka-men who made a last stand.
			Two more rd blocks were encountered in Deilingen MR 4127 but were rapidly dealt with. As the leading Tp were approaching Lembruch 4336 two 88 mm guns opened up.
			One was immediately engaged by the troop and KO’d. Two more were located by G Bty 5 RHA who helped in their destruction. Two more 20 mm guns came to life but did not live long. It was evident that the enemy was in this area in a certain amount of strength. However, after accurate shelling by G Bty, smoke was put down and what remained of the enemy withdrew. The leading tp entered the village closely followed by a pl of I Coy who mopped up the remaining stragglers.
			From 1430 hrs the Luftwaffe was most active and the column was heavily straffed, 2 aircraft were shot down by the Regt and I Coy claimed a third. At last light the Regt was held up by a defended rd block at 429416. However, after being shot up by the tks, the enemy withdrew and the rly br at 427434 was reached. This br was fully prepared for demolition, a guard was left on throughout the night.
			At Lembruch two tps of C Sqn branched E and by last light had entered Wagenfeld 5739 against light opposition; with one tp of 11 H they held this village which was to be the axis for the 1 RTR the next day.
			Bagrep: 4 x 88 mm; 1 x 75 mm; 2 x 20 mm; 5 rly engines; 10 lorries and cars; 2 m/cs, and a large amount of small arms.
			Casualties
			Lt Zoeftig, liberated POW, rejoins.
			Wounded: Cpl Clowes, Tpr Carlsson
			Enemy: 20 dead, 25 POWs.
Diepholz	6	0330	A German officer walked down the road from Diepholz 4346 and contacted the guard on the br at 427434 and asked if he and his men and 100 Luftwaffe personnel could surrender. He was sent back to bring in his men but evidently in his absence they had decided on a few more days of liberty, for at 0500 hrs, I Coy 1 RBs entered Diepholz and there was no sign of the braves. 15 stragglers were rounded up and the town was considered ‘liberated’.
			The Regt was now directed to Sulingen 7254 and B Sqn adv E from Diepholz. A rd block at 445463 was soon taken and 3 POWs taken. At Rehden 5046 another rd block was found to be held but a few rounds of HE induced the enemy to come in and 20 POWs were taken.
			Between this village and the rd junct 674504 a further 6 rd blocks were cleared and 23 POWs taken. The telephone wires to Sulingen were found to be intact and a call was put through to the Burgomaster. He was told to surrender the village unless he wanted to be truly liberated. He replied that he was only too willing, but there was one tk which was manned and he could not induce the crew to retire. However he informed us of the exact location of this lone tk and we were able to brew it up. As the leading tp entered the village an A/Tk gun to the N fired 5 shots but all missed. An accurate conc of shells from G Bty on this gun put it out of action.
Sulingen	6		Shortly after the Regt entered Sulingen, 1 RTR entered it from the S. Whilst they advanced e, the Regt was ordered to adv N, the objective being Wilsen 8470, moving on two roads, B Sqn continue the advance. At 706575 the leading tp was engaged by a 75 mm A/Tk gun and several Spandaus opened up.
			At the same time the tp on the route leading to Schwaforden 7360 was engaged by AP coming from the wood at 7260. The leading tk was hit and put out of action and two Tigers were observed. They were engaged but the light was fading and the action was broken off. At night the Regt halted N of Sulingen guarding the approaches to this important rd centre.
			Day’s bag: 46 POWs
			Casualties:
			Own wounded - Tpr Tompkins.
Wilsen	7		The remainder of the Regt moved E and NE capturing Hoya, MR 9469, and later Wilsen 8470. The Regt was told to clear the villages of Scholen, 7000, and Schwaforden, 7360, and remain in this area until further orders.
		1030	Task completed against only slight opposition. One 75 mm A/Tk gun was KO’d and one Tiger tk was found abandoned and 12 POWs taken.
		1500	The regt moved to Wilsen 8470 and were given the task of holding this place, also the village of Heiligenfelde, MR 7676 to the N. A Sqn carried out the latter task. At last light the Regt was ordered to clear the village of Syke the following day.
			Day’s bag: 12 POWs.
Barrien	8	0430	I Coy 1 RBs moved out to recce towards Syke with C Sqn supporting them. By 0530 hrs they reached the outskirts of the village and here they were fired on by Spandau and small arms from the houses. A tp of tks soon silenced the Spandau but sniping continued mainly by civilians. It was only after the tks had ‘liberated’ several houses and the church that the inhabitants brought out their usual array of sheets and the firing ceased. 24 POWs were taken and several German staff cars captured.
			As the main Bde effort was directed towards the br at 8887, the regt was ordered not to adv any further. However, one tp pushed N and captured the village of Barrien. Although this place was held by about 40 inf with Panzerfaust they mostly came in when ordered by one of our German speakers who called them up on a military line.
		1600	The br at 8887 was reported blown and the Bde effort was directed W towards Delmenhorst and Bremen. The Regt was directed on Delmenhorst. The adv therefore continued from Barrien, B Sqn going NW towards Sud, MR 7688, while C Sqn adv towards Brinkun, MR 7091. Recce Tp pushed W and after stiff fighting got into the outskirts of Ristedt, 6983, whilst one car patrol moved N along a very poor track and by last light had reached the outskirts of Brinkum
			The wood at 7185 was found to be held and the leading tk of C Sqn was hit and set on fire by a Pzfaust. C Sqn deployed round the wood and a way round was found but as this rd was the main axis it was decided to mop up the enemy.
		1930	I Coy 1 RBs put in an attack on the e edge of the wood, but soon found that the enemy was dug in and in much greater strength than anticipated. It was soon realised that this strength was too much for one Coy so the tps were withdrawn. I Coy suffered 10 cas but estimate that 20 enemy were killed and 12 POWs taken. The enemy was identified as SS.
			By this time it was dark and C Sqn and I Coy 1 RBs withdrew to area Barrien. In the meantime, B Sqn had reached the outskirts of Leeste, MR 7289, against stiff opposition, 35 SS POWs being taken.. at last light the Sqn withdrew to the area 740871 in the night. During the night I Coy patrolled the wood which had held up the adv and found it still occupied by the enemy.
			Day’s bag; 83 POWs
			Casualties:
			Own - killed - Sgt Harris, Sgt Allan
			Wounded - Tpr Edis (dow), Tprs Foreman, Spendelow, Sykes.
Barrien	9		At first light B and C Sqns took up positions of observation vacated previous evening. C Sqn reported a wood at 7185 still held and the Brig ordered the 2 Devons to move up and attack in the afternoon.
		0830
			B Sqn were ordered to move to N of the wood and by 1000 hrs they were on the road at 713867. From here they moved N and one tp reached the outskirts of Brinkum, 7091.
			The Recce Tp operating in the area Ristedt, 6983, encountered enemy strong points and in clearing the first of these took 15 POWs. Unfortunately the enemy succeeded in killing Lt Newton when he went forward to collect 2 Germans with their hands up.
			At this stage the Germans put in a counter-attack on Syke from W. Two tks, several SPs and 100 inf were reported moving E through the wood at 7079.
			1 RBs were holding Syke and were very thin on the ground and it was anticipated that they would require assistance. A Sqn were ordered up into the high ground in the area Leefssen, MR 7081, and from this area they were able to engage the N flank of the enemy. B Sqn were ordered to conc back in the area Barrien ready to move to Syke if required.
		1530	The attack had been broken up and it only remained to clear and hold the high ground immediately W of Syke. This was carried out by the 2 Devons supp by B Sqn. Little opposition was met and the regt remained in the area Syke-Barrien in reserve.
			Day’s bag: 15 POWs
			Casualties:
			Own, killed - Lt Newton.
Eystrup	10	1000	Regt now u/c 53 W Div who were at this time engaged in enlarging across the R Weser E of Hoya, MR 9568. A Sqn moved from Syke at 1200 hrs.
		1400	Remainder of Regt leaves Syke crossing the br at Hoya. A Sqn made contact with 4 Welch Regt at Hessel, 9968, at 1630 hrs were busily engaged in assisting this Bn to clear the villages of Borverden, 0073, and Westen, 0572. This completed by last light. A Sqn remained in the area with the 4 Welch.
		1700	Remainder of Regt conc in the area Hassel. C Sqn moved off immediately to support 6 RWF. One tp was allotted to each coy and were sent off to clear the rds leading E and SE from Eystrup, 0065. Three of the Tp/Coy cols reached this objective with little trouble, the 4th however was most successfully ambushed at the rd junc, 059616. The tp was carrying a pl on the tks and was told to move down the rd without wasting time.
			The tp ldr objected to the Coy Comd at moving through the thick woods without some sort of foot recce but it was considered that there would be no opposition and speed was essential. The enemy, about 50 strong, had lined the rd at this particular pt and had erected a rd block 200 yds ahead.
			The leading tk stopped to work at the rd block and immediately the enemy showered Pzfausts at the 4 tks. 2 were badly hit and put out of action, the 3rd was hit but was able to get back and the 4th had the operator killed by a sniper. The inf pl who were riding on the tks suffered very heavily, and in fact only 3 members got back and they were all wounded. The remainder of the Coy came up and after a short fight supported by one tk left in action were able to force the enemy to withdraw. By last light the 6 RWF and C Sqn conc in the area 0561.
		2230	They attacked and took the village of Anderten, 0761/
			Casualties:
			Own, killed - Sgt Wardrop, Tpr Skidmore, Tpr Forrest, Tpr Hennessey (dow)
			Own, missing - Tpr Butler, Cpl Richardson, Tpr Kinvig, Tpr Wilson, Tpr Wood.
Eystrup	11		A Sqn remained in support of 4 Welch Regt throughout the day and assisted them in clearing small pockets of enemy opposition in the area N of Westen, 0572.
		0830	C Sqn move of in support of 6 RWF in an attack on Stoken, 0964, and by 1600 hrs this village was reported clear.
		1030	Recce Tp take the village of Rethemer, 1164, capturing 15 POWs but in trying to adv E and N they met heavy opposition inc considerable AP fire.
			The next objective of the 53 W Div was to be Rethem which was strongly held. The 5 Welch Regt had attempted to take the town on the night 10/11 April but the opposition was too strong. 2 Monmouths supported by 2 Sqns of 5 RTR were ordered to attack Rethem from the S.
			Owing to the nature of the ground it was decided to use only one Sqn as there was little room for tks to deploy. B Sqn were moved up to the area, Stocken 0963, and at 1600 hrs supported the attack by the 2 Monmouths. All went well until the leading inf were 400 yds short of the rly embankment just S of the town. This embankment was very strongly held with well dug-in MG posns. On the rly were 8 x 105 mm guns which were being manned when the tks came up. However they made excellent targets and were soon KO’d 2 x 75 mm A/Tk guns to the E gave a certain amount of trouble and these too had to be KO’d before much more was done. Several times the Monmouths tried to close in on the enemy but owing to the open nature of the ground their cas were very heavy.
			One tp of tks got onto the embankment and were met with a shower of Pzfausts and had to withdraw. After two hrs fighting the 2 leading tps had run out of ammo, these were in turn relieved by two tps of c Sqn. But despite the maximum fire support from the tks the inf could make no progress and at last light they withdrew 2000 yds.
			Day’s bag: 15 POWs; 8 x 105 mm; 2 x 75 mm;
			Casualties:
			Own killed - Sgt Mills.
Eystrup	12		53 W Div considered it vital that Rethem be taken and accordingly they asked for flame throwers and very strong air support. An attack was to be put in on 13 April after constant bombing throughout the day of 12 Apr.
		0900	One tp of C Sqn moved N from Stoken to cover the recovery of a tk which was bogged 500 yds short of the rly embankment.
			At the same time Recce Tp operating from Rethemer, 1164, had entered Hedern, 1365, and then adv NW to the outskirts of Rethem. Several Pzfausts were fired at the leading tk but the enemy was in no strength and by 0950 hrs the Recce Tp were half way into the village of Rethem. C Sqn were rapidly moving up and by 1230 the town of Rethem was cleared and 120 POWs taken and more dead were seen.
			The most difficult part of this small operation was cancelling the big air programme that 53 W Div had arranged for the benefit of the Rethem garrison.
			Throughout the day, a Sqn was engaged in assisting the 4 RWF in clearing rds leading N to Verden, 0081. At Barnstedt, 0475, considerable opposition was met from A/Tk guns and Spandau teams in the houses. One tk was KO’d and in trying to move across country two more got badly bogged. A second tp came up and carried out a most successful tp shoot on the A/Tk guns. As these were located on the E of the River Aller it was impossible to say how many were KO’d.
		1400	A Coy of the 4 RWF supported by the tks attacked the village and by 1500 hrs it was reported clear. Geestefeld, 0076, was cleared by last light and one tp of A Sqn remained with the inf coy in this area.
			Day’s bag: 120 POWs
			Casualties:
			Own - one Cromwell tk
			Wounded - Lt D Hargreaves, Tpr Cadman. L/Cpl Dawes, L/Cpl Jeffcutt.
Geestefeld	13	0400	An enemy patrol 50 strong entered the village of Geestefeld and succeeded in surrounding the coy HQ and entered the house where two crews of the tk tp were sleeping. Hand to hand fighting took place and Lt Jones successfully resisted, killing the German officer leading the patrol, thus restoring the situation around coy HQ.
		0700	The Regt reverted to comd 22 Armd Bde and conc in area Eystrup, 9965.
			Casualties;
			Own, wounded - Tpr Murray.
Eystrup	14		The regt remained in its present location at 2 hrs notice to move. The br at Rethem which the Div was to cross the River Aller was not ready until 1130 hrs.
			The 4 A Bde began to cross at 1200 hrs and had 2 Sqns of 44 RTR across during the afternoon. At 2000 hrs the Regt came at one hour’s notice from first light.
			Casualties:
			Own, wounded - L/Cpl Lewis.
	15		No move, except the Regt came u/c 131 Bde for movement purposes. 22 Armd Bde commenced to cross the river and started the adv to Soltau, 4190.
			Casualties:
			Own, wounded - Cpl Dovey.
Walsrode	16		During the night enemy aircraft attacked the Rethem br causing damage so that the move was held up until 1600 hrs. After the crossing, the regt conc in the area 2073 nears Walsrode.
			The POW Camps XI B and 237 at Fastoble were liberated by the 8 H and 4 of the men of C Sqn captured a few days ago were retaken. They were Cpl Richardson, L/Cpl Wilson, Tprs Kinvig and Butler.
			They reported bad treatment and Tpr Wood who had been wounded was in hospital. This accounted for all crews of C Sqn’s action on the 10th.
Meiners	17		The Regt moved to Meinern, 3586, still with no task. In the meantime 22 Armd Bde had by-passed Soltau which was strongly held and had adv to area Neuenkirchen 3259.
Meningen	18		By 0900 hrs Soltau had been cleared and 131 Bde was ordered to proceed through Soltau to Heber, 4200, and thence move along tracks through woods E of the main rd as far as Bucholz, 4328, doing right flank protection for 22 Armd Bde.
			The Regt with I Coy 1 RBs u/c and 9 DLI in support led the Bde. Soon after turning E from Heber opposition was met at rd junct 456015, but after being shelled the enemy withdrew and a pl of I Coy cleared the area, taking 15 SS POWs.
			From here C Sqn with one coy 9 DLI were left to clear the route to Behringen, 4904, whilst the rest turned N and moving through very thick wooded country reached Wesel, 4617, by last light. C Sqn met considerable opposition in their task but by last light had reached Behringen taking45 POWs and KO’d three 75 mm A/Tk guns.
			During the night B Sqn at Wesel, 4617, were twice attacked by enemy patrols with Pzfausts but suffered no casualties and killed a number of the enemy.
			Casualties:
			Own wounded - Tpr Youds. Tpr Evans.
Bucholz	19		The Regt continued the advance towards Bucholz with B Sqn leading. By 0950 hrs Lullau, 4523, was liberated and 20 POWs taken. A Sqn had in the meantime moved E of Bde CL and were held up by a rd block at 524716. One coy of 9 DLI attacked the enemy in this area and by 1130 hrs the route was clear. 25 POWs were taken. Continuing N, A Sqn entered Hanstedt, 5220, taking a further 15 POWs.
			C Sqn, who had spent the night at Beringen, 4904, decided on trying to open up the rd to Soltau, but met with strong opposition and lost one tk to an SP. At 1130 hrs orders were given for them to rejoin the unit at Lullau, 4523.
			Having drawn level with 22 A Bde, 131 Bde was ordered to make firm, but to patrol to the N. The Recce Tp cleared Jesteburg, 4825, taking POWs, and a carrier section of 9 DLI entered Bucholz without difficulty. At 1600 hrs orders were given to occupy Bucholz and Jesteburg. The Regt less A Sqn and 9 DLI occupied the former place whilst A Sqn and I Coy 1 RBs occupied Jesteburg.
			Patrolling N and W from Bucholz, B Sqn reached Steinbeck, 4129, where they were able to welcome the leading tp of 1 RTR who were adv up rd from SSW. Another tp of B Sqn entered the village at 431306 where 30 POWs were taken and at least 10 killed
			Casualties:
			Own, wounded - Tpr Scott, Tpr Upward.
Hittfeld	20		At 0330 hrs I Coy 1 RBs set out from Jesteburg with Harburg as the objective, moving N through Harmstorf, 5030. By 0600 hrs the leading pl had reached Helmstorf, 4932, and had taken 30 POWs. A Sqn and the Recce Tp were moving in close support.
			Moving E and W from Harmstorf 5030, the Recce Tp took 35 POWs at 474308 and a further 12 from Ramelslon 5229. Now A Sqn took on the lead going N and crossing the autobahn entered Hittfeld 4934 against slight opposition. One tp turned E along the autobahn and was only stopped when the br at526358 was blown up just before the leading tk reached it.
			C Sqn with one coy of 9 DLI moved from Harmsdorf to Ramelslon and were thence directed N to Maschen 5335. However, in the woods N of Horst 5333, an A/Tk gun supported by inf held the rd. An attack was put in and 15 POWs were taken whilst the A/Tk gun was destroyed. Maschen 5335 was entered without opposition and the Recce Tp moving e liberated Stelle, 5834.
			Advancing N from Hittfeld, A Sqn soon encountered the main def line covering Harburg and further progress was impossible. The afternoon was spent in consolidating the psons reached and in closing to the main line of defence. In the evening 2 enemy SP guns moved up to E of the wood at 501376 and hit 2 tks before they could be engaged. They withdrew rapidly when a second tp opened fire on them and caused no further trouble.
			Casualties:
			Own wounded: Tpr Parker.
Hittfeld	21		At first light posns reached the previous night were taken up.
			The Regt had been ordered to maintain contact only and not to attempt to break into the enemy lines. B Sqn had tps at 485367 - 487354 - 510354. Recce held posns at Jehrden 5136 and patrolled to Glusingen 5237.
			A Spandau and Pzfaust post in area 507372 was engaged and 4 POWs taken. 2 prisoners who passed through Harburg last night stated that the autobahn br at 5244 had been hit by our aircraft and was not in use but the rly br at 5044 and the rd br in the same area were intact but ready for blowing.
			C Sqn tps at Mascham 5335 had tps on the outskirts of the town. Enemy movement was engaged in the area of the blown br at 540377. At 1800 hrs, 1 x 88 mm opened fire from 539377 and hit one of the tks; Shelldrake opened up and the gun stopped firing.
			Bagrep: - 6 POWs
Hittfeld	22		Posns remained the same except that A Sqn relieved C Sqn at Maschen and pushed out tps to Stelle 5834 and Winsen 6434 - here friends were contacted from the right. The Recce Tp working with a section of C Coy DLI patrolled fwd in the Glusingen area 5137.
			It was estimated that about a coy of enemy inf were in this area. POWs comprising Volksturm and 3 officers who claimed to be in the legal section of the Wehrmacht were collected. Also 5 German WAAFs were found in Mascham and handed over to the Burgomeister of Hittfeld.
			Bearings were taken on enemy guns firing and they were thought to be 105 mm rly guns in the area 539391.
			At 1900 hrs, C Sqn moved out to the W in the village of Eddelsen 4834.
			Bagrep: 9 POWs.
Hittfeld	23		All the previous evening’s posns were resumed at first light and A Sqn collected 2 POWs. They stated they were part of a patrol 30 strong which left Harburg the previous evening and got lost while looking for food.
			One deserter came in to Recce at 514364. He said that he belonged to a regt with HQ at Ronneburg 5140 and a Bn HQ at
			Mecklefeld 5238 and a Coy HQ at Glusingen. A number of enemy up to 8 were observed at 515368 and these were though to be a section posn.
			Enemy guns were active most of the day and bearings taken which were passed on to 3 RHA for their attention.
			Bagrep: 10 POWs; 1 German ATS.
Hittfeld	24		At first light Recce Tp were moving out to their posns at Jehrden 5136, but as they were approaching Pt515363 the leading tk was fired at by a Pzfaust - failed to KO the tk but the Comd was wounded.
			However he managed to shoot the firer with his revolver and another Boche similarly armed was killed. The Tp withdrew 100 yds and then adv again with inf support, capturing 4 more enemy.
			They were part of a patrol to find out the tks posns and numbers; this was based on civilian reports. 2 of the patrol were killed, 1 wounded and 4 captured out of 10.
			B and A Sqns took up their usual posns and owing to 3 RHA being limited to their ammo expenditure, carried out a series of tp shoots. A Sqn KO’d 1 x 88 mm gun in area 5437, while B Sqn engaged some dug-in enemy inf along the line from 474388 to 477378. The accuracy of this induced 1 Boche to surrender and he was then told to go back and tell the others to come in.
			However, he was greeted with rifle fire and reckoned he had had enough. He gave the exact locations and said there were about 60 inf there.
			They were shot up at intervals during the day and approx 500 rds of HE 75 mm were fired - also 15 rds of 95 mm were fired into Harburg.
			All civilians were evacuated from the fwd areas as a safety precaution.
			Bagrep: 1 x 88 mm gun; 6 POWs; 2 killed and 2 wounded.
Hittfeld	25		At last light the previous evening the impression was that the enemy had withdrawn his line further back. At 0800 hrs tentative patrols were moved out and contact was made with the enemy at 516368 - 496378 - 543372. 2 POWs were taken by Recce at Glusingen 5136. B Sqn engaged dug-in inf in area 497378.
Hittfeld.	25		A Dutch civilian gave infmn to C Sqn that there was an enemy posn at 485358 and so a dismounted patrol of 1 officer and6 men were sent out to investigate.
			They met opposition at 474352, 2 were wounded and the patrol withdrew. One tp of tks were then sent out and contacted an enemy patrol of 12 at 476349 - 2 of these were killed, 2 wounded and the rest got away. The tp went on to 475358 and ‘stonked’ the area thoroughly.
			This was an old AA site and it was discovered that the telephonic commn had been maintained from here to Harburg. One German officer in civilian clothes was arrested and with him 3 German WRENS.
			At last light, all tps pulled back to their own posns.
			Bagreps: 6 POWs
Dibbersen	26		At first light C Sqn moved out to the area Sottorf 48365 to support 2 Devons who had been counter-attacked during the night. The situation, however, was soon dealt with with some assistance from the tks, and by 1300 hrs tps were at 438407 and 446399.
			At 0900 hrs, 1 RTR took over from the Regiment and after a little delay moved to the area Dibbersen. 4233
			C Sqn remained behind.
			Bag Rep: 6 POWs
			Casualties -
			Own wounded - Tpr Saunders, Tpr Palsey.
	27		Regt at rest at Dibbersen.
			B Sqn relieved C Sqn.
	28		NTR
	29		NTR except that B Sqn engaged enemy movement in area 432412. At 1700 hrs A Sqn took over from B Sqn.
	30		Regt at rest. It seemed that the surrender of Hamburg was imminent.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- May 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1-2		“A” Sqn. rejoins Regt, (Dibbersen) otherwise NTR.
	3	1600	Regt. moved forward to occupy the centre of Hamburg. The 1^st RTR having already seized the bridges crossing the R. Elbe passing through a much bombed area to the Adolf Hitler Platz. RHQ plus 1/5 Queens was established in the Streits Hotel.
	4		Recce carried out patrols in the western outskirts of the town, otherwise NTR.
	5		Orders were received during the early morning hours for the Regt. to proceed to the Danish- German border.
		0830	The Regt. was formed up ready for this operation by 08.30 hours when this order was cancelled.
		1100	Regt. now ordered to move to an area N of Hamburg between the village of Hutte and Garstedt. RHQ location 498679.
	6		Regt. awaiting orders.
		1015	CO Lt. Col. A.R. Leakey, M.C., addressed all ranks making clear the present war situation in the area.
	7	1520	Regt. now ordered to move to Kiel Canal area. Route:- Pinneberg 3665 – Elmshorn 2776 – Steinburg 2185 then west to Pt. 188845 – N. to Itzehoe 1794 – to Pt. 14505 west to Gribbohm 059053.
			At last light Regt. came back under command of 22 Armd. Brigade.
	8		Regt. resting – VE Day was celebrated in the usual way – Bonfires and shooting Verey lights.
	9		Area for policing was now allotted to the Regt. The Werhmacht was to be put into 3 peninsulas on the west coast NW of Hamburg, with the SS on the Island Norstrand by Husum. The Regt. was to block all exits from the peninsular south of the Kiel Canal.
	10	1030	CO addressed all ranks. Subject:- Looting and non-fraternisation.
	11	0930	Regt. formed up and moved to the new areas –
			RHQ and recce 0793 (Wilster).
			“A” Sqn. In Wacken 0704. “B” Sqn. In Kleve 0998. “C” Sqn. In Biedenfleth. 1088.
	12		Sqns. got down to work of local adm. All displaced persons were checked up and visits made to their various “Laagers”.
	13		NTR.
	14		Major R.E. Maunsell, M.C., assumes command of the Regt. during the absence of the CO Lt. Col. A.R. Leakey, M.C., who goes on leave to England.
	15-31		Regt. still carry out their various occupational roles and the various DPs were evacuated from the area, also several War Criminals were brought to justice, being dealt with by 216 Military Government Detachment, Itzehoe.
			Welfare and entertainments for the troops: quite successful Sqn. Sports Days were arranged, also cinema shows. Transport was available for troops to partake in such entertainments as arranged by Div. in Itzehoe and Hamburg.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- June 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

WILSTER	1		The Regt. still carrying out occupational duties in the area Wilster. Work includes supervision of Burgomasters, control of DPs. and collection of all German Arms and ammunition.
			Locations as follows:- RHQ and Recce. - Wilster. “A” Sqn. Wacken. 0704. “B” Sqn. Kleve. 0998. “C” Sqn. Beidenfleth. 1088.
	2-11		No Events.
	12		Arrival for a short stay with unit of Sentry Party.
			This party was equipped with the Centurion Tank and its object was to give tests and trials and demonstrate this new tank.
	13-14		No events.
	15		Lt. Col. A.R. Leakey, M.C., returned to unit and resumed command.
	16-18		No events.
	19		Lt. J.H. Medland promoted Captain.
	20		Regt. took over the duties of guarding the Kiel Canal lock gates at Brunsbuttel, 1082 and controlling the southern extremities of area “C”. “A” Sqn. moved to Brunsbuttel. “B” Sqn. moved to St. Margarethen 1184.
			RHQ, Recce and “C” Sqn. remained in present positions.
	22		An exercise held to test the Centurion tank in area MR. 0903. General idea:- On a chosen piece of ground 1 troop of Centurions would attack the other troop (3 tanks in a troop) and any points brought out would be discussed.
			The same crews would then man Cromwell tanks and carry out the same manoeuvre and final discussions would be held.
	24		Regtl. Memorial Service held at St. Margarethen Church. Service conducted by the Padre, (Rev. A. Dickson, C.F.) copy of service attached as appendix.
			Sentry Party moved to Lommel (Belgium) for firing trials with Centurion tanks.
			Lt. Morgan (Gunnery Officer), three tank commanders and three gunners from the Regt. attended these trials.
	25		A German civilian gave information of location of German Foreign Office treasure. Regtl. IO investigated the matter and was successful in digging up approx. £2,000,000. of gold coins.
	26-27		Owing to the importance of Brunsbuttel as a shipping centre and the amount of work to be done in this area, RHQ, Recce, and “C” Sqn. moved to Brunsbuttel. RHQ and Recce housed in German Marine Barracks in the Dock area, remainder of Regt. in German houses.
	28-29		No event.
	30		Regtl. sports day meeting in Wilster. A good programme arranged by Sports Officer, Capt. J. Garnet, M.C., and in spite of bad weather the events were strongly entered.
			Visitors teams included 5 RHA and Royal Navy.


Roll of Honour from Memorial Service hymn sheet.

	Lieut Peter Alexander	Sgt Robert Henry
	Sgt Norman Darling Allan	Lieut Robert Heynes
	Cpl James Attle	LtCol Charles A Holliman, DSO, MC & bar
	Tpr William Henry Baines	Tpr Paul Hope
	Tpr William Baldwin	Tpr Charles J Ibbotson
	Tpr Alfred Baudrey	Tpr Benjamin Inwards
	Tpr James L Billett	Tpr James E Jackman
	Tpr Robert Bilton	SSM William R Knight, MM
	S/Sgt William Birkett (LAD)	Tpr Eric Langford
	Cpl William J Bridge	Tpr Thomas H Lewis
	Cfn Joseph Brooks (LAD)	Tpr Hubert Lones
	Sgt Charles Bull	Tpr Alfred Makinson
	Capt Brian L Butler	Capt John C Messent
	Tpr Frank J Butler	Tpr Gerard Morris
	Cpl Ronald D C Cant	L/Cpl John Morrissey
	Tpr Ronald Carson	Tpr Joseph F Musson
	Tpr Joseph Carter	L/Cpl Frank Needham
	L/Cpl Ronald Carter	Tpr Peter Newman
	Tpr Frank Cheesman	Lt William F Newton
	Lt John Collinge, MBE	Sgt Cyril Nuttall
	Sgt Arthur R Cornish	Tpr Alan Palmer
	2/Lt Harold F Darbyshire	Tpr Arthur J Perkins
	Cfn Martin Davie (LAD)	L/Cpl Harold O L Perry
	Cpl George Davison	Tpr George W Pettit
	Tpr Leslie Dean	SSM William Cockburn Ramage
	Tpr Cyril Duckett	Lt Gordon L Rhodes
	Tpr Cyril E Edis	Tpr Frank Richards
	Tpr William A Forrest	Tpr Christopher A Riddle
	L/Cpl Charles M French	Tpr John William Roe
	Tpr George W Friend	Tpr David Skidmore
	Sgt Peter D Fyffe	L/Cpl Albert L Slater
	L/Cpl Thomas A Garratt	L/Cpl Alec S Taylor
	Tpr Harry Gilroy	Tpr Richard Taylor
	Lt Derek Grahame-Parker	Tpr Ronald F Turner
	Sgt Howard R Harbin	Tpr Kenneth A W Tutheridge
	Tpr Harold W J Harper	Tpr Lionel Walker
	Tpr Clifford Harris	Tpr William M Walker
	Sgt Victor H J Harris	Sgt John R Wardrop
	Tpr Jack H Harwood	Tpr Cyril B Whitby
	Tpr Dennis Haw	Tpr Noel White
	L/Cpl John Hearne
	Tpr Thomas Hennessey


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2126
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- July 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

BRUNSBUTTEL	1		Regiment still at Brunsbuttel at the southern end of the Kiel Canal.
	2		No event.
	3		“A” Sqn. carried out a patrol in their tanks through area “C”. This area is one of the concentration places for the remnants of the German Army.
			The object of the patrol was to show the flag and report on behaviour, welfare and general conditions of the German soldiers. Six German HQs were visited in the area Meldorf, Heide.
	4-5		No event.
	6		Major R.E. Maunsell, M.C., leaves the Regiment to take up the duties of OC Wireless Wing, Sandhurst. Major D.N. Macdonald, M.C., assumes the appointment of 2 i/c. Captain S. Jones takes over command of “A” Sqn.
	7-8		No event.
	9		The RTR Band arrived to stay with the unit for three days. Concert in the evening attended by members of the Regt. and Naval personnel stationed at Brunsbuttel.
	10-11		No event.
	12		RTR band played through the street of Brunsbuttel. Many German Naval and Military personnel watched the parade. First man due for demobilisation left the unit. (Craftsman Watts of the LAD).
	13		“C” Sqn. carried out a patrol in their tanks through area “G”. Full report on German Soldiers’ condition forwarded to Brigade.
	14		Information received that a Russian Brigade in the German Army in area “G” was mutinous and had refused to obey German orders. Commanding Officer, escorted by “A” Sqn. went to area Meldorf to settle the dispute. In company with the German General the Commanding Officer visited the Russian Brigade and arrested the Brigade Commander. All Russian officers were informed that disobedience of German orders would not be tolerated.
	15		No event.
	16		CO inspected “A” & “C” Sqn. billets.
	17		CO inspected “B” Sqn. billets.
	18-19		No events.
	20		“C” Sqn. carried out a patrol through area “G”. Visited the Russian Brigade and found discipline satisfactory.
	21-25		No events.
	26		Major General L.O. Lyne, C.B., D.S.O., Commander 7^th Armd. Div. visited the unit.
	27		“A” Sqn. carried out a patrol through area “G”.
	28-30		No events.
	31		Major General L.O. Lyne, C.B., D.S.O., Commander 7^th Armd. Div. Spoke to all officers on the subject of Berlin in the Desert Rat Theatre, Itzehoe.
			Strength :- 40 Officers & 712 ORs.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- August 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1		Regt still at Brunsbuttel preparing to move to Moll, Belgium, for the purpose of taking over new tanks, and for courses in D&M and Gunnery, with practical application of indirect fire on the Lommel ranges.
			General maintenance carried out on all tanks preparatory to their being handed over to 263 FDS.
	2		5 tanks of A Sqn carried out patrol of area “G”. Full report forwarded to Bde.
			HQ, B and C Sqns continued general maintenance of tanks.
	3		Final general maintenance of tanks.
	4		Sqns commenced to hand over all tks to 263 FDS, save the two 95 mm tanks in each Sqn, HQ Tp and one extra 95 mm tank in A Sqn.
			Initiatory lecture on indirect fire.
	5		Sqns completed handing over tanks to 263 FDS the remaining seven 95 mm tanks remaining at Brunsbuttel with a crew of 2 men allotted to each tank.
	6		General clearing up of areas and repairs as expedient to tank parks.
			Advance parties left for Mol, Regtl Billeting area for Lommel ranges.
			Adv Parties of 5 Inniskillen DGs arrive at Brunsbuttel.
	7		Final clearing up of area, preparatory to handing over to 5 DGs.
			All transport for the move to Mol lined up by 1800 hrs.
			Staging parties left for Zutphen.
	8		Move to Mol; convoy arrived Zutphen 2300 hrs.
	9		Left Zutphen 0900 hrs; arrived Mol 1500 hrs.
			Tanks ready available for c Sqn.
	10		C and A Sqns took over 17 tks each . . . .
	11		B Sqn took over 18 tks . . .
	12		General maintenance.
	13-26		Leave periods, courses, several officers came and went.
	27		Regt leaves Brunsbuttel for new area, Wilster
	30		Move to Wilster completed.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- September 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

WILSTER	1		General preparation of the area and maintenance.
	2		CO’s conference, forthcoming appointments made.
			Lt. E.C.R. Braddell appointed Regimental Messing Officer vice Major Cockbaine.
			The following sports appointments were made:- Regtl. Sports Officer: Major Cockbaine. “ Rugby “ Major Cockbaine. “ Cricket “ Major Cockbaine. “ Boxing “ Lt. Gwilliam. “ C.C. Running. Lt. Hargreaves. “ Athletics. Capt. Garnett. “ Rifle Shooting. Capt. Pendrill.
			CO leaves to attend conference at GHQ BAOR.
	3		Tanks and tracked vehicles arrive from Moll. Major D.A. Cockbaine assumes command.
	4		NTR.
	5		Capt. Morrison C.F. takes over duties as Regtl. Padre.
	6		Four Comet tanks take part in the Liberation Anniversary Parade, Ghent. Burgomaster presents a Laudatory Scroll to the Regiment. NTR.
	7		NTR.
	8		CO returns and resumes command of the Battalion.
	9		NTR.
	10		1000; CO inspects personnel of HQ, “A” & “B” Sqns., formed up on Regtrl. sports ground. New training programme commences. Ghent party returns.
	11		CO inspects “C” Sqn. at Beidenfleth.
	12-18		NTR.
	19		CO to Berlin to attend Parade of 1 RTR.
	20		NTR.
	21		CO returns from Berlin and attends conference at GHQ, BAOR.
	22		Brigade Athletics meeting at Gluckstadt.
	23		Special Harvest Thanksgiving Service for the Battalion at Wilster.
	24		Relaxation of fraternisation orders.
	25-28		NTR.
	29		Lt. Col. A.R. Leakey, M.C., awarded D.S.O.
	30		NTR. Strength:- 39 Officers & 669 ORs.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- October 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

WILSTER	1-2		NTR.
	3		Visit of the GOC, Maj. Gen. L.O. Lyne, C.B., D.S.O., and inspection of the Regiment.
	4		NTR.
	5		2/Lt. L.V. Watkins promoted Local Captain.
	6		CO visits HQ 33 Armd. Brigade at Munster.
	7		NTR.
	8		Major D.J. Coulson, M.C., joins Regt. as 2 i/c.
	9		NTR.
	10		7886054 Tpr. Bartholomew, M., HQ Sqn. awarded D.C.M. London Gazette 13.9.45. 17 ORs joined unit.
	11		11 ORs join unit. Firing party of Regt. return from Putlos ranges.
	12		Capt. Butterfield, REME posted. Capt. Scott REME joined unit.
	13-14		NTR.
	15		Lt. E. Braddell appointed Unit Welfare Officer vice Capt. Watkins.
	16		NTR.
	17		Maj. Gen. Lyne, C.B., D.S.O., visits unit and gives farewell talk to all ranks.
	18-23		NTR.
	24		“C” Sqn. moves from Beidenfleth to Wilster area.
	25		Resorting of Regt. commences. Draft arrives from 107 RAC.
	26		Regimental Club opens in the Coliseum, Wilster. Capt. Babbage posted to 107 RAC.
	28		Capt. Davis joins unit from 107 RAC. Lt. Sabatini posted to 107 RAC.
	29		Draft arrives from 1 Fife and Forfar Yeo. Lt. Crocker appointed RSO. Lt. Wilson appointed IO and Asst. Adjt. Lt. Scully taken on strength from 8 Hussars.
	30		NTR.
	31		Draft arrives from 23^rd Hussars.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- November 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

WILSTER	1		Divisional regrouping: Lt. J. Stansfield joined unit from 107 RAC and posted to “B” Sqn. 69 ORs joined unit from 107 RAC. 12 ORs join unit from 1^st Fife & Forfar Yeomanry. 32 ORs join unit from 2^nd Fife & Forfar Yeomanry. 61 ORs join unit from 23^rd Hussars. 24 ORs posted to 1^st Fife & Forfar Yeomanry. 61 ORs posted to 23^rd Hussars. 31 ORs posted to 2^nd Fife & Forfar Yeomanry.
	2		Conference of 8 Corps Regimental CO’s and above with Field Marshall Montgomery, C.B., D.S.O.
			Divisional regrouping: Lt. E. Walter joined unit from 44^th RTR and posted to HQ Sqn. (Recce). 8 ORs join unit from 44^th RTR. 1 OR joined unit from 141 RAC (The Buffs). 67 ORs posted to 107 RAC.
	3		Divisional regrouping: Capt. Davis, S.J., joined unit from 107 RAC and posted to “C” Sqn. 75 ORs. joined unit from 49 APCR. 91 ORs posted to 49 APCR.
	4		9 ORs posted to 44^th RTR.
	5-6		No events.
	7	0930	; CO inspects the Regiment and talks to all ranks.
		1130	GOC 7 Armd. Div. Maj. Gen. L.O. Lynes, C.B., D.S.O., visits the Regiment.
	8		Capt. S. Roe, RAMC joins unit as R.M.O. from 44^th RTR.
	9		Capt. J.K. Spruell, RAMC posted to 3 CCS.
	10		CO attends Corps commanders conference.
	11		Armistice Day. 2 minutes silence observed at 12.00 hours to conform to British time. CO mounts Corps Commanders Guard at 8 Corps HQ at Plon, consisting of 1 officer and 60 ORs.
	12		Captain J. Steel, CF. joins unit from 3rd/4th CLY.
			Lt. Thwaites joins unit from 22^nd Dragoons and posted to “A” Sqn.
	13		No events.
	14		CO flies to England to attend RTR dinner. Major D. Coulson, M.C., assumes command of the Regiment.
	15		No events.
	16		Major A.H. Crickmay, M.C., assumes command of the Regt. in the absence of Major D. Coulson, M.C., playing hockey for 8 Corps at Copenhagen.
	17		Exercise Defrat in operation from 08.30 to 12.00 hours. to test efficiency of Regimental preparedness for Code Word “Red Light”. See attached appendix “A”. CO returns from England and resumes command of Regiment.
	18		Lt. H. Laing joined unit and posted to “C” Sqn.
	19		Exercise Defrat in operation form 08.30 to 13.00 hours on assumption that grave disorders had broken out in area controlled by Regt. See attached appendix A.
	20		Cambrai Day celebrations take their usual form.
	21-23		No events.
	24		Maj. Gen. J.P.B. Roberts, C.B., D.S.O., M.C., GOC 11 Armd. Div. visits the Regiment and attends the Sgts. Mess Cambrai Dinner and celebrations.
	25		Maj. Gen. J.P.B. Roberts, C.B., D.S.O…, M.C., visits squadrons and leaves unit at 16.00 hours.
	26		No events.
	27		Exercise Shinn Fein in operation, to test Div. and Brigade security schemes. See attached appendix B.
	28		Exercise Shinn Fein terminates.
	29		CO issues training directive appendix C . No events.
	30		Total strength of unit:- Missing


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- December 1945			C..O.:- Lt. Col. AR Leakey, MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

WILSTER	1		Lt. D.A. Beasley joined unit and posted to “A” Sqn.
	2		No events.
	3		Lt. L. Jones posted from “A” Sqn. to HQ Sqn. (Recce).
	4		Brigadier H.B. Scott, D.S.O., visits the Regiment and inspects Squadrons and billets.
	5		Major A.H. Crickmay, M.C., assumes command of the Regiment in absence of Lt. Col. A.R. Leakey, D.S.O., M.C., and Major D. Coulson, M.C., on a visit to Berlin.
	6-7		No events.
	8		Capt. W.E. Pendrill and Capt. J.W. Smith posted to 44^th RTR. Capt. H.M. Osborne posted to Westminster Dragoons.
	9		CO and 2 i/c return from Berlin. CO resumes command of Regiment.
	10		Maj. Gen. L.O. Lynes C.B., D.S.O., addresses all officers at Desert Rat Theatre, Itzehoe.
	11-14		Wireless scheme for officers, see appendix A. No events.
	15		Captain J.M.B. Roberts posted to this unit and “B” Sqn.
	16-17		No events.
	18		CO issues directives for tank gunnery practice on Putlos ranges. See appendix B.
	19-21		No events.
	22		CO inspects all B vehicles. 2/Lt. L.C. Douglas posted to the unit and “B” Sqn.
	23-24		No events.
	25		Christmas Day celebrations take their usual form.
	26		No events.
	27		Major D. Coulson, M.C., assumes command of the Regiment in the absence of Lt.Col. A.R. Leakey, D.S.O., M.C., on leave.
	28-29		No events.
	31	0800	Tanks loaded on to Railway flats in readiness for the move to Putlos gunnery ranges.
			Strength of unit:- 42 Officers & 679 ORs.

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