War Diaries For 621 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers 1944

War Diaries of 621 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers

1944

Home	1942	1943
	1945	1946

January 1944 Commanding Officer: Major M.L. Crosthwait
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
At Sea	1		On Board S. S. ‘BOISEVAIN’
	2		On Board S. S. ‘BOISEVAIN’
	3		North Ireland sighted.
	4		At Anchor off GOUROCK
	5		Disembarked and left GOUROCK 1600 hrs.
BRANDON	6		Arrived BRANDON 0700 hrs
	7-9		Settling into camp and preparing for leave.
	10		First party went on leave
	11		Second party went on leave
	12		Third party went on leave

	25		First party arrived back from leave, including O.C., Lt. Paddock and Lt.Davies.
	26-31		Making camp ship shape.
			Drill, route marches, and P.T., and some mine training.

			M.L. Crosthwait
			Major R.E.
			O.C.621 Field Squadron R.E.

February 1944 Commanding Officer: Major M.L. Crosthwait
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
THETFORD	1		O.C, visited 79 Armd Div to view latest developments in breaching concrete, minefields, etc.
			Lt J. Hartley returned from leave.
	2		Nothing to report.
	4		15% dispatched on Privilege leave.
	4		Recces for L.S.T. and Water Splash sites.
	5-6		Nothing to report.
	7		Div Mine School started under Lieut J.P. Blockley in unit lines. 30 students.
	8		Lieut G. F. Norris reported for duty ex 140 O.C.T.U.RE
	9		Advance party left for Bridging camp THRAPSTON under Lieuts Paddock and Norris.
	10		2nd Mine Course started.
	11		Main body left for THRAPSTON.
	12-14		Nothing to report.
	15		Lieut M.C. Keer reported (assigned to 2 Troop) ex 4th Parachute Sqn R.E.
	17		Troops remaining at BRANDON inspected by C-in-C 21 Army Group.
	18-20		Nothing to report.
	21		Squadron returned from THRAPSTON.
	22		Major J. G. Carr arrived. Attached pending posting.
	23		Nothing to report.
	24	1200	H.M. The King visited 621 Field Sqn. R.E.
		1030	CRE’s conference
	25		Change of command. Major J.G. Carr R.E. assumed command. Major M.L. Crosthwait left to take up Duties as Instructor Staff College.
	26		Leave train to London. Sqn Drill Parade.
	27		Nothing to report.
	28		Cleanout of camp. Mines School Camp No.4. commences. M.T. fitting.
	29		Training – Mines gapping and Map reading.


			E.P. Street Capt RE
			9 Mar 44 For Major R.E
			O.C.621 Field Squadron R.E.

March 1944 Commanding Officer: Maj J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
THETFORD	1.		N.T.R.
	2.		Adv. Party 1 off + 22 OR’s to Wyke Regis. O. i/c records R.E. sqn.
Wyke Regis Hants	3.		N.T.R.
	4.		Maj. Carr and Rev Williams to Wyke by road and main body rail to Wyke.
	S.5.		Road Pty. Main body to Wyke
	6.		F.B.E. Wyke
	7.		F.B.E. Trestles and landing trestle form balancing gear.
	8.		do, watermanship.
	9.		}
	10.		}Construct 250’ CC to BPB., including, breaking 120 D.S/ span over
	11.		} pier in water to 50 ‘shore bay and 70’ landing bay.
	S.12.
	13.		} 1 Tp. Night
	14.		} work.
	15.		} Light and heavy rafts with and without 2 Tp. Do.
	16.		} propulsion units - Duty sqn until 19th. Sqn. Dance.
	17.		} night work
	18.		} 1 & 3 Tp.
			} Inter. Sqn. Football Dem. TEWT.
	S.19		Sqn R/T Exercise.
	20		Construct CC to EFB and H.F. Bay.
	21		xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx N.T.R.
	22		Lt. Paddock & 30 back from Wyke.
	23		N.T.R.
	24.		Main road and rail parties returned.
	25		Rear party returned from Wyke Regis.
	S.26		Preparation for Exercise MARATHON
	27		Move to Misterton, Gainsborough, on Exercise MARATHON
			Capt. Street returns from leave.
GAINSBOROUGH	28		Bridging R. Trent; West Stockwith.
	29		Bridge completed 2130. Floating Bailey on tidal River. Capt. Street joined sqn. on exercise:
	30		N.T.R.
	31		Move to area Snaith. Build 280’ Floating Bailey on R. Beale.
			Capt. Street Returned to unit. Det. 3 tp. returned u/comd.
			Lt. G/F/ Norris for exercise SHUDDER with 131 Bde.

April 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Didlington nr Brandon	1		Exercise Marathon IV continues Batwing Rafting R. OUSE at CAWOOD by 1 and 2Tps. Det 3 Tps under Lt Norris to 131 Inf Bde exercise SHUDDER
	2	0630	1 and 2Tps complete building of one Batwing Raft each – time 2 Tps 8hrs 1 Tp 9 ½ hours Rafts dismantled during afternoon – weather poor -
		1830	5 officers and 7 sen NCO’s to SME Ripon for 3 day special connvo in latest developments
	3		Exercise Marathon IV ends – unit returns to Dixons East Comp
	4		Capt Street and Lt BLOCKLEY return from SME for IRB course in Mil duties
	5		Lt Beach and 2 Lt PM Acres join Sqn .Course for Officers and NCO’s att IRB begins
	6		Capt Street to 131 Inf Bde Conference ex SHUDDER – no to RE tasks given on ex.
	7		Capt Street and Lt BLOCKLEY to 131 Inf Bde T.E.W.T.
	8		2 and 3 Tp on Rifle Range – Results NOT good
	9		Easter Sunday – Party under 2 Lt Acres moves to LOWESTOFT to clear beach - mines
	10		Lt Beach commences Assault Boat and Rafting course for 12 K.R.R.C.
	11	1100	CRE’s conference – Officers and NCO’s course IRB ends
	12		1TP continue weeks training in Mines Demolition and Water Supply
			3TP continue weeks training in Minor Tactics and Battle Drill with help of NCO’s from 1/6 Queens
			2TP Duty transfer and TSO ET
			Maj Carr returns from 7 days leave
	13		Training as above continues. Night Rafting scheme with 12 KRRC at BRANDON
	14		Tps continue training as above. Maj Carr Capt Street Lts BLOCKLEY and DAVIS on TEWT exercise BAGATELLE.
	15		Exercise Bagatelle continues in RE.NAAFI.
	16		Sunday – officers mess meeting – voluntary church
	17		1 Tp on one weeks military training – battle drill and minor tactics
			2 Tp – Mines demolitions and water supply
			3Tp – Duty troop and continue fitting out of vehicles.
	18		Lt Blockley and 3 NCO’s 3 Tp to train Assault Pnr PI 1/6 Queens in minelaying and demolitions
	21		Lt Blockley and det 3Tp with Lt Beach and 2/Lt Acres on 33 Armd Bde Exercise KELLY’S EYE II
	22	0830	OC’s address to Sqn in theatre DESERT RAT –
		1100	CRE inspects camp
		1255	3 NCO’s & 28 men 1Tp complete erection and dismantling of 80’ DS. Br less one ramp in 3 hours 10 minutes starting with Rocking Rollers in play
	23	0930	Officers & Sen NCO's in Sqn TEWT in Thetford area.
			Lt Paddock and 3 NCO’s to 1/5 to 1/7 Queens to train Assault Pioneer Pls in Minelaying Demolitions and Booby Traps.
	24		Div RE exercise BLAST in R/T all day
			Tps commence weeks tag as follows:
			1 Tp - Duty and mobilisation preparation
			2 Tp – Mil duties Battle drill tactics under Lt Lowry 1/7 Queens
			3 Tp – Mines Demolitions and Water Supply

May 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Didlington	1	0800	Strength 9 Officers 269 Other Ranks
		0900	CRE’s Conference – Warning order to move area after 7 May – Passed on immediately to all officers
	2		M14 International ½ Tkd to 143 Fd Pk Sqn to have Jerrican Brackets Fitted on side. Cpl Newman to Camouflage Course - Two Traffic accidents with 2 LFA 9 injured 4 seriously.
	3		Jeeps and Trailers 1 Ton collected
	4		Sqn HQ loading trial – move order received. Assembly Area 55 on 9 May – 223 Officers & Men with 35 vehicles
	5		2 & 3 Tp loading trial – Div Boating Competition
	6		Div RE R/T Exercise BLOW
	7		Div RE R/T exercise BLUFF cancelled- Sqn loading up
Didlington	8	0900	Troops told of move – Loading completed
	9		Sqn less Residue move from DIXONS EAST CAMP to S5 camp THORDON PK Brentwood Essex arriving 1215 hrs – a good move
Brentwood	10		Vehicle park very cramped – great fire risk – No leave – Conference all unit Comds at Sub Area HQ at 2100 hrs – Under canvas 6 RHA running camp
	11		Waterproofing under camouflage nets begins – Remainder on PT. and recreational training & 50% of men allowed into Brentwood 2 3Ton per unit per day recreational tpt – Very warm.
	12		CRE Lt Col A D Hunter visits – rec tpt to Chelmsford
	13		Capt Street to CRE 21 Army Gp Rec tpt to London starts
Camp S5 Brentwood	14	1145	Church service – Rev William
	15		Briefing of unit comds of Didlington by Maj. Gen. Erskine – Maj. Carr to Residue at BLACK COVERTS camp returning Brentwood for Sqn Smoker
	16		Training Programme – Each Tp – 3 Route Marches per week 1/2 hr P.T – Mine laying drill– Gas Training - TOETS Education and ABC Sigs Rear Link arrives.
	17		Inspection 1 Tp and ½ HQ Kit
	18		Church service 0930 – Ascension Day – Sigs Exercise 24 hour leave stopped – Inspection of 3 Tp Kits
	19		Inspection 2Tp Kits – Standing Orders and Instructions CRE 30 corps received and passed to 4 Sqn.
	20	0930	Conference Tp Ldrs & Sgts
		1100	Sub Area comd’s conference
		1530	Visit by Maj Gen Erskine GOC 7 Armed Div - Rec Tpt 0900 hrs and 1400 hrs.
Camp S5 Brentwood	21		Sevice 1130 - Tp Ldrs Conference and Lt Beach O i/c Residue at 10.30 hrs
	22		Tp Programmes continue - Waterproofing complee
	23		3 Cpls and 15 men short of War Establishment and no sign of reinforcements.
	24	2015	Mov Control Conference - details of Pre Marshalling and marshalling - Signals Exercise around Tables
	25	1000	Maj Gen Inglis CE 21 Army Gp visits Dev RE and inspects transport - Final ruling obtained "No Height restrictions to vehicles".
	26	0001	Camp sealed - All but 1 of extra vehicles returned to residue.
		1030	Conference with To Ldrs - All Tpt and personnel going on MT 37 - details of Marshalling given out
		1200	CRE's Conference on Report Proformas - Decisions as follws
			All reports on proformas to be sent in SLIDEX except 7 Armd Div Adapted Br Recce Form.
Camp S5 Brentwood	27		Trial final loading of G1098 – all men and personal equipment as for landing – men crowded but not too much
	28	1100	CRE addresses all Div RE on forthcoming operations Gen Montgomery’s words repeated – Tps morale high
		1155	Vehicles move off from pre marshalling to Southend by pass – Sigs Rear Link and 1 Tp officer 15 cwt G.S broken down and replaced by 1800 hrs all wireless and desk fitting on 1 Tp vehicle transferred by 0 00hrs ready for loading. Brig BC. Davey CRE 30 Corps visits
	29		Vehicles loading on MT 37 at Dock 32 Tilbury
		1430	Grade II Briefing all officers – Very Hot
	30	0830	Lt JP Blockley to 50 RHU Bordon for reinforcement including 4 Cpls. 7 drivers. 6 Dvr Op.
		1730	Comd 131 Bde Conference All Officers.
Camp S5 Brentwood	31	1030	Lecture Supply our air to Officers. Inter unit Basketball heats and Boring. 40 men to cinema under Lt Morris remainder for swim Thordon Pk
		2000	Lt Blockley arrives from 50 RHU with 2 Cpls and 22 OR’s as first reinfs bringing Sqn up to full strength. Quality on the whole quite fair. Taken on strength 1 June 1944. Strength 9 Officers 238 OR’s

June 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Camp S5 Brentwood	1		Strength 9 Officers 262 ORs
		0930	Comd 131 Inf Bde conference on guards on camp presentation – officers must take more interest. Orders re issue of foreign currency received. LT ALLCHURCH in command DIV RE extra while party to go on LCT from Felixstowe. Issued with maps and briefed by Adjt. 3 more vehicles issued 2 B Ech for Sqn.
	2	0900	Finals of camp sports. Sqn won basketball. Second in relay.
		1230	Orders received for march to Camp 58.
	3	1000	Men from S5 & S8 by march to form ship load
		1430	Football and assault boat race – 1 L/Sgt casualty.
Camp S8	4	0830	OC’s address to Sqn.
		0900	Move off in 15 3 ton RASC to embark on MT37 SS FT KASKASKIA at PURFLEET - on board by 1135
On ship	5	1000	Boat drill. 1 NCO landed with injured eye 590 officers and men on board very crowded.
"			Learned operation postponed by bad weather.
"	6		Boat moves to join shipping concourse at mouth of Thames.
"	7	0600	Move off in convoy – pass straights of DOVER 1030.
"	8	0800	Convoy arrive off ARROMANCHE ready to offload.
"	9		Waiting off shore.
"	10		--------- do --------
		2100	14 vehicles taken off by LCT
	11	0900	Offloading really begins 5 NCO’s and men driving winches. 50 men working holds and LCTs. All Sqn vehicles off by 2100 hrs but last loads not beached.
		2300	All Sqn vehicles less 5 on LCT in Conc Area nr RHYES
Conc Area nr RHYES	11	2230	Vehicles put ashore at many different beaches. Learn Lt Allchurch arrived with B Ech vehicles D&1 Lt Arces & 1st Reinfs put ashore on D&4 30 hours before main body. Maj Carr Capt Street to Tac Div and Tac Bde (131). Warning order from CRE one Tp and possibly whole Sqn may be required to open return route between LA BUTTE and BRIQUESSARD
	12		Sqn preparing to move
	13	1030	OC conference all officers. Tps at 45 mins notice to move.
		1630	Sqn move to SUBLES nr BAYEUX thence to LA BUTTE arriving 2000 hrs to take over defense of main & Tac Div with u/c two tps LtAA (ATk), 4 tanks HQ Sqn 7 A Div on Pl courses 50 Div Recce Regt, Recce Pl of 3 Armd Cars 3 Peeps from 2 US Armd Div
	14	0545	Defense of LA BUTTE stood down. Nothing to report.
		0800	3 Tp put on as mobile patrol down Div Axis.
LA BUTTE	14	1200	Lt’s KEER and NORRIS ordered on Gen RE Recce of approx 9 square miles North and East of LA BUTTE
		2145	Defence of LA BUTTE not necessary. Sqn at rest. One UX shell demolished.
	15	0430	Sqn stood to until 0500. 3 Tp set up Water Point at 773709
	16	0800	CRE conference giving GOC’s tactical lessons from battle so far and stressing excellent cooperation with 1 US Div on our right. Sqn put on maintenance of C.L. forward from LA BUTTE with two D4’s and 7 tippers u/c. One sec 2 Tp u/s 1/6 Queens at BRICQUESSARD.
		1500	RAF strafe and bomb BRICQUESSARD
		1700	Lt KEER to 1/6 Queens for night
	17	0800	Work on road restarts
LA BUTTE ST PAUL du VERNAY	17	0900	Lt NORRIS on route recce in CAUMONT area for CRE
	18		Work on roads continues after church services at Sqn HQ at 0800 (communion) and 0830
		0900	CRE conference on projected new operations. Sqn to go in support 56 Bde and later 33 Armd Bde
		1030	Tp Ldrs conference
	19	0800	Raining all day – Tps withdrawn from rd work 1300 hrs. Mobile maintenance parties to clear surface water. Lt KEER on route recce for 56 Bde from Conc area to FUP – 2 Tp told they will be Adv Tp.
		1830	Maj CARR & Lt KEER report route OK to Comd 56 Bde
		1900	CRE issues stand fast order on operation.
	20	0915	Maj CARR meets Brig Pepper & hears of change of plans.
		1130	Lt’s BEECH & NORRIS to recce cross country route West of BREQUESSARD
ST PAUL du VERNAY	20	1800	CRE conference giving reasons for delay in ops – Raining all day.
		1930	Maj CARR to HQ 56 Inf Bde to explain route found.
	21	0800	Work commenced 1 & 2 Tps on maintenance of Div C L
			3 Tp with u/c two Armd D7’s make one way X country tracks for 1000x one for tracks and a parallel one for which 4 Tippers u/c from 486 Tipper Coy RASC via 143 Fd Pk Sqn
		1345	Lt Davis to dispose 1 UX shell in area 1/9 Queens and a commontion made last night by bomber near Sqn.
			High wind cloudy all day. Lt Acres from Reinf Camp to 143 Fd Pk Sqn temporarily.
	22	0800	Work commenced on B Route 400 yards X country 727636 to 726634 – 3 Tp with Bulldozers Tippers 300X Summerfield and auto patrol – 2 & 1 Tp on A Route
		1430	Maj Carr to 56 Inf Bde conference for operation OCEAN SWELL
	23		2 Tp to work on routes U & R U Route satisfactory R Route requires considerable work over 1 mile stretch. 3 Tp continue work on B Route (Corps return route for future ops. 1 Tp on A Route
	24	0530	1 Tp on patrol of routes A B and C. NTR
			3 Tp complete 90% of work on drainage and marking B Route. 2 Tp continue work on R Route for Op OCEAN SWELL – reinforced by 1 Tp at 1300 hrs
	25		2 Tp and 1 Tp on R Route 738654 to 751654
			5 springs located draining into road. Stone \gutters cleared after crushing by tanks.
			Alternative routes SW from BOIS du QUESNAY recced and found possible.
	26	0800	All wireless sets from Tps (total 5) out as listening watch on 8 Corps attack – xxx of 2 Tp to instant xxx in minutes.
			One Sec 2 Tp to trial loading ATK 6 pdrs onto DUKWS
			Raining – R Route very bad condition but draining was effective by evening. 2 Tp standing down
	27		2 Tp resume lines on U Route at 755688
			1 Tp and 2 Sec 3 Tp continue work on R Route
	28		All Tps working on maintenance U & R Routes 65 ft 12” concrete drain laid at tank crossing. Arrangements made for diversion for changing sqns of 8 H
			Sqn given task of finding out effect of Br MK IV and V mines and No 75 grenade on German Mk V (Panther) KO at LINGEVRES
	29		Work on U & R Routes continues 5 tippers used – roads drying out well now estimated they will take wheels and heavy tanks with moderate rain – 40 tanks passed over 400X diversion early morning crushed in drain made of 25 pdr shell cases with 12” cover
		1430	Lt K F PADDOCK evacuated to ADS enroute to UK for appendicitis operation and Lt KEER MC takes over No 1 Tp.
		1630	2 Tp experiment with 75 Grenades and Mk V 8(c) mines under German Mk V tank. Report attached Appx A
		1800	3 Tp on road patrol Routes A B and C
	30	0800	2 and 3 Tps continue work on R Route D4 Bulldozer and auto patrol “warned off” wet road and ditches. 1 Tp on main road LA BELLE EPINE – LA BUTTE filling in pot holes and cleaning drains work approx. 50% complete
			2 Tp continue experiments with mines against Panther German tank tracks.
		1330	Maj CARR Capt STREET Lt BEECH to see 4 Sqn trials with DUKW’s and ATK guns.
			Strength 9 Officers 218 Other Ranks plus 38 approx in residue not yet joined.

	Appx A


SITREP	– Results of experiments mines on Boche Mk V Tank
	(First) Mk V Mine 8c under centre of double bogey on hard ground top of mine touching track. Result – Track broken over length of four links; hole in roadside 2’6” deep xx5’ diameter (Second) Mk V Mine 8c under single centre bogey same conditions and same result as first. (Third) No 2 – 75 Grenades laid side by side lengthways under single centre bogey with track slightly slack and made ground under mines – result: outside third one link broken off inside bogey guide and link cracked in 2 other places. Track not completely severed (Fourth) No 4 – 75 Grenades in two layers bonded together on made ground under centre bogey – result: Track severed over a length of 5 links; 12” stone wall of house 4’ away knocked down.
	Experiments continue 30 June 44

29 June 44

July 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
TRUNGY 7772	1	0800	Two tps maintenance corps routes fwd and making of up and down tracks for op OCEAN SWELL 56 bde. Main lateral LA BELLE EPINE – LA BUTTE 7469 bad potholes started filling. Bitumen still required. Unless potholes are thoroughly packed and rammed, work on them is wasted. One sec experimenting on effect of HAWKINS grenades and other types ALLIED mines on tracks of PANTHERS.
"	Sunday 2	1030	Unit church service in own leaguer.
		1200 - 1800	OC and 2 i/c visited CHERBOURG. Work on clearing quays scarcely begun. Minesweepers at work outside.
		1400	Tp offrs recccing sites for tank tracks for rapid movement div to counter-attack posns area CRISTOT 8770
		1900	WP opened CHOVAIN 8372
"	3	0800	Maintenance work on rds. 50% men employed.
"	4	0800	Maintenance work continues. Roads being used to upmost and need constant attention. Chief troubles could be eliminated if more thorough road discipline obeying traffic circuits and tanks used only tank tracks. Mixed veh columns of gunners soft and armd vehs typical offenders
"	5	0900	First of residue vehicles joined: one 4x4 armd WHITE which travelled with 4 fd sqn. Men at work on maintenance tasks. Recce for cross county track to CHOUVAIN made. Constant daily demand to CRE for tippers as essential this road maintenance.
"	6	0800	Track secured yesterday 50% complete. Lt ALLCHURCH sick in leaguer suffering from rash result using rough compo issue soap.
"	7	0800	One tp fully employed on tank track incl level crossing which has to preserve rails against the latter excavation of rd.
"	8	0800	Continued maintenance of roads. Necy 60’ Bailey bridge being tasked as operationally urgent. Recce complete by 2200hrs.
"	Sunday 9	0600	2 Tp left leaguer for br building
		0730	Br eqpt on site 835703 BUCEELS
		0800	Excavation bank seats to ensure final level bridge commenced
		1030	Church service div RE in 143 fd pk sqn leaguer
		1145	Approach tracks completed by 1 tp
		1200	CRE & GOC visited site
		1400	Br completed 2½ hours late. Slowness due to land being unorganized layout, insufficient appreciation of time for excavation.
		1200	Five residue vehs joined. No trace yet of final eight.
"	10	0700	3 tp dismantled and rebuilt BAILEY 835703 improving final position. Remaining tps; one no notice, others resting.
"	11	1400	Training BAILEY Br built by 1 tp 60 ft DS HERVIEU 843723. Other work as reported sitrep. Reorganisation of sqn on completion joining up with residues: extra jeep available; forward control W/T moved into WHITE armd car on which SSM will live; spare in office lorry therefore less congested
		1700	Handed over WP 8472 to 143 fd pk sqn who now hope to be able to take WPs over as soon as checked by sqns
"	12		Work as sitrep.
"	13		NTR.
"	14		LT G N ALLCHURCH posted to base. Work as sitrep. Good reports from tank regts on PIAT confirmed by all sappers who have now fired it Great increase in confidence in this weapon
"	15		Work and trg as sitrep.
"	Sunday 16		Many sports fixtures fixtures neighbouring div & RE units. LT G E NORRIS posted to 30 Corps tps as RE FE1
8977 COULOMBS	17	0800	Sqn complete move as last unit div RE column to new div conc area COULOMBS. Dusty difficult move. Crowded rds. Generally poor rd discipline encountered. One half-track temporarily troubled brakes. LT BEACH & ½ sec as adv party overweight; found area crowded; finally found open leaguer in standing cover.
		1300	Mtce parties on div tracks to move round to east of CAEN
		1700	Water point opened LE FRESNE-CAMILLY 9277 and handed over to FdPpk sqn to operate. Weather at last set fair.
"	18	0545	Awoke to see RAF dropping 5000 tons of bombs on our objectives. 4 Field Squadron moved off hard vehs only to move well up in div coln. Div following 11 armd & Guards Armd Divs in 8 Corps order of march
		0800	LT DAVIS and party worked all day widening gaps in 51 Div minefield
		0900	3 tp moved off under comd 131 bde. Complete all wks
		1200	LT PEPPER joined unit. Posted to 2 tp.
		1500	LT BEACH and ½ sec to CAZELLE as leaguering party
		1800	Sqn at ¼ hr notice to move.
		2000	OC to CRE for orders.
		2230	Moved in twilight and darkness to CAZELLE. Very successful and fast convoy. Dusty roads. 13 miles in 1½ hours.
0276 CAZELLE	19	0100	Leaguering complete.
		0400	1 tp & 2 tp left for track mtnce in nearby cleared are COUVERVILLE & DEMOUVILLE. “Liberation” for three villages has meant annihilation. 3 tp encountering small patches Tellers on rly line and booby traps in bridges
		1400	Sqn move to BENOUVILLE 0975. Leaguer in dusty fields amidst 6 para divs wrecked gliders
		1600	Rain
0975 BENOUVILLE	20		More rain, all day.
			Work on clearing rds and rear tracks continued.
			Great part of Div boggded down and tpsts of bulldozers
"	21	1100	Lt BEACH recce of routes through CAEN which now clears. Sqn moved VAUCELLES on South side of ORNE.
		2000	Leaguer shelled. R.Sigs L/Cpl & Dvr hit. Not serious.
"	22		Sqn dispositions unchanged. No major tasks.
0670 HEROUVILLE	23	1100	Move to HEROUVILLE. Close leaguer necessary in confused area amid medium guns.
		2300	Beguiling display Ger planes. Flames. No bombs within ½ mile. Guns added to the night distracted
	24		Mtce of routes for new adv with div u/comd Cdn Corps
		1400	CE 2 Cdn Corps (Brig GEOFF WALSH) to teas with OC.
			Tps deployed for mtce worls forward as divs move south.
0670 HEROUVILLE	25		No trouble with the routes (SD1 & SD2). 1 tp & Div HQ subject APers bomb raids during night. Dugouts at Div by 1 tp.
	26		NTR
	27		3 tp fully occupied with three D7 & D4 digging in 131 bde & Sp RA
	28	0900	Laying of RD on exposed bypass track at IFS 6463 projected. 2 tp standing by with tar sprayers.
		1700	Project abandoned. Oil unobtainable.
			NB, This idea later tried in 30 Corps
			But found that if oil laid on
			ground before it is churned up by vehs
			it is useful, if not, almost totally
			in effective.
STANDRE	29	0230	Dummy minefield laying up course arranged by 3Tp
7847		0600	2 i/c i/c our leaguer recce party to TRUNGY area
			2 i/c at HQ conference on Div conc area
		1130	2 i/c at HQ conference on Div conc area
			WP NOT set up and 30 Corps had already made provisions.
		1900	Excellent leaguer, glad to be back in BOCAGE country.
			3 Tp rejoined.
		2000	Sqn arrived after long dusty journey on blocked roads.
		2100	OC brought up rear.
			Padre WILLSON rejoined as Div RE Padre, having left 4 CLY on amalgamation with 3 CLY in 8 Armd bde.
	30	1030	Div RE Church service in our leaguer. Attendance, 80.
	SUNDAY	1100	OC at CRE conference.
		1400	1 Tp moved to 131 bde area & came u/comd for new op.
	31		NTR. Move expected tonight.

August 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
TRUNGY 7874	1	0015	Ready to move. Following 131 Bde in order of march
		0130	Moved after long wait in rd
		0600	Each 3 tp to south of CAUMONT 7094 clearing gunner leaguers of mines. Some booby traps found.	App C I & 2
			Works during day.
		1300	Moved slowly along much congested rd to CAUMONT
			MO and Padre moving with us now. MO with 15 cwt truck & amb. Padre with jeep & trailer
CAUMONT 7094	2	0930	LO (Lt PEPPER) to CRE to get orders for CAHAGNES bypass and route for 43 div to avoid CAHAGNES. ROBIN road which is needed clear for 7 ADIV axis.
		1100	Lt PEPPER reported after recee method agreed	App C3
		1200	2 tp comd requested help 2 scis 4 Fd Sqn
		1500	3 tp comd & OC completed recce new route LIVRY – CAHAGNES.Work well dozer needed
		2200	First BAILEY replaces scissors. Scissors re-laid.	App C4
		2100	LO from 30 corps tps arranging tie-in of routes
CAHAGNES 7455	3	0800	All tps on routes. sec one tp with fwd bus.	C5
		0930	2 i/c recced next area
		1030	Unit moved another 35m with pause for brew 1230
		1300	New leaguer freshly cleared of parties on inf.
		2000	CRE & OC 4 Fd Sqn to dinner
			Fwd tp little employment but practice (1/2 sec in one halftrack veh) remaining u/comd. Fwd bus. Lt BEACH much infn passing back. Gallantly employed own time when not on RE work by acting LO to fwd corps 1/5 Queens when these out of touch.
"	4		1 tp still u/comd 2 & 3 tps full employment improvement CAHAGNES bypasses. Sqn greatly regrets departure GOC (Major General ERSKINE) today.	C 5-9
	5	0800	2 tp laying track 3tp making culvert CAHAGNES bypasses
		0900	2 tp order fwd with D4 bulldozer & F eschelon to clear AUNAY-SUR-ODON
		0930	2 tp completed come and left
		1130	2 tp fwd element with 11 H through AUNAY, Lt PEPPER in recee car- One PW.
		1400	Diversion round wrecked by tks on route AUNAY, completed
		1500	OL with Lt PEPPER and Sgt Mutch encountered 2 Germans attempting recovery SP gun in AUNAY. One surrendered immediately when challenged. The other first dropped into the tank, them out and behind it. Sgt Mutch & Lt Pepper closed into capture but tk exploded (30 sec delay) Sgt MUTCH alone hurt; evacuated to CCS. 2 Germans PW.	App C : 10
		2000	CRE ordered 2 tp unprotected to withdraw
		2245	CRE conference
		2330	OC ordered 2 & 3 tps eachs to start 1st light with D4 & D7
LONGUEVILLE 7455	6	0500	2 & 3 tps left for AUNAY with OC
	SUNDAY	0630	CRE gave details corps RE plan for cleaning AUNAY. Confirmed his order to make NE bypass to shorter div axis. 3 tp on mines ”brush & dustpan work” behind 22 Armd bde
		0700	Rise to AUNAY to pass on CRE infn
		1000	53RE with toward control & rear link moved to BEAUQUAY 8452
		1100	NE bypass completed one way
		1500	Rd AUNAY- COURVAUDON cleared rd & hedges by 3 tp
		1600	NE bypass completed two way
		1630	SQN residue arrived new leaguer BEAUQUAY
		2000	Joined br UXB in dangerous condition adjusted leaguer accordingly
		2030	Chicken for dinner
		2130	OC to CRE conference Lt BEACH in VALLEE all day. With L/sgt TYNAN he cleared 70 atk mines from street in the village. He is supporting 1/7 Queens who are new u/comd 22 Armd bde & Lt BEACH therefor comes u/comd the tp ldr of 2tp 4 Fd sqn who is u/comd 22 Armd bde.	App C 11-14
			General instruction rd clearing	App D 1
BEAUQUAY 8452	7	1300	Tps less 1 tp working on rds NORTH of AUNAY sur ODON. Recce by Lt KEER ( 1 POW in HT BOSQ) and Lt PEPPER to relieve shelled route forward, avoiding VALLEE	App C 15,16 App J 2
		1900	OC to CRE for orders for for colms PEPPER, MUSTARD, & Salt. An advance to CONDE – SUR- NOIREAU is projected	App E 1-2 App J 1
		2045	OC visited 1 tp, 131 & 22 bdes
		2215	SQN O gp 1tp already in position for PEPPER 3tp ready to move first light to join 8H on MUSTARD this evening L/SGT TYNAN of 1 tp was in comd of a sec of sqn u/comd 1/7 Queens who were making a night attack up the road South from LA VALLEE. In the initial stages of the attack whilst waiting for his sec to be committed he saw 3 armed Germans cross the rd in front of him and these he rounded up single handed with the aid of an empty Sten gun He was subsequently given the task of cleaning a deviation to the site of a mined crater. In spite of the non-arrival of his stores truck he showed the greatest resource in borrowing shovels, tape & detectors from the inf & succeeded in clearing the deviation in time working throughout some four yards only, behind our leading tps. When traffic started through his deviation, he remained to guide it past the ruts even though a carrier pulling on to a verge exploded a tellermine within a few feet of him.
BEAUQUAY 8452	8	0430	OC left to join 131 bde HQ in PEPPER colm.
		0500	3 tp left to join 8 H & take posn in MUSTARD colm
		1030	Recces ordered to be done by LT ACRES (from MUSTARD on left) and Lt KEER (from PEPPER on right) to see if lateral rd POSTY- CAMPANDRE LA CONGRAIN clear. 8H escort needed at EAST end.
		1315	Fortress a/c hit above. Four of crew bailed out overhead. One landed in our leaguer. He soon regained spirits.
		1500	3 tp cleared turned up veh on rd south of VALLEE. Lt BLOCKLEY supervised extremely dangerous job using recovery tk from 8H
		1800	MUSTARD switched to PEPPER leaving only 8H on left. 3tp moved with them. OC order 3 tp to rejoin sqn in leaguer if comds PEPPER & MUSTARD agreed
		1900	Rd bypassing VALLEE on WEST nut dozed by 3tp – Working till dark
		2345	Warning order for service op 9 Aug received. No action till morning.
BEAUQUAY	9	0900	OC & 2tp Ldr (Lt DAVIES) 1 sec 1 tpts initiate relief of 1tp u/comd.
8452		1130	OC to CRE conference to discuss trg & ????
		1145	1 tp complete track to tks to give access sec Burial det ??????
			Parties standing ready for helping in advance
		1700	CRE gave orders direct to 1tp for alterations route avoiding CAMPANDRE-VALCONGRAIN
		2200	Lt DAVIS left with ???? for lighting Queens route from Pt 271 ?????
	10	1100	1 tp reported its arrival ???? LES MARZURES during night
			??? clear to ????	App C17
		1200	Track completed by 2 tp.	“ 18
		1400	2 offrs & 14 ORs left for Corps rest camp by sea
			near PORT-EN-BASSEN	“ 19
		1700	3 tp provide maintenance track VALLEE & VALCONGRAIN	App E3
			6 tippers ?????	App C 20 - 21
BEAUQUAY	11		Work as Sitrep. Domestic arrangements & eqpt overhauled	App C22-23
8452	12		Work as Sitrep	App G1
		0900	OC to CRE conference	App C-24
		1000	Forty five ORs left for 2 days, at Rest Camp	App E4
		1400	MO & LT KEER to 9 Gen Hosp for Specialist attention
			Lt KEER’s ear after exposure to shell blast 8 Aug
			Lt KEER detained
			2i/c to rest camp
"	Sunday		Lt BLOCKLEY & BEACH returned from Rest Camp
	13		Lt DAVIES & ACRES left for Rest Camp for one night.
			The rest camp is being a great success with the men who, suspicious after v.poor 10 Corps one experience in TUNIS agree that this is “just the job.”
	14	0900	OC to CRE conference
		1000	Lt BLOCKLEY and one sec 3tp and Lt PEPPER & one sec 2tp (Lt BLOCKLEY i/c) as spr det to 11H
BEAUQUAY	15	0930	OC conference tp ldrs
8452			Dets with 11H on left flank recce 30 Corps – mine clearing & road clearing	C27, 28 J4
BEAUQUAY	16	0025	Warning order move to Cdn Army received.	E6
		0420	Movement order recd	E7
		0615	O Gp – Sqn to be ready to move 0830 – order of march given.
		0830	Sqn ready to move
		0900	One sec 3tp returned from 11 H det.	E8
			CRE away in BRITTANY. OC is A/CRE.
			A herd of cows was collected while Sqn has been in this leaguer and now amounts to about 40 head. For last four days these have been regularly milked by the men & the sqn has been provided with fresh milk. Unfortunately the farmer has not yet returned. Civil affairs informed.
		1045	Bad delays on road. Past SP
		1530	2i/c recced area ST AIGNAN de CRAMESNIL and visited Div HQ
		1700	OC visits Div HQ & went on to 1 Corps HQ.
GARACELLES		1900	Whole unit arrived leaguer
SEQUEVILLE	17	0830	2TP F Ech with u/comd 2 scissors brs 1 armed D7 bulldozer on tptr and 1 tipper	7 Armd Div RE 004
0858			Moved off to join 131 lor inf bde	Of 17 Aug 44 App E9
		0900	CRE Conference. OC attended
		1130	Lt Beach & leaguer party moved to conc area MAIZIERES
		1430	131 bde in action. 2 sec of 2tp u/comd fwd bus 1/6 & 1/7 QUEENS
		1900	Moved at last (long delays before 22 Armd bde could move ahead of us) with u/comd one D4 on 10 tom lorry & 3 tippers
		2000	Div plan changed – now diverted on LIVAROT OC visits 131 bde & 2tp at ST PIERRE
		2045	Sqn arrived leaguer MAIZIERES 1749
MITTOIS 300484	18	0600	Moved to ST PIERRE SUR DIVES without adv parts, ahead successful rapid leaguer.
		0700	br tp 143 Fd Pk sqn came under comd. Advance proceeding steadily towards LIVAROT after0900 good continuous reporting from Lt PEPPER as FWD recce offr.	App C 29
		1145	OC left with CRE to visit 131 bde and see area of possible br site to care traffic problem in ST. PIERRE
		1700	Br recce party left under LT BEACH 1400 2 i/c out to look for new leaguer.
		1715	Heavy shell landed in leaguer severe damage to br tp 4 vehs written off, 5 men killed, 4 men wounded.
		1730	Move to MITTOIS	Sitrep
		2310	Flares dropped overhead	App C 30
		2315	Heavy airraid. Bombs in ST PIERRE, apers bomb 400x SW our leaguer
		2359	1 tp closed ST PIERRE br for improvement
MITTOIS 3048	19	0515	ST PIERRE br reopened
		0800	3 tp arrived blown bridge 4074. Will repair by laying culverting and blowing in sises & filling
		1130	LT PEPPER on to br NORTH of LIVAROT report on bridge intact. & scissors laid alongside. Got in his report 50 mines ahead of report from ldg tps to bde comd
		1930	3 tp completed 2-way crossing at 404748 - Has been one way since 1600 hrs.	C 31, 32, 33
	20	0015	Heavy air raid – flares - APers bombs within 200 yds 1 tp vehs – two 250 kg bombs UX in middle own leaguer
		0040	All quiet
		0715	Orders to 1 & 3tps – as reported complete in sitrep	App C : 34 & 34A
		0820	2 tp comd reported for orders : given responsibility for laying Scissors br at LIVAROT, cleaning LIVAROT, and remaining u/comd 131 bde likely to severt evening. LT PEPPER again passing much useful infn all day	C 35 -37
MITTOIS 3048	21	0615	Lt ACRES returned from night patrol with 1/5 QUEENS having seen br 3 m NORTH of LIVAROT which much wanted for div adv. Br blown 25 ft gap alternative one way br awkward approach alongside Br held by sn during the patrol.
		0630	3 tp left with exact requirements for the br job
		0900	Scissors laid by 1 tp 4 Fd Sqn 467765 on one side of highway	App C 38
		1300	Br sqpt brought up to site & 3 tp commenced unloading
		1545	Main traffic stopped	C 40
		1615	Lifting of scissors completed
		1650	Br rolled over on rollers laterally to central posn on road	C 39
		1715	Br open
483800	22		Main task 1 tp important xing over 20’ gap 448792	Sitreps 0700 hrs and 1800hrs C40 &41& C42 & C43 J5
483800 (Rd LIVAROT- LISIEUX	23	1230	3 tp moved fwd to deal with LISIEUX
		1300	Forward control and rear link with DK with LT BEACH & SSM moved halfway, to fwd tp to form W/T link Work Completed as sitrep
		1430	Lt BROCKLEY with Sgt KELLY in recee car (DVR SMITH) hit by en bazooka in LISIEUX. All baled out, V slight injuries.
HOTELLERIE 6487	24	0900	Lisieux cleared en inf.
		1030	3 tp fully at work inside LISIEUX one way route onto good roads EAST opened by 1300. 22 Armd bde diverted traffic instantly
		2030	2 roads for traffic opened in LISIEUX	C 45& 46& 47
		1600	Moved though Cdn area to HOTELLERIE. Lt BEACH again ahead with leaguering parts, moving by shortest route though LISIEUX
			This move the first really happy one in FRANCE – cheering, cheerful civilians all along route. The Marquis have been in evidence ever since LIVAROT. PARIS free: great days for France
ST GEORGE DU VIEVRE	25	1215	Recce party (LT KEER) left to join 22 armd bgd for crossing of R. RISLE at PONT ARTHOU 8895
8296		1330	Unit joined by whole platoon BAILEY & moved by special arrangements via LIEURY in 49 div area to ST GEORGE DU VIEVRE
Timings shown here		1615	1 tp and br pl moved on to within 1mile of river
incomplete but lesson		1700	First bulldozer on site
learnt is that AMPLE time		1730	TD 18 moved up to river
must be allowed for		1830	Bulldozer (TD 18) on site
bringing bulldozers on tptrs		1800	Sqn in leaguer
up crowded roads to site			Further bulldozers brought fwd See sitrep	C48
			Task is crossing of three 40’ craters and felled
			RC, br, being done by bulldozers, NO Bailey	Sketch J6
		2100	One way completed
ST GEORGE DU VIEVRE	25	2330	Shells 1 tp leaguer one killed
	26	0105	Shells sqn leaguer	C49
			Work as sitrep	C50
	Sunday	1830	Padre- burial service for Dvr ROBERTS
	27	1000	Roller on tptr arrived from corps for improvement crossing PONT AUTHOU
		1030	CE Service (Padre WILLSON)
		pm	bathing parties in RISLE from 1tp.
		1800	Det left with TD18 for MONTFORT SUR RISLE	C51
	28		Replacement R/T set installed. 3 tp recce car
			W/T net now as shown	Appendix J7
	29	0745	Warning order move to 12 corps area
		0830	Recce party left
		2030	Left leaguer 21.00 Passed S P PONT ARTHOU
		2340	Arrived ST AUBIN D’ECROSVILLE near LOUVIERS
ST AUBIN0982	30	1700	2 i/c attended comd 13/bde conference	E11
		1730	OC at CRE conference	C52
		1900	OC O SP	D2
		2300	Det143 br tp (bulldozers) and assault boats joined	E12-14
Enroute R. SOMME	31	0800	Ready to move. 2 lorries, assault boats & one with Armco culverting joined.
		0815	Moved out with above plus armd D7 and D4 which were routed separately over C140 br & sent off with Sgt MANN
		1500	Colm crossed R. SEINE at LES ANDELYS
		1550	3tp moved forward to join 4 armd Bde in area CAMPEAUX 6830
		2000	Long halt for meal. GOURNAY-EN-BRAY 6616
		2300	Leaguered FEUQUIERIES 7633
			Drivers have been at the wheel for 13 hrs of the last 15 & have moved 75 miles. Everyone is in great heart.

SITUATION AT 1800 HRS. DAILY

UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"

Unit 621 Fd Sqn RE.

Ref. Map Series FRANCE

Sheet No. 1

Commanding Officer Major J G Carr RE

Scale 1/100,000

Month and Year Aug 44

Sheets 6F/7F/8E/8F + AMEINS sheet

DATE

LOCATIONS Map Ref

CHANGES IN COMMAND

APPROXIMATE STRENGTH

APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES

P.W.s

Weather

How was unit employed?

Ops, trg, defence works?

Visits

Sqns, Btys Coys, etc

(if widely dispersed)

Formation

Dets under command

Own Tps detached

Men

Tks,

Armd C₈, Guns

Men

Tks,

Armd C₅, Guns

Aug 1

706596

1 tp 704592

7 Armd Div

Det Br Tp 143

1 tp

253

Misty

Ops

Fd Pk Sqn

With 131 bde

253

The Wet

“

Aug 2

706596

1 tp 7454

“

251

Fine

“

Aug 3

744555

1 to 734551

“

250

“

250

“

1 tp no change 2 tp AUNAY 819511

“

250

“

841523

1 tp 826545

“

3+1

“

841523

1 tp 864524

“

251

“

251

“

251

“

1 tp reverted

“

252

“

Ops & rest

“

252

“

Works & rest

“

252

“

252

“

Rest

“

2 Offrs & 2 Sec u/comd 11 H

252

“

Ops & rest

“

Det with 11 H CLECY 9338

“

251

“

084563

“

252

“

Ops

“

2 tp en route ST PIERRE

sur DIVES

Det br tp

2 tp u/comd 131 Bde

252

Then clouding over

“

301484

2 tp 258497

“

“ + ½ Pl Bailey

“

252

Fine

“

2 tp 315488

“

253

“

301787

2 tp 431748

7 Armd Div

1 det br tp 143

2 tp

249

Showers

Ops

Fd Pk Sqn

u/comd

Inc 1 sec Scissors ex 365 CTTC

131 Bde

“

2 tpp reverted but same loation

7AD

“

---

249

Wet

Ops

483800

---

7 Armd Div

“

---

249

Fine

Ops

“

---

7 Armd Div

“

---

249

Showers

Ops

640893

---

“

---

249

Fine

Ops

824960

---

“

“ also

---

247

“

Pl BAILEY

---

Fine

Ops

“

---

“

Det br tp and

---

245

“

---

“

Sec tippers

---

Fine

Ops

SUNDAY

“

---

“

Also one Roller

---

245

“

---

“

nil

---

245

Cloudy

Windy

Rest

---

“

nil

---

245

Wet

Ops

090824

---

“

nil

---

Wet

Ops

Xing of SEINE

---

“

Det br tp

3 Tp u/comd

245

Fine

Ops

143 Fd Pk Sqn

4 Armd Bde

245

September 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
CAVILLON 9461	1	0300	One close support raft (4 lorries) and gridlayer & accessories lorries BAILEY joined
		0600	OC in recce car and SSM with sup for 3tp went forward
		0700	Ech with sups t’prt came up	C1
		0800	Br & acc BAILEY lorries and close sup raft fwd to 3tp
		0945	Moved to P.O. 1X 8649. 1 tp clearing 2d block same area
		1215	2i/c at CRE – recce reports in over Armd car R/T from RE offrs of SOMME crossings
		1230	OC at CRE HQ
		1300	Br pl joined sqn in fwd leaguer
		1315	Lt BEACH from ROYALS reported at main div
		1400	OC orders on air
		1420	2 tp left leaguer with br lorries for mass shelling area near SOMME
		1430	1 tp forward to CAVILLON
		1630	Remaining sqn moved to CAVILLON 9462
		1800	Br op commenced PICQUIGNY 9964 which finally quiet after intermittent but accurate shelling & S A fire since 1100 hrs
		2000	Preliminary order from CRE Div directed on GHENT in 3 days
		2100	Warning order: no move before 0800: tp to go u/comd 131 bde: u/comd 4 armd bde units
		2230	Br completed over SOMME at PICQUIGNY 30’ss. other two hours over split river intact
			Lt BEACH with L/sgt TYNAN captured 1 P/W on a flying boat site; 1 tp rescued 10 British P/W in En hands
BONNEMAISON	2	0645	3 tp ldr in for orders
7693		0800	Moved over SOMME at PICQUIGNY 9965
		0845	Temporary leaguer in open fields on hill the other side
		1000	Lt Davis ordered to supervise & restrict traffic over doubtful bridge in
			PICQUIGNY crossing.	C 2 and 3 and 4
		1015	CRE R/T orders to reinforce existing br by laying BAILEY on surface to one side without disturbing flow one way traffic (0760)
		1045	3 tpr br lorries left for this task
		1300	Moved NORTH routed VIGNACOURT – CANAPLES – CANDAS0981 – FIENVILLE0683 – HEM 1287 OL fwd ditching co/n onto route by R/T
		1700	2 tp left coln to go fwd to FEVERE 1299 to clear felled br and bomb debris D4 & a sec of tippers from u/comd 4 fld sqn sent up to 2 tp
		1730	Into leaguer BONNEMAISON 169937. Captured 88mm gun (PAK 41) intact
		2000	3 tp rejoined from SOMME
			1 tp in leaguer 152074 – have been all day with 8H hot on heels en fleeing bodies.	APP C 5
NR. ST. POL 1306	SUNDAY 3	0800	1 RTKs reported on to tonights objective LILLERS
		1015	Moved in RE coln to area 1306 LT BEACH joined 11.H. as recce offr	App E1
		1200	Inf report En active 600x WEST our leaguer Alert
		1330	Tp lots recces completed, liaising with 1/6 Queens fwd p/s 1tp in sp 1/7 Queens who are attacking ST.POL
		1600	Decision to go to LILLE. ST.POL attack stopped
		1900	½ BAILEY P1 incl 1 offr came u/comd LT BEACH shot in back, while on br on LA BASSEE canal Sqn ready to move – packed up, dossed down.
8m NW of ARRAS 4015	4	0200	Sqn moved, leading div RE coln	App E2
		0500	Arrived 407158 – The injured with first aid from PF1 who reported accurately on all En dispositions nearby.
		0600	Patrol co-operated FFI rounding up collaborators
		1900	Two lorries of assault boats joined bridging det
SE of LILLE	5	0045	moved to 754325
7532		0600	in leaguer open fields astride axis nr airfield which some NCOs & men of the unit had helped to construct in 1940.
		1700	Orders by RT move to area SOUTH of GHENT
		1800	moved
		1900	Entered Belgium. Coln moved by enthusiastic crowds.
		2300	Sgn less br det in leaguer near AUDENARDGE at EDNAME 116586
EDNAME	6	0300	br tp into leaguer	App C6
1259		1400	OC to CRE for orders
		1415	orders by R/T for three demolition parties
		1500	2 sqn parties left : composition 1 offer & two half sections in armd ½ tracks with all explosive from 2 & 3 tps	C7
		1700	tps commenced work on brs
		1830	Sqn HQ moved to 253677
		2000	Sqn HQ arrived new leaguer. Joined by 1 tp
		2130	All brs blown as follws:
			2 Tp Lt DAVIS DEYNZE 045738 (1)
			047732 (2)
			Lt PEPPER DEUXLE 094759 (3)
			3 Tp LT BLOCKELY GRAMMENE011729 (4)
			Object: to make 30’ gap, Covered by patrols 11H
			- Immediate demolitions
			(3) successful
			(4) obstacle made by bending up rly rails, cratering & erecting Mine signs.
			(1) RC bridge – 10 T-beams – first blow using 600lbs explosive succeed only in weakening abutment & bearing the reinforcements. Cutting charges being laid on these when dem partu & 11H forces to withdraw under aimed SA fire
			(2) Girder & timber br – cut – fired on withdrawing from (1). Party unable return to see nature of the gap made
			Communications : Oc at Sqn HQ C Sqn 11H at089685. All infn & orders by 11H net. OC reported to CRE direct on CRE net.
			Explosive All tp expl vehs necessary to ensure distribution expls between brs, but we had not got theses as we have three recce cars deficient and the remaining two are used. OC 2. tp u/comd bde.
OSTERZEELE 2567	7	0030	Last dem det (Lt BLOCKLEY) with OC returned leaguer. All parties in without incident except that 2tp party tickled up a hedge near rd at 1067 & extracted five unprotesting bosche.
		1100	br det reverted comd own cot u/comd 30 Corps
		1430	CRE orders by IORE to send strong mtce party to br in GHENT 2004768 & prepare to built alternative br alongside	App E4
		1515	1tp reverted to comd sqn	App E3
			Lt KEER left with 1 sec for br task
		1800	CRE decided no br to be built 200768. Civs to proceed at all possible speed to repair it themselves	C8
			1 tp remained in GHENT overnight.	App J1
OSTERZEELE 2567	8		The payment of Belgium money. No exchanging of French francs yet possible because little original Belgium notes available.
		1515	CRE orders by L/T Liase 131 Bde to provide spare parties to accompany Queens in attack in NORTH part of GHENT (all industrial quarter) OC let to unit comd 131 Bde (Lt Col Freeland)
		2000	OC & LT Keer at bde conference. 1tp leaguered in Ghent with 1/6 Queens.
		2100	Recce br at 194874 ordered. Plan made by 1tp to swivel it back into position. It is a WARREN truss br sqan 160 (?). Swivelling on central on pier. Mechanism appears intact.
		2300	CRE orders by L/T: brs at DEYNVZE must be repaired with greatest economy Bailey and possible help 4 Sqn & Tpt from 143 Fd Pk sqn to bring up many RSIS etc.
		2330	OC returned to HQ to rollout swr cables for 1tp. 3tp comd Lt Brockley left to TERMONDE to classify br used by 4 Armd Bde for advance on LOKEREN & ST NICHOLAS.
2567	9	0120	Cable reached 1tp, but moon too high to allow wk on site.	2567
		0300	OC returned to leaguer LT Keer completed recce swivel br at 193825 by swimming out to the pier. For water on observation & SA fire.
		0430	Lt Brockley returns to from TERMONDE.
		0700	Lt Davis left to recce DEYNZE brs with cover from 46 (H) bde with whom he is to RV at GAVERE.
		0800	OC to 131 bde conf GHENT
		0900	2 i/c to CRE conference to tac up DEYNZE OP
	9		Blown brs even more & gaps are 90’ & 50’
		1130	CE decided 7 Armd Div E not to undertake DAYNZE brs.
			A letter from GOC informs Lt DAVIES awarded MC
			[- periodic award for Italian campaign at - Dec 43]
		1400	1tp completed swinging of br 193825 by working hand mechanism . In shellfire but no SA during this op
ORDORP		1545	Sqn move to OPDRP 545756
4575		1700	Recce off another damaged br are in Ghent by OC and Sgt Blackley. mr 175817. Needs improvement decking
		1545	Stores Recce for this be our complete
		2300	br our decking completed with assistance from pl 1/5 Queens
	10	1200	3tp Relieved 1 tp in Ghent in sp 131 bde Capt Street i/c	C10
		1430	Sgt LEE while on reece with tp comd shot by Dv soldier	C11
ORDORP	11	0010	br 175817 closed for two hours strengthening decking
4575		0130	br reopened. Party returning through Ghent met heavy shellfire in town which continued for rest of night	C12
		1400	tks crossing on br 175817 without mishap	C13
			3tp A Ech & 10 ton Tptr and & coles crane commenced with preparing materials for making wooden decking to stay br at 193825
		1700	Want to move out of Ghent on relief 131 bde by Polish Armd Div
		1900	completed handover to Polish Fd sqn
		2300	Whole tp completed move to ORDORP
			2 tp party on MTCE TE RMONDE bro be all 4576
"	12	1200	TERMONDE br handed over to Corps Fd Coy.
			Doing this pause a large number of NCOs were appointed in the week above
			This was to fill the vacancies off tpsgt etc which they were de facto. All were impressed with the fact that this was done for the proper establishment of the sqn and they must not reckon on Subst promotion. This is in part new Practise in this unit, and the correct one. Total promotions 2 L/Sgts - Sgt, 4 L/Cpls - Cpl, 2 Cpls – L/Sgt. One difficulty is still defined sprs & dvrs who are fit for promotion to L/Cpl. The unit is almost dry of potential junior ncos. Some are able but not willing.
TREMELOO	13	0530	Sqn move to TREMELOO
8771		0830	move (via suburbs of BRUSSELS) completed
			Sqn for next rest for 3 days, thereafter to be at 24 hrs notice. Excellent billeting arranged each tp in a dance hall annex to base bar. Offrs Mess in hospitable house in grounds of which spr HQ leaguered
	14		NTR
	15	0900	CRE address to whole sqn on past and future OPS.
			Grave warnings of poss attitude of German Civs when border crossed. Everybody expecting this to be in a few weeks.
TREMELOO	16	0900	CRE inspection all vehs
8771		1300	1pt det took over br at BORN 6482 from 53 Div
	17		NTR except OC & 2i/c (Capt Street) to Brussels for 24hrs leave
	18	1800	Lt PEPPER completed rd recce	C13 C16
		2000	CRE to sqn HQ to give orders for building C140br on 12 Corps mtce router at 200928 nr MOLL
	19	0800	Lt Davies left for site 2092. 4 LISTER (143 Fd Pk Sqn) left for store to BRUSSELS, taking message for OC.
		0900	1 & 2 tps & COLES Crane left for site
		1100	Work begins winching RSTs out of water	Appendix j(2)
		1430	Lt BLOCKLEY to CRE Corps tps
		1630	OC on site
		2100	Major Bloomer at Sqn HQ conference with OC on stores
	20		Work at MOLL continues – trouble with pile driver	C18 & 19
MEERHOUT	21	1000	Sgn less 1 & 2 tps moved to MEERHOUT
I1485		1230	Move completed. All men under cover in school
MEERHOUT	22		NTR
I1485	23	1130	Lt ACRES & 1/2 sec to br recce with 8H area MOLL
		1200	orders for recce AART br 6794 to see if it can brd with 80’ DS BAILEY.	C20
		1245	Capt STREET left to see if possible. 1 Tp warned by DR to be ready to move if 3tp require reinforcement for this task.
		1315	Message from Adjt – Will scissors do?
		1340	Capt Street on site
		1430	Message from OC to Div by DR demanding scissors & 50 flexboards. 2 & 3 Sec 3 Tp left for site
		1500	OC with Div Comd. Told that only requirement is to ferry over a “patrol” of 11H.
		1600	2 & 3 secs 3Tp on site
			CRE on site. Orders patch up FBE raft already on site – though riddled – after 15 (S) Div attempt four days earlier to cross. Ferry to be ready by 1700.
MEERHOUT	23	1710	C Sqn 11H On site all waiting to cross
I1485		1740	ferry ready for careful use. Leaky but useable
		1805	Scissors br in position over lock nearby and cross country route to be cleared and passable thereafter
		1810	11H Armd car coming onto br blew up on mine
			no casualties. Systematic cleanng commenced
		1820	one more mine located and wrecked car towed away
			11H decide not enough time now to cross, recce, and leaguer back this site tonight.
		1830	HMO and TDG commenced bulldozing good ramp to scissors site
			Bulldozing abandoned. Whole plan abandoned.
			Capt Street and 1 sec remained to take up scissors with local protection from 11H. Lt Acres returned to MEERHOUT with the rest of tp.
		2110	Abandoned attempt left the scissors in down laid Hawkins mines around gen approach to br and withdrew
			having QUEENS standing patrol at site
		2230	Capt Street to Sqn HQ for orders for next days move
		2359	“ “ back with sec at 11 Gp at MART	C21
			Works at 200928 : 2 piles driven 2 capsills in place
			All stores at last on site. 2 Trestles 60% completed
RIETHOVEN	SUNDAY	0500	3 TP lifted mines & commenced lifting scissors	APP I
3608	24	0700	Complete lifting
HOLLAND		0950	Sqn move picking up 1 & 2 tps en route
			Lt DAVIES composite br handed over to Corps tps
		1300	Arrived Div conc area RIETHOVEN 365087
		1800	Tp ldr conference	C22
		2100	LT DAVIES to 131 bde conference
			LT WINSTANLEY reported for duty. Atd 1tp
	25	0700	2Tp moved u/comd 131 bde 440306
		0745	OC, CAPT STREET & LT KEER fwd to recce task at
OEDENRODE			OEDENRODE 4231 where it is necessary to make the town passable for 4-way traffic to allow two corps maintenance routes to pass through it.
		1000	OC reported R/T to CRE. Single way C130 and two way C140 already good. Required to build 70’ DS BAILEY & make 150’ approach rd over meadows ETC 12 hrs after arrival sqpt. Materials for road available in area.
		1015	Lt AIRES with two compressors and light sees of 1 & 3 tps despatched
		1040	Sqn moved followed by drs 145 with br eqps.
		1300	Sqn arrived 420318. 1Tp commenced wk on br	C23
			3 Tp wk on approaches making timber causeway.	C24
		1830	Lt WINSTANLEY recce of rly br 462378 475384
			Reportd ok tks one way
		2000	br completed
		2100	Recces to br now OK but all traffic, but timber causeway not completed
OEDENRODE 4231	26	0530	Stand to
		0600	2 Tp 4 Sqn under 3 Tp commenced work completed causeway
		1000	CRE visited
		1200	Br & completed approach opened
			Mtc handed over to 278 Fd Coy 15 (S) Div
	27		NTR
	28		3 Tp built short span girder & timber br VEGHEL 4738
			Lt DAVIES wounded & evacuated. LT PEPPER i/c 2Tp
VOORSTENBOSCH 4942	29	1530	Moved in tp gps to good billets in schools in VOORSTENBOSCH	App C 26
	30	0530	Stand to
			Lt W, T, MITCHELL joined. Lt ACRES moved as tp offr. To 2 Tp. Lt MITCHELL as 3 tp offr.	C27

SITUATION AT 1800 HRS. DAILY

UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"

Unit 621 Fd Sqn RE.

Ref. Map Series FRANCE 9E/9F BELGIUM & N.E. FRANCE 1,2,6,7,10,14

Sheet No. 1

Commanding Officer Major J G Carr RE

Scale 1/100,000

Month and Year September 44

Sheets as above

DATE

LOCATIONS Map Ref

CHANGES IN COMMAND

APPROXIMATE STRENGTH

APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES

P.W.s

Weather

How was unit employed?

Ops, trg, defence works?

Visits

Sqns, Btys Coys, etc

(if widely dispersed)

Formation

Dets under command

Own Tps detached

Men

Tks,

Armd C₈, Guns

Men

Tks,

Armd C₅, Guns

1 Sep

948617

3 tp same general arwa

7 Armd Div

Br Tp 143 Fd Pk Sqn

3 tp u/comd 4

245

2 Sep

171938

1 tp 1507

Armd Bde

244

Showers

Ops

3 Sep

“

1 tp u/comd 131 Bde

Wet

Ops

135060

1 tp ST POL

“

½ Bailey Pl

“

244

Fine

Ops

4 Sep

487158

1 tp nearby

“

244

Fine

Ops

5 Sep

757325

1 tp area OUDENARDE 0957

“

241

Showers

Ops

6 Sep

116586

1 tp en route OOSTERZEELE 2368

“

241

Fine

Ops

7 Sep

253677

“

Nil

241

Wet high wind

Ops

8 Sep

“

1 tp in GHENT

“

Nil

1tp in Sp 131 Bde

241

Wet

Ops

9 Sep

545756

“

Nil

“

241

Fine

Ops

10 Sep

“

3 tp in GHENT 191800

“

Nil

3tp in Sp 131 Bde

241

Fine

Ops

11 Sep

“

Nil

“

240

Fine

Ops

12 Sep

“

Nil

----

240

Fine

Ops & rest

13 Sep

872710

“

Nil

----

240

Fine

work

14 Sep

“

Nil

----

238

Showers

rest

15 Sep

“

Nil

----

237

Fine

rest

16 Sep

“

Nil

----

237

Showers

Ops & rest

17 Sep

“

Nil

----

237

Fine

“

18 Sep

“

Nil

----

237

Showers

“

19 Sep

“

1 & 2 tps MOLL 2093

“

Nil

----

237

Fine

Ops

20 Sep

872710

1 & 2 tps 2093

7 Armd Div

Nil

254

Fine

Ops

21 Sep

1485

“

253

Wet

Ops

----

22 Sep

“

253

Showers

Ops & Trg

----

23 Sep

1485

1 & 2 Tps 2092 3 Tp 0792

“

253

“

Ops

----

24 Sep

365087

“

251

Fine

Ops

----

25 Sep

420319

2 Tp 437306

“

Bulldozer Det 143 Fd Pk Sqn

2 Tp u/comd 131 Bde

251

Showers

Ops

----

26 Sep

“

2 Tp 505365

“

250

Wet

Ops

----

27 Sep

“

----

2 Tp u/comd 131 Bde

249

Wet

Ops

----

28 Sep

“

----

“

249

Fine

Ops

----

29 Sep

489418

“

----

“

249

Wet

Ops

----

30 Sep

“

----

“

248

Wet

Ops

----

October 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
VOORSTENBOSCH 4942	Sunday 1		11H now deployed on NORTH & NW sector of village no stand to considered necy.	C1
			Padre WILLSON staying two days. Full Sunday observed.0800; HC,0900 RC Mass at village church,0930 Church Service for unit, 17.45 community hymn singing & evening prayers.
	2	0500	1 Tp moved off to build composite br at 502342 over ZVID WILEMS Canal.	C2
	3		1Tp continuing work clearing debris 502340 2Tp refitting. 3Tp tng on mines & ramp practises.
		1300	Warning order to standby at ½hr notice for inf role
		1600	Tp ldrs & OC to Comd 131 bde conf.
		1715	Tps moved to VEGHEL
		1730	Tp ldrs recced posns with offrs of American para br from whom Sqn is to take over defense of VEGHEL.
	3		Sqn u/comd 5 RTKS u/comd 131 bde
			COMMUNICATIONS

			1.OC comd post at 5RTKS HQ
			2.Sqn HQ remained at
			VOORSTENBOSCH
		1815	Take over posn completed. Rt 2tp L 3tp	Rest 1 TP
		1830	OL orders each with lp 500 fwd
			Quiet night. Patrols from 3 Tp fwd troop	3
			NTR
	4	1700	OCL orders
		1900	Change over of tps. R 2Tp L 1Tp Res 3 Tp
		2200	Patrol & Capt STREET & four to Canalbank	C4
			454386 Stayed 2hrs & returned.	& J1
			Sqn maintaining guard on br in VEGUEL on main Corps axis
			480376
VEGHEL	5	1900	3Tp found battle patrol Capt STREET, 2 NCOs + 6 to make feint on Canal bank 454386	J1 (32)
4737		2200	Patrol in. NMS.
	6	0020	Defensive patrol from 1tp fwd to 465393. NTR.
		1200	OC orders. Change over R 3Tp L 1TP Res 2Tp.
		1730	Change over effected.
	7	1145	3Tp ordered u/comd 1/6 QUEENS to take over from 11H & carrier PL in front of DINTHER 4340, 4450 & 4439
		1800	3Tp in posn.	J1 (34)
	SUNDAY
	8	1630	OC & 4 MITCHELL going round 3Tp posns shot at by unidentified en
		1700	4 sec at LUK 433406, surrounded by small en patrol who had crossed at 425410, withdrew in disorder. 1 sec at 438401 ordered to withdraw.	C5
VEGHEL	8	1900	3Tp found battle patrol Capt STREET, 2 NCOs + 6 to make feint on Canal bank 454386	J1 (32)
	8		Situation immediately restored and all secs in posn by 2030 hrs. One spr wounded and carried off from 4 sec by en
VEGHEL	9		No changes
4737		0800	CRE conference
		1000	Bde conference
		1200	Tp leaders conference	C6
	10		V. heavy rain all day, continuous through night	C7
	11	0800	Incident at LOCK 433406	C8
		1900	Sqn relieved by 1/6 QUEENS
		2100	Relief of 3Tp by C coy 1/6 QUEENS
HEESH	12	0800	OC recce with tp offrs to HEESCH 4750
4750			Preparatory to taking over from I Coy 1 RB in firm base. Moved u/comd 22 Armd bde
		1500	Take over from I Coy 1RB complete	C9 J2
	13		NTR
	14		NTR on ops
			5% Men now sent daily to small town of OSS nearby where some missions permit. 2 or 3men every four days go for 24 hrs to JERBOA CLUB in EINDHOVEN.
HEESH	SUNDAY	1100	Major J.G. CARR to ANTWERP for 48hrs leave.
4750	15		Capt E.P. STREET in command
			Padre WILLSON took services in village hall
	16		Football matches with RB & local team
			OC returned from ANTWERP
	17	1930	Heavy rain & heavy shelling
		2100	Stood to. Nothing happened
		2300	Stood down.
	18		Lt L.P. BLOCKLEY appd A/Capt & posted 279 Fd Coy
			in 15 (S) Div as 2i/c
	19		Capt E.P. STREET reassumes appt. 2i/c
		1400	2Tp 4 fd sqn reverts comd own sqn
	20	1100	Sqn relieved by 1 OX & BUCKS (53div)
		1700	CRE visits with orders for op ALAN
			Sqn reverts command. CRE	C10 E1&2
LOOSBROEK	21	1030	Moved to LOOSBROEK to conc for ALAN	C11&12 E3
4645		1900	Lt P.M.C. WESTON arrives for duty, not yet posted to tp
LOOSBROEK	22		Sqn fully committed all day clearing mines and marking tracks. 3Tp with secs u/comd bus 131 Bde. Right 1tp. Left (to MIDDLERODE 3942 2tp.	C13
4645	23		Sqn re-deployed Right (with 1/6 Queens) 1tp, centre (with 1/5 Queens) 3tp, left (with 1/7 Queens) 2tp. All in sp.	C14
	24		Mine clearing bridging all day.
			Total of mines lifted whole sqn last 3 days: 257 all types, incl 98 Tellers 48 R mines	C15, C16
		2300	Orders for op DON received	E3
	25	0800	Tps to work as follows: 1tp clearing mines p1 previously only marked off, 2tp finishing off composite br 406430, 3tp recce & clearing mines.	J3 C17
		1400	OC talks to whole sqn giving outline of future ops, summary of successful adv to ‘S HERTOGENBOSCH already captured	E4
BOXTEL	25	1700	Move postponed until tomorrow - under 131 bde for move only.
3232	26	0900	OC to CRE
		0930	Orders for move by R/T from 131 bde
		1100	Moved, crossing br DINTHER 426410 at 11.30
		1430	In leaguer at BOXTEL
		1600	Lt Col HUNTER with next CRE Lt Col ARMITAGE visited & met all offrs.
			Mtce parties moved on to trs 357342 & 329363 which have been taken over from 51(H) Div.
		1830	Orders to send off offr contact recce to travel with HH towards WILHELMINA canal, expecting to br area OOSTERHOUT 9942, but this still 15 miles in front of our a br tps	C18
		1930	Lt ALRES left for 11H
UDENHOUT	27	1115	Moved while sqn with BAILEY PL in/comd to UDENHOUT	C19
2038		1400	In leaguer, joyfully received by inhabitants who are more demonstrative than any so far met in HOLLAND.
UDENHOUT 2038	28	0700	Slight shelling, one lorry in br pl damaged but still a runner.
		1115	Lt Col HUNTER said goodbye to whole sqn.
			Gathered in rooms in school here.
		1200	CRE visited to indicate changed plan
		1400	Lt WESTON left to recce new area.
		1500	Lt WINSTANLEY left with ½ sqn – scissors br to RV 5RTKS 235403
		1600	Scissors laid 258418	C20
		1915	Lt ALRES returned from 11H with br recces.	C21
UDENHOUT 2038	29	0800	Lt WESTON and ½ sec 3 Tp Det to clear rd block at 153398. 80 Schumines lifted and remainder masked of. Minefield located and clearly marked	C22
		1315	Sqn orders for move leaguer in ENSCHOT 2034. Found our billets found occupied by 11 H
		1630	Sqn moves to TILBURG 162343
TILBURG 162343	30	0705	Order (R/T) to lift Scissors at M/R 258418 and return	C23
		0706	Order (R/T) 3/5 left at 340170 when lifted to be returned to Fd Pk
		0900	½ sqn of 3Tp with D4 to Rd Blk at M/R 141331.
			Scissors br lifted & returned by 2Tp
		0900	1,2 & 3 Tps takeaway & Cl Sp up raft
		1215	Rd blk at M/R 141321 cleared for 2 way traffic, D4 retnd to Fd Pk
		1650	2 decks 1 paned 1Acc (Bailey) & 4 Sqn RE for br at M/R 999424
		1702	O/S Raft packed and retnd to Fd Pk
		2040	L/O & OC for appointment at 2000 hrs
TILBURG 162343	31	0600	Capt Street & Lt Pepper recce br 073471 069470	C24
			070457 & route 069470 - 076458
		1015	3Tp commence building br at 163348 Bailey.	E5
			Capt Street. 1Tp to unload
		1432	2Tp put scissor br down at 070457, & routes N-S maintained. Charges taken off br prepared for demolition at 069470.
TILBURG 162343	31	1802	Message – leave scissors down for tonight, Stores from 143 Fd Pk will be on site first light.

			SITUATION AT 1800 HRS. DAILY								UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"
Unit 621 Fd Sqn RE.			Ref. Map Series HOLLAND								Sheet No. 1
Commanding Officer Major J G Carr RE			Scale 1/100,000
Month and Year Oct 44			Sheets 5
DATE	LOCATIONS Map Ref		CHANGES IN COMMAND			APPROXIMATE STRENGTH		APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES		P.W.s	Weather	How was unit employed? Ops, trg, defence works?	Visits
DATE	HQ	Sqns, Btys Coys, etc (if widely dispersed)	Formation	Dets under command	Own Tps detached	Men	Tks, Armd C₈, Guns	Men	Tks, Armd C₅, Guns	P.W.s	Weather	How was unit employed? Ops, trg, defence works?	Visits
1 Oct	489418	----	7 Armd Div	----	2 Tp u/comd 131 Bde`	257		--		--	Showers	rest	----
2	489418	1 tp 502340	“	---	“	258		2		--	Fine	Rest & Ops	----
3	489418	All tps area 4737	131 Lor Ind Bde	---	---	256				--	Fine	Ops	----
4	475375	Rear HQ 4942	“	---	---	266		10 Rfts		--	Showers	Ops	----
5	475375	Rear HQ 488374	“	---	---	266				--	Showers	Ops	----
6	475375	“	“	---	---	266		1		--	Fine	Ops	----
7	475375	Rear HQ 488374 3TP 454426	“	---	3Tp u/comd 1/6Q	265				--	Fine	Ops	----
8	“	“	“	---	---	265				--	Wet	Ops	----
9	“	“	“	---	---	265				--	Wet	Ops	----
10	“	“	“	---	---	265				--	Wet	Ops	----
11	“	“	“	---	---	265		1		--	Fine	Ops	----
12	471503	All soft wehs 496476	22 Armd Be	2tp4Fdsqn	---	264				--	Wet	Ops	----
13	“	“	“	“	---	264				--	Showers	Ops	----
14	“	“	“	“	---	264				--	Showers	Ops	----
15	“	“	“	“	---	264				--	Wet	Ops	----
16	“	“	“	“	---	264				--	Fine	Ops	----
17	“	“	“	“	---	264				--	Wet	Ops	----
18	“	“	“	“	---	264		1		--	Fine	“	----
19	“	“	“	---	---	263				--	Showers	Ops	----
20	“	“	“	---	---	263				--	Fine	Ops	----
21	460450	---	7Armd Div	Det 143FdPk Sqn	3 secs u/comd 131 Bde	263				--	Fine	Ops	----
22	“	---	“	“	“	263				--	Fine	Ops	----
23	“	---	“	“	“	263		1		--	Fine	Ops	----
24	“	---	“	----	---	262				--	Fine	Ops	----
25	“	---	“	----	---	262		1		--	Fine	Ops	----
26	323356	---	“	----	---	262		1		--	Fine	Ops	----
27	207387	---	“	Pl BAILEY br	---	262				--	Fine	Ops
28	207387	---	“	----	“	262				--	Fine	Ops
29	207387	---	“	----	“	262				--	Fine	Ops
30	162343	---	“	----	“	262		3		--	Fine	Ops
31	162343	---				259				--	Showers	Ops

November 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
TILBERG	1	0800	3 TP complete 100’ span centrally supported Bailey bridge at MR162348. Maintenance party left on bridge. Bridge (Bailey) maintenance also at M.R. 1353480.	C1
		1000	1 TP had repairs to southern approach to br at M.R. 1623480
		1600	route and br maintenance to scissors br at M.R. 070457
		1730	2 TP work commenced on replacement of scissors br at M.R. 070457 near RAMSDONK of a composite bridge.
	2nd	0245	2 troop completed construction of composite bridge at M.R. 070487. Handrail fixed & painting till 12.00 hrs.
		0900	1 Troop road maintenance, routes North of TILBERG all day.
		0900	1 Troop Lt KEER & section checked & reported all mines in area 44 confirm lifted.
			3 Troop responsible for maintenance 2 Bailey bridges one Tilberg MR. 135349 & MR. 162348	C2
		1500	O.C. went to C.R.E’s conference.
TILBURG	3rd	0800	1 Tp. Road maintenance Bde routes North of TILBURG all day
			3 Tp. Br. maintenance at Mr 163348 and 135349
			2 Tp. Delay charge and booby trap search 2 civil buildings in Tilburg
	3	0800	MR. 1533 all day
		1930	Sqn dance in local gymnasium . 15 (S) Div band. 500 attendees.
TILBURG	4	0930	2 troop. 1 sect maintaining bde roots N. of TILBERG. Laid new decking to br 099438. 1 section.	C3
		1400	O.C. made route recce, TILBURG to UDENHOUT
		1500	1 Tp supplied 1 sec two maintain route to UDENHOUT
		1500	Lt WINSTANLEY examined Cl V raft which had Sunk at Mo. 175332. It was declared fit, but all small stores missing.
		1530	3 Troop recce for sign posting of routes N. of TILBERG. Removed 5 booby traps from church. MR 175320 on stairs to tower.
		1600	2 TROOP took over maintenance of bridges 135349 and 162348 (Tilberg) from 3 Tp.
TILBURG	5	0830	LT WESTON and 1 sec, 1 TROOP continued clearing Schȕminefield at MR 158392. 2 TROOP on Sqn.rd commitments. Rifle range 1289363 cleared of Booby Traps.	C5
		1030	Cpl PLIKINGTON blown up on Schȕmine and evacuated
		1900	CRE and OC 629 Fd Sqn to dinner – Sqn dance.
	6	0800	Lt Pepper deployed 2 Tp on island improving communications and removing charges from bridges around HEUSDEN.	C6
			1 Tp maintain mean lateral and takes over br maintenance 280470 3 Tp clearing Schȕminefield LOON OP ZAND.
	7	0830	OC on recce of new commitments do to change of the Div boundary. Lt Winstanley to recce Tp area at KROMVOIRT.	A1
			2 Tp do ARP rescue work at HEUSDEN with mech shuffle and BULLDOZER. Town Hall apparently demolished on top of civilians. Sqn deployed on many FALSE REPORTS of Booby Traps and both Civs and Mil (incl Div HQ) personnel	C7
	8		1 Tp moves to KROMVOIRT in support 131 Inf Bde – Br Building and mine lifting, also Br Mtc	C8
			2 Tp in Rd Mtce – 1 L/Cpl ad 1 Spr killed on R Mines stacked off road and apparently Booby Trapped	C9
			3 Tp on Br Mtce. Trouble with Br F85 at 248443 – Rd Bearers damaged owing to drop in canal level. Football Sqn vs 619 Fd Sqn. Lost 7-4

	9		1 Tp have been very busy in vicinity ELSHOUT VLINMEN and S’HERTSGENBOSCH	C10
			2 Tp on Road Maintenance and Mine Clearing. Orders received for move of Div	A2
			1 Tp return to TILBURG. Lt Weston on Recce BREE area & BILLETS found in NEERHOVEN
	10	1000 hrs	Sqn move with Div take 2 hrs to clear TILBURG – 2 Cdn Div coming opposite way over many Brs. 75 mile Route were West of TURNHOUT – GHEEL those E of BREE
			Arrive NEERHOVEN 2330 hrs after after 6 difficult hours night convey. Wireless silence
	11		Sqn on Mtce – Br Recce for Br on BREE MAESEYEK Rd over canal OPPHOVEN Br
			Taken over from 51 Div Engr 570788.
	12	0730	OC to meet DRE to here about OP ASCOT with 51 (H) Div. Then to meet CRE 51 Div & planning OP ASCOT all day. Sqn warned of move to 0700 but stood down at 1900 hrs as it	C11
		1700	Was unnecessary to move to 51 Div area. O.C. to 153 Inf Bde Orders.	A3
		1900	Lt Pepper in close recce of proposed site.
	13	1000 hrs	2Tp mover to WEERT area to build Br Vehicles Allotment of stores & equip for OP ASCOT received from 51 (H) Div, alos 153 Inf Bde O.O. No 10	A5 and 4
			2Tp off load two transporter pontoons onto water N of Canal. crossings & vehs to WEERT for decking
			OCs orders for OP ASCOT & 1 Tp on Route Mtce & approaches. 2 Tp to build Br with u/c 2 secs 3 Tp to help with lowering Pontoons into canal and if necessary, build Cl40 Bailey Pontoon Br
NEERHOVEN	13		Sigs arrangements of OP ASCOT received	A6
			51 (H) Div RE Op order No 9 received	A7
	14	1330	Sqn less billet holding part left NEERHOVEN for OP ASCOT
		1600	H Hour Op Ascot. Lt Pepper and Recce Party on site 1900hrs
	15	0900	100’ T/S Bailey completed having been launch with fwd end resting on Girder on 2 Pontoons.
			Plus this was necessary because of slope ½ approx. of Grad Some near misses by shelling
			Detailed timings in Appx	A8
		1030	Sqn less 2 Tp returns to NEERHOVEN. 2 Tp at WEERT.
		1800	O.C. to CRE 12 Corps Tps to see Maj ET Collins re design of KELPEN N. Br.
	16	0800	OC on suite to take over control of KELPEN North Br design decided by 1000 hrs.
			3 Span Bailey 80’ O/S. 150 D/O 70’ O/S on 2 T/D Piers approx. 15’ high.
			NO THEODILITE available – setting out NOT accurate – Detailed report at Appx	A9 – not yet available
			Lt Marshall posted to 31 RHU OSTEND as result of AFB194E	Will fwd with duplicate
	17		} Continuous work on KELPEN NORTH BRIDGE (647947) near WEERT.
	18		}
	19	0600	KELPEN N Br open to Cl24 Traffic finished by 1 Tp. 2 and 3 Tps having returned previous evening
			3 Tp return to tidy up site with Br Mts Pty 584 A Fd Coy	A10
	20	0730	Sqn took over Route Mtce ELL and KINROY Rds – MASSEYCK – BREE Rds with u/c 25 civilians from Burgomaster at BREE	C12
	21	0800	Route Mtce continued. Rain and cold
	22	1430	Work on Taping out routes form 3 RHA – 3 Tp. 1 & 2 Tps on Route Mtce	C13
	23		Leaguer Recce at HUNSEL – 5 TM lifted – Work on 3RHA tracks 1 & 3 Tps with working party 80 RHA. Killifter plough use with some success	A11
NEERHOVEN	23	1700	Br 570799 handed over to 7 GHQ Tps after 2 day delay by them.
	24		Route Mtce and work on 3RHA track continues. Sqn move to HUNSEL
			4 Sqn moving to u/c 49 Div Sqn to take over all Rds and tracks forward BREE, with 2 parties of civilians (total 44 approx)	C15
			Recce of tracks to 1/5 & 1/7 Queens.
	25		Officers now reshuffled as follows 1 Tp – Lts KEER and ACRES 2 Tp Ts HURLEY & PEPPER 3 To Lts WESTON and WINSTANLEY.
		0800	3 Tp to NEERITTER to hold billets of 4 Sqn. Tippers U/C Sqn.
		0800	1 Tp take over from 4 Fd Sqn Br Mtc also readings of CANALE at PANHEEL LOCK
			2 Tp with 2 Pls 1/5 Queen’s work on track to HEEL, repairing approaches to Br at BRATHAN - Mine clearing up entrance BEEGOEN track.	C16
			Lt KEER with sec to instruct 1 RTR on mines.
			1 Tp building up civ Br abutment preparatory to moving Bailey
			2 Tp take over control of 2 gangs of Civs one on ELL Rd other on NEERITTER track. NCO and 1 on 1/5 Queens patrol brought back 1/5 Q casualties after damp evening
			3 To with 2 Sec 1 To continue work in 3RHA tracks
	26	0900	Tp allocation of work as per 25th. Work finishes 1230 hrs – Church Services 1630 hrs.
			1 Tp stopped from closing bridge without permission	C17
	27	0830	2 Tp with working parties 1/5 and 1/7 Queens also Autopatrol complete tracks to HEEL and BEEGOEN
		1000	1 Tp adjust Br bank seat E side lowering it in time 1 sec 4 hours
			3 Tp complete 3 RHA tracks. Simplified Tk on brush wood on open corduroy	C18
HUNSEL	28		All tps on mtce Rd KINROY – NEERITTER with Gang civilians	C19
			6:3:1 mix of cement used Portland on verges FONDU on crown
			½ Sec 1 Tp still on Br Mtce also ½ sec on Br abutments
	29	0830	All Eng Stores from 3RHA track returned to 265 Corps Fd Pk. Work on main Rd continued with cement also cold bituminous construction and 1 inch gravel	C19A
	30	0830	Work on main Rd continued half day given. Leave party to EINDHOVEN	C20

			SITUATION AT 1800 HRS. DAILY								UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"
Unit 621 Fd Sqn RE.			Ref. Map Series HOLLAND BELGIUN								Sheet No. 1
Commanding Officer Major J G Carr RE			Scale 100,000 100,000
Month and Year Novermber 44			Sheets 5 4
DATE	LOCATIONS Map Ref		CHANGES IN COMMAND			APPROXIMATE STRENGTH		APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES		P.W.s	Weather	How was unit employed? Ops, trg, defence works?	Visits
DATE	HQ	Sqns, Btys Coys, etc (if widely dispersed)	Formation	Dets under command	Own Tps detached	Men	Tks, Armd C₈, Guns	Men	Tks, Armd C₅, Guns	P.W.s	Weather	How was unit employed? Ops, trg, defence works?	Visits
1	162346	----	7 Armd Div	½ sec tippers	---	257				--	Showers	Ops	----
2	162346	----	“	“	---	257		1		--	Fine	Ops	----
3	162346	----	“	“	---	256				--	Wet	Ops	----
4	162346	----	“	“	---	256				--	Showers	Ops	----
5	162346	----	“	“	---	256				--	Showers	Ops	----
6	162346	----	“	“	---	256		1		--	Showers	Ops	----
7	162346	----	“	“	---	258				--	Wet	Ops	----
8	162346	1 tp KROMVOIT 2744	“	“	---	258		2		1 Offr +4	Wet	Ops	----
9	162346	“			---	256				--	Wet	Ops	----
10	en route	----			---	256				--	Wet	Ops	----
11	574806	----			---	256		1		--	Fine	Ops	----
12	574806	----			---	257				--	Wet	Ops	----
13	574806	2 tp WEERT 587970	51 (H) Div	Br pl 51 HQ RE	---	257				--	Showers	Ops	----
14	663977	“	“	“ + ME Det	---	257				--	Showers	Ops	----
15	574806	“	7 A Div	---	---	257				4	Fine	Ops	----
16	625984	----	CRE 12 Corps Tps	2 Pls Sec 28 Coy	---	257				--	Wet	Ops	----
17	574806	“	“	“	---	258				--	Wet	Ops	12Corps Comd RE 2 Army
18	625984	2 & 3 Tps NEERHOVEN 5780	“	“	---	258				--	Wet	“	----
19	574806	“	7 A Div	---	---	258				--	Wet	Ops	----
20	574806	“	“	Det Tipper	---	258				--	Showers	Ops	----
21	574806	---	7Armd Div	Det Tippers	---	259				--	Wet	Wks	----
22	574806	---	“	“	---	259				--	Wet & cold	Wks	----
23	574806	---	“	“	---	259				--	Wet & cold	Ops	----
24	657896	---	“	----	---	259		1		--	cold	Ops	----
25	657896	3tp NEERITTER 6486	“	Det tippers ME	---	258		1		--	Wet	Ops	----
26	657896	---	“	----	---	259				--	Wet	Ops	----
27	657896	---	“		---	259				--	cold	Ops
28	657896	---	“	----	---	259				--	Wet	Ops
29	657896	---	“	Det Tippers	---	259		1		--	Wet	Ops
30	657896	---	“	----	---	258				--	Fine	Ops

December 1944 Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
HUNSEL 6589	1	0900	3Tp moved from NEERITTER 6486 to near Sqn HQ
		1100	Notice for br 680885 handed over to RE 53 Div	C1
			All Rd wk
	2	0900	Sec tippers reverted comd 12 Corps
			Recce patrols out all day for suitable leaguer for anticipated rest period of 10 days
		1600	CRE visited to inform of changed future plans & warning of move tomorrow to EELEN 6176
	3	0900	Capt C P STREET and LT KEER left for EELEN with advance parties.
			Lt PEPPER and 1 Sgt X 5RTR for three days liaison 1 officer and 2 Sgts attached from 5RTR
			Lt WINSTANLEY on 48 hrs leave to BRUSSELS
EELEN 6176		1300	Sqn moved to EELEN.
	4	1000	Lt KEER recced road for 22 Armed Bde incl bridges
	5	0830	Lt ARCES and ½ sec left for SITTARD 6868 to recce for new leaguer
		1200	Lt ARCES to 615 Fd Sqn RE to take over Corps area minefields
		1400	XXX Corps Comd visited Sqn to meet CCRE and O.C and 2 i/c
	5	0830	Lt WESTON and 2 NCOs to 1/5 QUEENS for day’s mines instruction
		1800	Lt WINSTANLEY returned from leave. Lt PEPPER and 1 Sgt returned from 5 RTR. 1 officer and 2 Sgts of 5 RTR returned to their unit.
SITTARD 686686	6	0745	Sqn moved to SITTARD via BERG and DOUBLE DUTCH bridges causeway uninterrupted. Lt KEER a recce at shown bridge at 684705 - Lt WESTON under D&I.
	7	0830	Lt WINSTANLEY on recce for waterfront. Lt ACRES on recce for section for NANER. Sqn on maintenance.
	8	0830	Work commenced on electrical for NAAFI and on track for 3 RHA at
	9	0830	Works as above. Capt Street left to take over command of 4 Fd Sqn RE
	10	1130	Church Service. Lt REEPER on 48hours leave to BRUSSELS.
	11	0830	Works as above
		1800	Lt WESTON on night patrol from TUDDERN found tree road
			Shot at
	12	0830	Works as above
SITTARD 686686	12	1700	Lt KEER on night patrol to 779700 found S mines and R mines
		0900	Lt PEPPER from depot
	13	0830	Works as above Lt WINSTANLEY working for demonstration of flails and CROMWELL turning track for breaching S- and Schuminefield
		1130	Demonstration given to Div Comd and other officers
	14	0830	Work as above. 3Tp a tour of bridges and R MAAS and JULIANA and -------- canals. 1Tp on road bridge.
		1530	Div Comd visited sqn. No special parade.
		1830	½ Sec gapped American minefield for 1/5 QUEENS patrol
	15	1400	Lt WINSTANLEY recced proposed rifle range for 131 Bde at 645545
		1500	½ Sec returned from 1/5 QUEENS
		1700	NAAFI building to be used for our canteen, breakfast 80% complete
	16	0830	3Tp started work on rifle range and targets.
		1200	Blackout in the canteen completed
		1530	Lt LANDALE posted to Sqn
	17	0830	3Tp dismantled rifle range now NOT required.
SITTARD 686686	17	1000	Lt HURLEY posted to 143 Fd Pk Sqn
		1500	SITTARD bombed Sgt Lennon went to recce UXB, found incendiary containers.
	18	0830	3Tp making targets for new 131 Bde rifle range
		1000	Sgt Lennon to GELEEN, found five small UXB, which were left, being too deep to Rd. dangerous
	19	1130	Capt P.G. DERA posted as 2i/f rom 30 Corps Tps
	20		Squadron training 1 Troop weapon training at range 2Tp Standing derricks 3Tp Grillages
			SITTARD shelled - the Casualties – light 20/21
		1500	OC’s conference at 18.00 hrs. Progress for laying defensive minefield on 131 Bde front discussed. Orders for Sqn to move to GELEEN given out.
	21	1000	Sqn HQ moved to new location GELEEN arrived 11.00
			Troops employed on minefields as follows 1 troop 742683 – 747654 for 1/5 QUEENS
			2 Tp 747685 – 751686 laid 8000 mines for 7 Div
			3 Tp Employed making preparations for minefield E of MILLEN for 2 Devons
			All troops recce out new billet GELEEN after works
	22		1 Tp out all day finishing minefield for 1/5 Qs
			2 Tp prepared canal bridge at 697697 for demolition and laid A Pers mines in front of yesterdays A/T mines
			3 Tp busy laying mines from 717698 - 725694
	23	0400	Including night work. Complete by 0400. 1560 A/T mines laid.
	22		1 Spr & 3 Cpls wounded by Shrapnel mine.
			Evacuated.
	23		Three small minefield laid between 699676-702675 totalling 136 A/T mines.
			The large field of 4660 A/T mines laid 718698 - 725625
			A field of 160 A/T lain at 717700 and a dummy minefield also prepared
			Two Br also prepared for demolition – one a Baily at 707697 and the other cratering charges - 708699
	24		Small road repairs to brigade routes of main BERG – SITTARD and LIMBRICHT road
			161 A/T mines laid at 719701.
	25		Squadron assemble for Xmas dinner at GELEEN
			Party proceeded very well and modestly
			No work
	26		Little work. Conservable after Xmas break.
			Period of P.T. and Baths. Recce for operational track for 5 DG.
			Sp Bde from 131 Inf Bde Sect
	27		Squadron training by troops including
			Training Derricks and Bailey Crib
			2hrs bulldozing done for 5 D.G. on track at 695692
	28	1800	Training as for 27 O.C’s lecture to all NCO’s on the Bailey Crib. Introduction at 1800.
	29		Troops remained on training. Collection of 50/60 raft in progress. O.C. attended 131 Bde Conference at 1700 hrs.
	30		Recce for Assault Bailey training completed.
			Squadron wireless exercise - 0000 1330 hrs in which all Sqn secs took part Class 50/60 Raft was off loaded at PAPENHOVEN.
			O.C. attended Spr Leader Conference 1400 hrs
	31		Rear maintenance. i.e frost precautions

			SITUATION AT 1800 HRS. DAILY								UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"
Unit 621 Fd Sqn RE.			Ref. Map Series BELGIUM								Sheet No. 1
Commanding Officer Major J G Carr RE			Scale 100,000
Month and Year December 44			Sheets 4
DATE	LOCATIONS Map Ref		CHANGES IN COMMAND			APPROXIMATE STRENGTH		APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES		P.W.s	Weather	How was unit employed? Ops, trg, defence works?	Visits
DATE	HQ	Sqns, Btys Coys, etc (if widely dispersed)	Formation	Dets under command	Own Tps detached	Men	Tks, Armd C₈, Guns	Men	Tks, Armd C₅, Guns	P.W.s	Weather	How was unit employed? Ops, trg, defence works?	Visits
1	655897	----	7 Armd Div	sec tippers	---	258	---	---	---	--	wet	wks	----
2	655897	----	“	“	---	258	---	---	---	--	Cold & showers	Wks & rest	----
3	6176	----	“	“	---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	wks	----
4	“	----	“	“	---	260	---	---	---	--	Showers	wks	----
5	“	----	“	“	---	260	---	---	---	--	wet	“	----
6	686681	----	“	“	---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	“	----
7	“				---	261	---	---	---	--	Dry	Maintenance	----
8	“				---	261	---	1	---		Dry	wrks	----
9	“				---	260	---	---	---	--	“	“	----
10	“				---	260	---	---	---	--	Dry	Day pff	----
11	“				---	260	---	---	---	--	Drizzle	“	----
12	“				---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	“	----
13	“				---	259	---	1	---	--	Showers	“	----
14	“				---	259	---	---	---	--	Showers	“	----
15	“				---	260	---	---	---	4	Fine	“	----
16	“				---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	“	----
17	“			“	---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	“	----
18	“			“	---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	“	----
19	“			---	---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	Ops	----
20	669656	“	7Armd Div	None	---	260	---	---	---	--	Wet	Training
21	“				---	261	---	---	---	--	Wet	Minelaying
22	“					261	---	---	---	--	Dry	“
23	“					257	---	4	---	--	Frosty	“ + night work
24	“					258	---	---	---	--	Dry clr	Road maint
25	“					258	---	---	---	--	Dry clr	Xmas Day	festivities
26	“					258	---	---	---	--	Dry	Conservancy
27	“					258	---	---	---	--	cold	Training
28	“					257	---	1	---	--	Cold Dry	“
29	“					254	---	3	---	--	Snow	“
30	“					254	---	---	---	--	Snow	“
31	“					254	---	---	---		Frost	Road maint

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