War Diary of D Battery, Royal Horse Artillery 1944


Field
WPJ.	"D" Battery Royal Horse Artillery	JUNE 1944


1	BRENTWOOD. ESSEX. Vehicles having been packed and sent to marshalling area and "camps sealed" there was very little to do. Advance parties still at camps in LONDON dock area/
2 & 3	Final preparations for embarkation. One or two last minute evacuations through sickness. Battery split into two groups. "2nd" ADVANCE and "MAIN".
4.	Battery embarked. The "MAIN" party totally 7 Officers and 136 O.R.s embarled on the "lighter" " QUEEN LONDON" to a United States liberty ship the "S.S." ROBERT HENRIE". 1 Officers and 8 O.R.s embarked on two different ships, and including the first advance party pf 2 Officers and 8 O.R.s the total Battery Strength on embarkatopns was 10 Officers and 152 O.R.s/
5.	A day of waiting lying off TILBURY.
6.	AT SEA. Journey through channel almost without incident.
7.	AT SEA. Advance party on their server groups, disembarked. Remainder AT SEA. Weather fine.
8	Advance party at MAGNY 822825. Gun positions surveyed in. Large HUN gun position found nearby. Rumoures that Germans still about so area combed but without success.
9.	MAGNY 822825. weather fine. Six German prisoners taken by advance party hiding near gun positions. Main party disembarked arriving in snall parties and concentrating in area without coming in to action.
10.	MAGNY 822825. weather fine. Maintenance etc, Recces of position at NONANT.
11.	MAGNY 822825. weather fine. Recce pf position in morning and occupation in afternoon at CONDE SUR SEULLES 829705.
12.	CONDE 829705. weather good. Early morning STONKS on TILLY in support of 131 Bde attack (1/5 Queens leading)/ Our forces met enemy armour in some strenghth and O.P.s found progress slow because of bad observation owing to difficult country, and the odd spandau and shell/ Late orders to move next morning.
13.	DITTO - weather fine Early morning move to BLARY, SURLES, and LA BUTTE to area 743640. The fairly long move was completed in good order despite somewhat drastic satrt in the dark. 131 Bde in a salient - with series of strong points at LIVRY, and forward troops in VILLERS BOCAGE neighbourhood. Enemy armoured counter attack on VILLERS and situation confused.
14.	743640 - weather good I nfantry with our O.P.s continued to move forward, progress slow with enemy pockets to NORTHif VILLERS road, and enemy on parallel roads to SOUTH. By evening our forces started to pull bacj. Much firing. 947867 Dvr/OP. McCreme.J and 968973 Dvr/Op/ Williains L.V. wounded at O.P.p
15.	DITTO - WEATHER FINE 131 Bde pulled back to firm base in front of LIVEY; Letter of congratulations to Div. Arty on last two days show. Lient. A. Gibb. R.H.A. evacuated.
16.	DITTO - weather fine Capt. D.D. Yonge MC. R.H.A to 50 Div front, but called back in afternoon after slow and difficult progress/ Much patrol work on both sides in 131 Bde front with much D.F. fire out down at noght.
17.	DITTO - weather showery Capt. D.D. Yonge MC. R.H.A evacuated with damaged eye. Capt. P.M. Barrington posted to take over "M" Battery. Busy day for guns. Recce of alternative positions. Further congratualations of our Artillery's good work from R.A. 7 Aemd Div
18.	DITTO - weather fine Lieut. A.L.P. Lawrence R.H.A. posted to Battery from R.H.Q.. Lieut R.T. Demaine. R.H.A. and No 1107005 P/L/Bdr. Cameron D. (MM) killed at XX O.P. by shell. There were buried in a church yard near LIVRY. No 886504 Dvr, Brend. A.R.^{died later} and 838140 Dvr/Op Potter V.M. were wounded. 131 Bde straighten out their line and made contact with Americans on their right
19.	DITTO - very wet U.S. Fighter planc crashed near waggon lines in morning - pilot killed. Day of rest for Battery from 0900 hrs, 5. RHA taking over our posittions. Lieut. D.M.J. Clark R.H.A. joined Battery from "M" Battery R.H.A.
20.	DITTO - very wet Day of rest and maintenance. Lieit. B.J. Cork. R.H.A. promoted to Captain.
21.	DITTO - rainy day Battery resumed action roles at 1400 hrs with O.P.s out with 1/7 Queens sector.
22.	DITTO - overcast Quiet day - indicated medium bomber target with coloured smoke. Capt. P.M. Barrington rejoins Battery
23.	DITTO - fine Spread out a bit over congested area, Recce of new position
24.	DITTO - fine Hostile AA Bty programme fired. Fary quiet day.
25.	DITTO - showery Fairly quiet day
26.	DITTO - showery Sniping section forward to 736623. Capt. Barrington promoted and transferred to "M" Bty R.H.A. vice Major Fisher (wounded)
	Capt G BUCHANAN R.H.A. posted from J Battery RHA.
27.	DITTO - weather fair Sniping gun forward again.
28.	DITTO - fine Search had gone on in last few days to find suitable alternative position, but without success.
29.	DITTO - heavy rain Just after midnight harassing fire programme put down on roads being used by 2 SS Pzr Corps whoe were crossing out front.; also SOS targets in support of a special patrol of 1/5 Queens. Letter of appreciation received from O.C. 1/5 Queens of Capt. Barrington's good work whilst in temporary command of "M" Battery R.H.A.
30.	DITTO - heavty showers Large bomber force destroyed VILLERS BOCAGE, followed by excellent shooting on vehicles and infantry in VILLERS area,



	"D" Battery Royal Horse Artillery
	WAR DIARY.
	JUNE 44

	near BRENTWOOD, ESSEX.

	1st. B.S.M Poweell has been acting R.S.M. for the Regiment for some days. Sgt. Wallace is action B.S.M for "A" Troop, whilst B.S.M. Claverintg W.J. has taken duties of Battery Sgt Major
	With vehicles at marshalling areas camops "sealed" there is very little to do.

	2nd. Final preparation for embarkation. The Battery Advance Party, consisting of 2 Officers amd 8 O.R.s left some days before, and were at camps in LONDON docks area. The "mainin" Battery party consisted of two groups for embarkation. I officer and 8 O.R.s schedeule to travel in two different ships,, and the remainder together on the one vessell. There were one to two last minute evacuations through sickness.

	4th. Battery embarked. The "MAIN" parry totalling 7 Officers and 136 O.R.s embarked on the light "QUEEN LONDON" from TILBERY to the United States liberty shup the "S.S. ROBERT HENRIE"/ The total Battery strength on embarkationm including the "advance" and detached is 10 Officers and 152 O.R.s.

	5th. A day of waiting off TILBURY.

	6th. AT SEA. Journey through channel without incident.

	7th. AT SEA. Advance part, in their several groups, disumbaarked,
	Remainder AT SEA. Weather fine.

	8th. Advance party at MAGNY 822825. Gun position survetyed in.
	Advance party moved away from R,H,A, and settllel down in gun position area, centre, ofcourse on a cottage for Command Post.
	During a recce for waggon lines the C.P.O. found a German Battery positions - and after looking round a bit reported it to R,H,A,
	The C.O., and the 2 i.c paid the HUN position a visit, and whilst looking round were warned that the BIOCHE were still in the area - as the afternoon was spent in conbing out by armd parties.

	9th. Near MAGNY 822825. Weather good. An interesting day for the advance party. Five 105 mm guns were found in the HUN Battery position, four in good condition. The guns appeared to be new, and the whole are appeared to have been evacuated in a great hurry with a large amount of kit left behind including much undamaged stuff. The whole place was well 'Dug in and marvelously camouflaged, ammunition stored in racks underground and Battery Office etc in dug outs. The Battery's half track towed one gun to back to the Regimental area where it was fired at the enemy, a report being passed to the CRA that "guns are in action".
	It appeared that six BOCHE has visited the farm house in the area durng the night for food, so the Battery organised an ambush party to sleep at the farm. It was necessary though, for "J" Battery's O,P. truck during the afternoon spotted suspicious movement, fire a burst or two or two of sten, and followed a reace betwenn £D£ and "J" for the prisoners - six of tem - "J" wining by a short head.

	10th. The Battery began to land during the day, and concentrated in the area without coining into action. Owing to the tortuous roads and many by-roads the job of shepherding the Battery into the right direction was really difficult - however, at last most were safely in and glad to settle down to a brew and a wash,
	Recce and survey of possible gun position near NOMART.

	11th. Reece parties moved SOUTH of the village of CONDER SUR SEULLES via BAYEUX (Mat Ref, 8237105) weather fine. The Battery soon followed. The positions was well up - and in cultivated land. Command post being established in a farm. Ample camouflage for vehicles etc. No firing during day - our attack starts next day with 1/5 Queens supported by 3/RHA directed on TILLY - JUVIGNY and down road southwards.

	12th. CONDE SUR SEULLES. weather good. Early morning "stonk" on TILY, "the party" proper starting at 0500 hrs. Two O.P.s out - observation in type of country wery poor, and sheets were few. TILLY SUR SUELLES was enter by our forces, but the enemy armour was present in force and there was considerablr shelling by odd guns (probably self propelled) of roads with much spandau fore and for the next day the FDLS were a thousand or so years NORTH of the town. Some "overs" of the tank battle fell in our area causing very little inconvenience/ Late in the evening orders were received to move early next morning to a new section of the front.

	13th. CONDE SUR SEULLES. weather good. After several alterations in timings the move commenced at 0300 hrs for Regtl recce party (under Capt. Barrington) and at 0330 for Gun Group. It was a dark night, and groups got very disorganised during the move to the start point - with the result that individual vehicles lost touch with each other on the overcrowded road, Regtl "A" Ech/ for instance finding itself mixed u with the Recce party. Day break found us halted nose to tail alongside the road, in placed two deep, a marvelous air target. However although the night has been noisy with HUN planes none came iver during daylight. The QUEENS were late off the mark, and we waited for them to pass through us. Upon the restart a reshuffle of vehicles was quickly done, and the march resumed in correct order. Route was via BLARY (8076) SURLES (7576) ST PAUL DU VERNEY (7470) to an area at 743640.
	Much evidence of the effects of RAF straffing en route, and an attack by our medium bombers just as we arrived gace a good indication of the FDLS. We wee now in a XXXXXX salient, aboot 5,000 yards NNE of CAUMONT, with enemy a short distance away to our East and South the guns had an enormous zone of fire to cover, adding to our difficulties in a somewhat restricted area (f the Regiment was now very concentrated). The Command Post set up in a large farm with the troops in the adjacent fields - surrounded by trees. By 0915 O.P.s at 724621 and 735624. Soon afterwards we were told to prepare to take on Tanks. O,P.s began to feel there way forward over country where observation was difficult, and ealy in the afternoon our foremost troops were beyond VILLERS BOCAGE (8157), with pockets of enemy at ST GERMAIN (7732) etc. 5/RHA, a the outskirts of VILLERS BOCAGE, were in difficulties in the the evening and we laind on a smoke screen to assist them. Fair amount of firing during the evening and night, including fire on several /several/ parties of enemy tanks. By midnight the QUEENS has established a series of strong points to the S.E. of LIVRY (7464) IS Forces in neighbourhood of CAUMONT. Sgt Wallace and three others caused some anxiety by there absence - they turned up 48 Hours later having has mechanical breajdowbs in the road.

	14th. 743640 weather good. Infantry, with our O.P.s continue to move forward very slowly, and at 1000 hrs OP was at 788579 moving along the road. The parallel road about a mile to the SOUTH was still being used by the enemy and we had several shoots on the track junction (Point 198) on this rod. Enemy still to the NORTH of our salient, hold the village of ANCTOVILLE. Considerable amount of firing during the night. 5/RHA in further difficuluty but pulled back during the night. 9478867 Dvr/Op. McCreme, J. and No 668793 Dvr/Op. Williams. L.V. woundered by mortar bomb whilst at O.P., and evacuated./

	15th. 743640 weather good. During the night yjr 131 Bde had been moved back to its firm base in front of LIVRY. The 5 Armd Div, claimed 30 - 40 enemy tanks K.O.d in the last two days fighting. Enemy pressure appeared to have relaxed and infantry patrols were sent out to "probed" his lines. OP at first light at 746613. A quieted day - but syell much firing.
	Special order of the day by the C.O. read;- "The Divisional Commander has expressed his complete satisfaction with the work of the Div. Arty during the past few days fighting. Well done! all ranks."
	Lieut. A. Gibb. R.H.A. who had been sick for some days, evacuated.

	16th. 743640 weather good. In early morning Capt. D.D. Yonge M.C. RHA sent across to 5 Div. Front. Advance in his sector was slow, observation poor, with much mortar, gun and M.G. fire. By noon he reported he had reached code word HARDY (road running EAST to WEST through 771660) but had had to withdraw slightly. OP was withdrawn and reestablished on 131 Bde front in afternoon. On his front probing continued by enemy and by ourselves; keep with the movements of our patrols was quite difficult and caused OPs some worry as to whether the movement was ours of the enemy,.
	Much DF firing at night on all Brigades fronts, in all over 1000 rounds.

	17th. 743640 showery good. Early morning visit by three ME 109s - our attached AA Troop claimed at least one hit. Recce and survey in of alternative positions with a view to night occupation.
	Another busy day, one hundred round per gun fired, Capt. P.M. Barrington R.H.A transferred for a short tome to command of "M" Battery R.H.A whose B.C. (Major, Fisher M.C. R.H.A.) had injured his feet. Capt. D.D. Yonge M.C. R,H.A evacuated - he received a severe injury to his eye from a tree branch whilst moving at night,
	Congratulations received from RA 7 Arnd Div, (1) "Well done 7th Armoured - a very neat and speedy movement" (2) Well done 7th Armd Dic - a first class battle.

	18th. 743640 weather fine. Lt. A.L.P Lawrence R.H.A. posted from R.H.Q. A black day for the Battery. A shell fell amongst the O.P. Party killing Lieut, R.T. Demaine. R.H.A. and No 1107005 L/Bdr. Cameron. D. (MM) and wounding XXXXXXXX several. No. 886504 / No 886504 Dvr, Brend, A,R, abd No. 838140 Dvr. Op, Potter. V,M.
	"Ronnie" will be sadly missed by his fellow Officers, hehad been with "D" for twenty months - and L/Bdr. Cameron was a general favourite.
	An ammunition restriction which had been on for the last few days was lifted and noon saw alot of Regtl (MIKE) targets being fired. 131 Bde straightened out their line by nightfall and were now in close contact with the Americans on their right,
	Lieut, R.T. Demaine.and L/Bdr. Cameron.were buried in a churchyard near LIVRY..

	19th. 743640 a very wet day, A U,S, fighter crashed near waggon lines in early morning - pilot killed for the plane blazed up immediately. From 0600 hrs it was a day of rest for the Battery - OPs reporting in and 6/RHA taking over observation. Lt/ D.M.J. Clark. R.H.A. joined the Battery from "M" and 2//Lt Griffiths from "J". Much noise of tank battles etc on 50 Div front to our EAST - the first objectives were taken by 50 Div, with somepulling back in the evening.

	20th. 743640 another wet day. and another day of rest/
	Opportunity was taken to do some much needed maintenance. As many as possible were accommodated in the farm hours and out - buildings in the dry. Reveille was not used and many did not get up until late. Rumm issue. Lt. B.J. Cork. R.H.A. promoted A/Capt.

	21st. 743640 rainy day. Battery stood by to fire DFs from 1400 hrs and OP parties went out in afternoon to relieve "J" Bty with 1.7 Queens, OP being at 738612. Recce and survey of new positions about 2500 yards SOUTH of present positions. A quite day/

	22nd. 743640 overcast to fine. Another quiet day. Some reorganszation of gun positions was carried out to et the guns round to fire 90* right of the zero lines and cover the forthcoming tasks we may have to fire. The OP party experimented, with satisfactory with the 95mm gun on our new Cromwell tanks. In the evening we indicated a Medium Bomber target with coloured smoke, a few form of air ground co'opeation; an amazing amount of AA fire was seen from the gun position. Capt. P.M. Barrington R.H.A rejoined the Battery. During our stay at this gun positions we have received over 350 targets and D.F. tasks so far.

	23rd. 743640 fine. A very quiet day. "J" Battery took over our responsibiltties at the 1.7 Queens OP. As "M" Battery had moved out of their firmer gun area (to make the Regimental area less congested) we spread out are vehicles a little into their former area. Recce and survey of positions near LA SENAUDIERE (7869) which we will occupy for a few hours in order to support an attack of 49 Div.

	24th. 743640 fine, Fired programme "TEMPEST" against hostiles A.A. Batteries with good results as A.A Fire - which has been quite heavy during the past two days seemed. afterwards, to be much less.
	A noon were were notified that 5/RHA were taking over our 46 Div task. Large number of hostile battery foxes were now coming in. PS sent out on 1/5 Queens sector. Ammo expenditure limited to 45 r.p.g. Fired some D/Fs late at night.

	25th. 743640 showery, Fired early morning task. Some enemy harassing fire on O.P. area; registration of close D/Fs to support a QUEENS parrol which was going out to tae a prisoner.

	26th. 743640 showery, Early morning barrage by Americans to our WESTwho were making a diversionary attack. During the morning four American planes which had been attaching the HUN also sttafed American forward troops. All four plancs were bought down by U.S. forces. It was thought that the enemy might be pulling out and our patrols were instructed to be more aggressive, Sniper section went forward in afternoon to 736623 and has a successful day on enemy diggings, staff ca, etc. Some mortaring of OP (still at 749616) Major. Fisher. M.C. R.H.A. of "M" Bty wounded and Captain Barrington R.H.A. promoted to B.C. of "M". Capt, G Buchanan R.H.A. (Of "J" Battery) cross posted to us as Battery Captain.

	27th. 743640 weather fine to showery. Liueut. Griffiths R.A. cross posted to "J" Battery. Sniping gob out again and has another interesting day. VIII Corps (Armoured) attack commend ^{OP ODON} and by evening seemed to have punched a gap, Heavy vehicle movement reported along our front to the SOUTH and some Divisional Targets were fired - the Allied Air Force took an active part.

	28th. 743640 Fine, During the past few days we had travelled the area trying to find alternative positions that would be less muddy. Positions could not be found without going too far forward - we were very thin on the ground to our EAST. Our surveyed alternative positions, which were on firm stranding when we recced then on 17th, have now been partially ploughed up and impossible for a gun position. We have also completed task tables - two series so far - in respect of an attacked by 56 Bde; but as yeat have no firm date for this attack, No sniping section out today.

	29th. 743640 heavy rain at times. A few minutes after midnight the following message was received:- Special Order of the Day from Corps Commander, "The Corps Commander welcomes the arrival of the 2nd SS Pz Corps on the 49 Div, front with a salute from 500 gus".
	Followed harrassing fire tasks on road junctions along the Pz Crops axis from 0030 to 0340 hrs - fiver of ten rounds gun fire at about tem minute interval. We ca,e off harrassing fire for a short time at 0215 and fired S.O.S. tasks in support of a patrol of 1/6 QUEENS who had the special task of bringing in a PW for interrogation ( a dead body was brought in with absolutely no identification papers atall) Fairly quiet day with some counter battery and harrassing fire tasks. A "sound bearing" party was sent out from the Battery Command Post to get shelling reports. Some D/F fire at night and a small harrassing fire task similar to the in the early morning (in which we fired over 800 rounds).
	With reference to Capt. P.M Barrington attachment to "M" Battery the following letter was received from the C.O. 1/6th Btn, The Queens Royal Regt;-
	"Although the support which your Regiment gives me is always magnificent, and although I fee we know each other as /as/ Regiments sufficiently well to dispense wit the formal thank, I must tell you that our stay in BRIQUESSARD was made possible by the splendid work you all did for us. Without your help, we would have not sustained these those twp very vicious assaults by 2nd Pz Div., nor would I have been able to withdraw my Bn intact after the second was won. That Bill Fisher had to go back in the middle of the battle might have proved a disadvantage but Peter Barrington settle into the chair so snoothly and well, and produced the same old results with the usual speed and skill.
	I'm afraid it was a rough iintroduction to us for mim. nut he was made for the part and I hope his efforts will be rewarded."
	"Best wished and sincere thanks from all ranks"

	30th. 743640 heavy shouers. Gubs stood to on a DF task from 0100 hrs until first light without firing - a very boring pastime. Command Post Party went out again to get sound bearings to hostile guns and OP was in the usual place, although our forward tactical HQ moved a short distance to a less muddy situation. Day fairly quiet until 2000 hrs when a large force of four engined bombers came over and bombed VILLERS BOCAGE area. It was quiet an amazing sight- quite the largest force seen in the battle area on close support bombing, (as conservative estimate was 250 planes) two were shoot down by AA fire. At the dame time we were engaged on counter AA fire tasks. Just afterwards our OP spotted a large column if vehicles and men coming from VILLERS at ref 812585, The Regiment were given this as a priority task (J and M Batteries were at the time engaging targets of their own) and we fired 15 Rounds G.Fire, 5/RHA were brought in and rounds were put down on the target area whenever movement was spotted, At lead one confirmed "brew up" was reported as a result if our shooting - the enemy in thought to have been knocked about quite a bit.
	Ref. the above target 7 Ared Div, I summary reported "Our Gunners reported at 2100 hrs every convoy of TGVs approaching VILLERS BOCAGE from the NORTH. Why they fely the urge to go there is a mystery, unless it a conducted tour of bomb damage/ They were engaged by our guns, and large numbers of Infantry were seen to jump from TGVsand seek shelter in the woods,"

	The Order of Battle for the Battery at the end of June was;-

	Battery Commander	Major T.J. Tirrell. M.C. D.C.M.
	Battery Captain	Captain. G. Buchanan
	Tp Condr "A" Tp,	Captain. B.J. Cork
	Tp Condr "B" Tp,	Captain. J. Sibbald.
	Third OP Officer	Lieut. D.M.J. Clarke.
	C.P.O.	Lieut. J.R. Brown.
	G,P,O, "A" Tp,	Lieut. S.P.E. Simon
	G.P.O. "B" Tp,	Lieut. H.A. Parsons
	A.C.P.O.	Lieut, A.L.P. Lawrence,
	Battery Sgt, Major.	B.S.M. W.J. Clavering.
	Troop Sgt, Major, "A" Tp.	Sgt. H. Wallace (Acting)
	Troop Sgt, Major, "B" Tp.	B.S.M Flint. H.


	Battery Strength in FRANCE	9 Officers and 152 O.R.s.


"D" Battery 3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

WAR DIARY FOR JULY 1944


1 July.
At 743640 - weather wet, Still in support of 1/5 QUEENS with O.P. at 749616/ Quite early the Bty. Capt. went out with 2 i/c to recce a position in a new area; no suitable areas were found. Later a further recce party went out, and almost completed survey in a rather pleasant area near LA SENAUDIERE when we received orders to take over existing 6 R.H.A. positions. The Battery re relieved was our old friend G Bty R.H.A. In the meantime the guns has carried out several bombardments against batteries. O parties returned to Bty, area last light (except one officer who stayed with the QUEENS). AT midnight the Americans tool over our section of the front (i.e., 131 Bde sector) and the Bde pulled out to rest position; the American units have very find equipment indeed, and we were very impressed with what we saw in the roads. Some patrol activity by QUEENS to cover the change over. We were not sorry to leave our our positions for it had become very muddy and dirty. 840624 Dvr i/c WALKER I.C., killed by a shall at Bty. Fwd. H/Q., whilst resting in the half-tracked wireless vehicle. Expend 533 rds. for the day (24 hrs to 1730)/

2 July.
At 743640 - weather fine., During the early morning the BTy. drew out of its new position 762690 near LA BELLE EPINE crossroads. Recce pateries were in early and too over from B Gty - we had to change our pivot positions ( to get additional crest clearance necessary for equipeent) and this meant a re-survey. We are now in support if 56 Div., with the Battery supporting the 2/GLOSTERS. O.P. was at 735637 and the Battery Tac. H.Q. at 747634 with Bn. We were immediately swamped with new D.F. Tasks. Things were fairly quite at the O.P. (which was on high ground behind Bn. H.Q. although both had some shelling and mortaring. W/T communications became very bad in the evening and intermediate relay stations had to be sent out. Expended 190 rounds,

3 July.
At 762690 - weather - very wet. Recce of new positions NORTH of ST ANDRE. Fairly quiet day; a Battery Target fire plan was put down and was a success, enabling the GLOSTERS to get a prisoner for identification of enemy on our front. Small party went to cinemas show in a barn nearby. Once again night communications were very bad and intermediate ~~messages~~ stations to relay messages had to be sent out.
Expended 396 rounds.

4 July
At 762690 - weather fine. Received notification that 886504 Dvr BREND A.A. who was wounded on 18 June 44 had died in hospital. A bather party and a cinema party sent off. The latter party was attacked on the road by cannon fire from enemy aircraft and 1143393 Gnr GILES R. and 1079421 Dvr SHEPHERD W. were injured and evacuated to C.C.S., the latter returning to the Bty. later in the day. Medical inspection in the afternoon. Engaged some Bty. targets (occupied houses etc.,), a few Regimental targets and put down harrassing fire at night.
Expended 173 rounds.

5 July
At 762690 - weather wet. A reasonable quiet day. In the afternoon the Bde Cdr, (Bge, PEPPER) visited the Regiment and was introduced to all Bty Officers and then looked round the area.
Expended 340 rounds.

6 July
At 762690 - weather fine. AT 0136 hrs the Regiment too part in a box barrage in support of an ESSEX plan to isolate an area and mop it up. Several American Regiments also put down concentrations at the same time, and with some mortars bombards and much bren firing it was a very noisy party. Quote from the report on the raid, the objects were "a capture" PW in area house 773649 (b) Cause destruction to enemy morale and material. The guns and mortars came together dead on times. The effect was terrific. Throughout, the raid every pit and house were searched thoroughly by platoon. - The enemy kept up erratic firing for a considerable period after cease fire. - The second object must be achieved. We stood to, to support our own infantry - the GLOSTERS - but were not required. Fairly quiet during daylight hours. Some single guns shelled O.P. area during the evening.
Expended 1126 rounds.
.
7 July.
At 762690 - weather fine. Fairly quiet day for guns. O.P. parties returned to Bty area in afternoon and established themselves in a house about (500 yds away. Task tables received for 56 Bde attacj which the Regiment is supporting - 200 rounds per gun dumped to cover initials tasks. Expended 176 trounds.

8 July.
At 762690 - weather fine. 56 Bde attack opened at 0800 hrs. The object of the attack was to pivot the ESSES and d S.W.B. Bns on the GLOSTERS and move forward to the road running WEST to EAST from LANDES to LE PONT MULOT. We had a time programme for five minutes only, the remainder of the tasks were at call. The first objectives - the road LONGRAVE to GRANVILLE was reached in good time, but the final objective was not reached by nightfall. Small minefields were met in the early stages and some tank oppositions later.In additions to firing many tasks from the task table proper, we also had many shoots on mortar positions etc. Our O.P's were not in this battle (as stated above our Bn, the GLOSTERS were not moving) and in the afternoon the O Group complete and the "A" Echelon moved back to a "rest position" near ST ANDRE. We expected to move the gun groups back next day, but information received in the evening clearly indicated that no immediate change of position was likely. Noisy noght with defensive and harrassing fire. Expended 1019 rds ammo up tp 1730 hrs.

9 July.
At 762690 - dull day. The residual party arrive at "B" Echelon overnight. Some early morning firing and general stand to at 0430 hrs. The enemy did not make a full-scale counter attach, his forming up area near ST GERMAIN D'ECTOT having been treated well by AGRA; his tans, however, had caused some nuisance. CAEN was entered by our own troops during the evening. Some D.F. tasks fired. Expended 910 rounds/

10 July.
At 762690 - weather fine, Started morning in defensive fore tasks. We were placed at twp hours notice to move in the ravening - and we recalled our "A" Echelon parties which had been sent back to our rear position at AT ANDRE. Fairly quite day; in the evening we fire red smoke to indicate air targets, but the wind was too high to allow our planes too take off.
Expended 399 rounds up to 1730 hrs.

11 July.
At 762690 - weather fine. Recce parties went to area DUCY STE MARGUENITE (8573) to obtain new positions, but found the area so over crowded that good positions were almost impossible to obtain. Bty still at partial rest and bat party sent off, whilst many were able to get to a concert. Expended 152 rounds.

12 July.
At 762690 - weather fine. Another quiet day, New M.Vs which had been carefully calculated from our somewhat meagre data - we put on the guns of the Bty and tested by shooting in on a pin target. Afterwards the Regiment guns (the other Batteries had also made adjustments) were shot in by the air O.P. with satisfactory results;
Expended 31 rounds up to 1730 hrs.

13 July.
At 762690 - weather fine. The G.O.C. 7th ARMD DIV inspected the Regiment. The Battery formed up in a hollow square on "A" Troop's position and Major General walked around making general inquiries of the men as to state of maile tec., and was introduced to every Officer. He then address the Battery. A letter received later in the day stated that the Div Commander was very impressed with what he saw, and with the smartness and bearing of the Regiment. Immediately after the General's inspection we were ordered to move back into the "rest position" at ST ANDRE and although the move was vert unexpected we soon settle in. Battery H.Q. were fortunate in having a farm as billets for the O Group an empty housed for the Command Post and separate building for Battery Office and Signal Group. Our role in this position is to give artillery support in case of a breakthrough. Ammo expenditure 81 round.

14 July.
At ST ANDRE - weather fine, "Rest position"? We do not have any responsibilities for our own sector until tomorrow. Large bulk of N.A.A.F.I. arrived, cinema and theatre parties sent off, and all men were able to have a bath. Expended Nil/

15 July.
At ST ANDRE - weather fine, Battery prepared to support 56 DIV with D.F. fire etc. , from noon. Furtjer cinema parties etc. A N.C's conference in the vening in whic the summary of our future intents was given, 59 DIV were to be directed on NOYERS, 49 DIV om EVRECY, 3 DIV on TROAIN, CANADIA DIV to clean up SOUTH of CAEN area, and 8 CORPS (GDS ARMD DIV, 11 ARMD DIV plis 7 ARMD DIV) directed to SOUTH EAST of CAEN. Ammo expediture NIL.

16 July/
At ST ANDRE - weather fine, Recce parties moved off earlt for new area. Route via NONAT - ST GABRIEL - CREULLY - THAON - GAZELLE - PERIERS - SUR LE DAN to R.V, at 068617. We proceed independently and although all parties got lost at least one all arrived safely. The area was crammed with vehicle and there were many Artillery units in the area. The area reminded us very much of MEDJEZ-EL-BAB-open rolling counttry with few clumops if treesand lobe or two wrecked villages. The other two Batterys were allotted area which had already been occupied; we did not like our area give to usat preliminary recce, and so occupied a virgin piece of cornfieldin a saucer-like depression- map reference 072768. The Command Post was in a nearby farm. Several parallel tank and wheeled routes ram through the Gun Position, Survey was started and Lieut. Simon remained to supervise the dumping of Ammon (200 R.P.G.) whilst remained of recce party returned to Battery at ST ANDRE, to return later on the evening. By this time all roads were very conjested and return to our new area was difficult - some found that journey had to be completed in the morning. Ammo expenditure NIL.

17 July.
On the move - weather fine, The Battery moved to its new area commending at 0130 hrs, travelling on a light scale, for the previous evening all non-essential vehicles were sent back to "B" Echelon area. They has a fairly uneventful night journey although the tail of the Regimental column got shelled at Jerusalem crossroads, Some shelling in area during the day but nothig near our guns. The barrage programme came through in the evening- quite the most extensive progrramme we had seen

A noist night with a large amount of trafficusing the tracks through the Gun Positions, much harassing fire by the enemy and hostile air activity.
Start of OP GOODWOOD

18 July.
At 072768 - weather fine. A gloriously fine morning brought, to quote a newspaper, the "mightiest air blow of all time" to "launch the great offensive". More that 2100 heavy and medium bombers, mainly R.A.F, blasted the factory area of COLMBELLES, and most of towns to the EAST and SOUTH of CAEN,
Thee attacks started at 5-40 and were followed by fighter bomber attacks that lasted until "H" hour (0745 hrs).
During this time - from "G" - 69 onwards, we were firing counter Battery tasks, and from "G" hour until "H" plus 125 we fired a rolling barrage to support our tank attacj (six Field Regts were engaged on this barrage - which was one of many - and rate of advance of the barrage was 150 tards per minute.
as soon as the barrage stopped the order "cease fire ! limber up! came down" and recce parties moved off immediately. However. late afternoon saw us only just East of BIEVILLE. Whilst on D.R. duties Dvr Brown met with an accident, breaking some bones in his leg and was evacuated. During the evening recce parties were sent forward through BLAINVILLE and over LONDON bridges (over the CAEN canal and river ORNE) to 897719. It was almost dark when the recce parties arrived and quite dark when the guns started to cross the bridges, At this moment the HUB decided to put in an air attack in the neighbourhood of the bridges, and a highly unpleasant time was had by all - fortunately without casualties, although tje sky was brightly lit over a liege area with "brew ups". The Battery did a night occupation. Ammo expenditure 1710 rounds.

19th (At 097719) weather fine. Recce parties off again in morning to area of village CUVERVILLE. As airways during the past few days the tracks - an in fact the whole area - was crannied with vehicles, The village had been shattered by bombing and shelling - and all roads partially blocked with debris. Some difficulties in find a suitaable positions which was not overlooked by the enemy - eventually area 101696 was occupied by the Battery with the troops a good 500 yds apart (and the Highland Div Bde HQbetween the two Tps, much to their annoyance) all in open country. Guns were dug is and vehicles too. During the evening a group of German rocket firing planes came in and caused much confusion in the area -again the Battery got off Scot free - it was the largest group of hostile planes seen in France so far. L/Bdr.Marshll (who had been transferred to "M" Bty about ten days ago) was killed in this action. Evening recce of positions SOUTH of GIMERVILLE.. OPs were forward during the day getting as far South as SOLIERS but found little worth to shoot at, observation being poor. SOLIERS was being shelled, mortared and nebelweferred. Fairly quiet night with little interference from the enemy. Ammo expenditure 16 HE.

20th. At 101696 Weather fine. Battery moved in early morning to GIBERVILLE (097670). Fairly quiet day. Good guns positions with good cover. Much line communication trouble owinf to amount of traffic in area. Position had been occupied before by the HUN - it was filthy and many dead bodies about, but some useful dugouts and trenches were some compensation. Ammo expenditure 71 rds.

21 July.
At 087670 - weather very wet. It sheeted down with rain most of the morning and afternoon - many tracks became almost impassable through mud. Some firingof Divisional targets during the day. 8 AGRA moved in at least their advance parties did, and filled the area with vehicles. "A" Troop had Gun pits prepared for 7.2 guns just to the rear of their guns, and "B" Troop had similar trouble with Medium Ack Ach Guns. The enemy Artillery was very active, and some of their stonks made "B" Troops position every uncomfortable at times, although no casualties. Capt. B.J.. Cork R.H.A. received an unlucky in the side - a vehicle moving close too him (when near our gun position) went up on a mine and Capt. Cork received a fragment and some blast effect. Ammo expenditure 265 round.

22 July/
At 066671 - weather showery. Recce parties stood by from midday to recce gun areas in IFS, but did not move off. The Battery final moved in to leaguer position in a factory in MONDEVILLE (066671), which has been used as a Luftwaffe d.i.d. The German's have evacuated most of their stores, but a certain amount of useful statiary remained. In spite of having been the target of R.A.F. bombing on the 18th, it provided good accommodation., Ammo expenditure 132 rounds,

23 July.
At 066671 - weather fine, during day, A very quiet day spent re-organising vehicles and loads, in the afternoon digging parties out at 050648. An air raid during the night. Ammo expenditure NIL

24 July.
At 016671 - weather fine. In the early afternoon , moved to Gun Positions at 050648m in open fields, The guns were well dug in, and the C.P., shared a very reassuring cellar in CORMELLES 025651 with "M" Bty. Lond and complicated task tables received. Some shelling in the neighbourhood,, and by nightfall the area was unpleasantly crowded. Ammo expenditure NIL.

25 July.
CORMELLES - weather fine. Very heavt and unpleasant air road at night fortunately without casualties either to men or equipment. "H" hour at 0330, and our short time programme commencedat 0530 hrs..Some progress was made in the attack at first - but at last light we had pulled back to almost our start line and 1/5 QUEENS established a firm base at BEAUVOIR FERME at 044616. This area was extremely unhealthy - for the first time the HUN seemed to have co-ordinated his Artillery using long range stuff for harasising of L of C and lighter pieces together with nebelwefers and mortars FDLs. Many attacks put in by our rocket firing planes, assisted in some cases by red smoke put down by the Battery. German Air Force again active at night. Ammo expenditure 500 rounds.

26 July.
CORMELLES - weather fine. O.Ps in area 042617 and 040616. Engaged several troop and Battery targets - mainly enemy transport - with some success. O.P. area unpleasantly shot up by Artillery concentrations at frequent intervals. No progress by our troops during day - some small armoured counter-attacks broken up by Artillery concentrations of air. Capt. D..D. Yonge M.C.. R.H.A., returned to the Battery. Ammo expenditure 512 rounds.

27 July
CORMELLES - weather fine. Another noisy night. As our area was very overcrowded our "A" Echelon - which had already been move back from the gun area - was sent further back under Regimental control. For the few vehicles remaining a bulldozer was borrowed and deep vehicle pits dug. Only one main O.P. out, the others having rest. Some shelling of O.P. area and near the guns - it was estimate that at least 150 guns and a further 150 self-propelled enemy guns in the area. Our Mediu, guns just behind us began to move back - we had not made the ground we expected to and they were too far forward; they had suffered quite considerably from shelling and bombing. Aquieter night. Ammo expenditure 732 rounds.

28 July.
CORMELLES - weather fine. Rumores of a move - so replenished and prepared. A noisy day followed by a quieter night. O.Ps have been in neighbourhood. of BEAUVOIR FARM for past three days. Congratulations received from DIV CDR for our part in target ibdication for rocket bearing planes. A hostile gun area was ramge by Air O,P. (using the Battery to range) and received many hundred rounds during the day. Ammo expenditure 365 rounds.

29 July.
CORMELLES - weather fine. Capt, Buchahhan and Troop Sergeant Major's left at first light for a new area (SOUTH of BAYEUX) and were followed later in in the day by another small party. Position cleared of empty Ammo boxes and general preparation for move. Much firing during the evening on Battery targets - nebelwerfers, tanks etc. Enemy Artillery extremely active at night making the area very unpleasant. Plenty of near misses but no casualties. Ammo expenditure to 1730 hrs 951 rounds.

30 July.
CORMELLES - weather fine. "Cease fire" came through at 0158 hrs but as shelling was still in progress limbering up ws left until the last possible moment. Move in complete darkness at 0245 hrs through the outskirts of CAEN and uo the main road to 827774 thence WEST and then SOUTH (past our old positons at ST ANDRE) to 772718. We arrived about 0830 hrs and all stragglers were in by 1000 hrs after a quite uneventful march. Vehicles replenished and then everybody bedded down for all had a lot of sleep to make up. Ammo expenditure 344 rounds.

31 July.
772718 - near TRUNGY weather fine. A quoet day of equipment and vehicle maintenance. Planned at firstly one hours and then half-hours notice to move and left SOUTHWARDS at 2145 hrs for CAUMONT area. Once again vehicles going into battle were kept down to minimum. Lieur. A GIBB R.H.A. re-joined the Battery - just too late to move with it. Ammo expenditure NIL.

	ORDER OF BATTLE, at 31 July 1944.

	B.C.	Major T.J. Tirrell. M.C. D.C.M.
	Bty Capt.	Captain. G. Buchanan
	Tp Condr "A" Tp,	Captain. D.D. Yonge M.C. R.H.A.
	Tp Condr "B" Tp,	Captain. J. Sibbald. R,H,A,
	C.P.O.	Lieut. J.R. Brown. R,H,A, (at rest camp)
	X.C.P.P, (actining	Lieut. D.M.J. Clarke. R,H,A,
	G,P,O, "A" Tp,	2/Lieut, R, Jones R.A.
	G.P.O. "B" Tp,	Lieut. H.A. Parsons R,H,A,
	A.C.P.O.	Lieut. S.P.E. Simon R,H,A,
	Troop Troop "B" Troop.	Lieut, A.L.P. Lawrence, R.H.A.
		Lieut A Gibb R.H.A.


	Battery Strength 11 Officers and 178O.R.s.

Ammunition expenditure for month 11030 H.E. and 266 smoke (including 112 coloured use for air recognition of targets) an average in this country of 2658 RPG.


"D" Battery 3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

War Diaryfor month of August. 1944.


1st.
706576 - weather fine, We had moved to this place late the previous dayand leaguered with "M" and "J" Batteries. Later moved to 725573 where a number of targets were engaged. Expended 52 HE and 19 smoke (latter on aircraft indication of targets) O.P at 757537.
Ammo expenditure 71rounds.

2nd,.
At 725573 - weather fine., North of CAHAGNES. Battery moved later in the day to the SOUTH of the village which had been well smashed by our bombers and artillery fire. Some firing. During evening the gun positions well shelled and "B" Troop "G" Truck and "Y" Truck were holed in several places, but luckily no casualties. Many dead animals on position which smelt a bit "high". Rain during the night, The heavy counter attack during the evening was beaten off with many casualties to the enemy - we fired a series of large concentrations at very short ranges.
Ammo expenditure 511 rnds

3rd.
At 738548 - SOUTH of CAHAGNES, weather fine. Fairly hectic day with much firing. Ammo expenditure for 24 hrs to 1730 2725 rnds.

4th.
At 738548 - weather fine. Fairly quiet day. Capt. D.D Yonge M.C. R.H.A. transferred to "M" Battery as Battery Captain and Lieut D.M.J. Clark R.H.A. took ovr "A" Troop. Ammo expenditure 813 rnds.

5th.
At 738548 weather fine. Recce parties moved off early to aea 738584 where it was found that the area was allotted to both 3 and 5 R.H.A. Very little firing at this positions - the Queens Bde passed through slowly but were held up by mines. Ammo expenditure230 rnds.

6th.
At 738548 weather fine. Moved off again at first light along the main road just SOUTH of VILLIERS BOCAGE, which we by-pass across country to a leaguer area for breakfast thence along by roads to new area 883515. Recce of gun positions in mist was difficult - "B" Troop was in full view and had to be moved. Slight shelling of gun positions during afternoon; no casualties in our Battery. Ammo expenditure 406 rnds.

7th.
At 883514 weather fine. Fairly noisy day. Recce parties moved in afternoon to new area NORTH of ROUCAMPS followed, at last light, by the Battery. OPs had a fairly sticky day in the close hilly countrty. A message came through over the air from Lieut D.M.J. Clarhe R.H.A that his tank had been de-tracked by mines but all wee O.K. - Later a wireless message that he was being sniped - then complete silence. Much anxiety felt for his safety. Ammo expenditure 2718 rnds.

8th.
At 826482 ROUCAMPS. Early morning night occupations. Much trouble with our own tanks and we had to to a considerable amount of reshuffling to get battle worthy vehicles. Lieut D.M.J. Clarhe R.H.A still "missing" together with his crew. 853389 L/Bdr (DM) Campbell . P, 1107062 Gnr/Sig. McKenzie. H (MM), and 919040 Gnr/Sig Henderson. J. Rumours from "J" Battery stated that is burnt out tank has been found; confirmed later, no trace of crew. Ammo expenditure 213 rnds.

9th.
At ROUCAMPS. weather fine. Fired many tasks in supportof 60 Div attack upon a very complicated task table. Movement along roads restricted whilst a Divisiion moved through (the 49). Bt nightfall LES PLESSIS GRIMOULT was in our hands and our forward troops on their way to ST PIERE LAVIELLE. Ammon expendute 2047 rnds.

10th.
At 826482. weather fine. Moved to 846465 during evening. Difficult occupation om slopes of Mount Pimcob - big ammo dumping programmeand much of the might was spent in ferrying ammo from last position. Ammo expenditure 343 rnds/

11th.
At 846465. weather fine. Gun programmers in early morning in support of 50 Div. Some shelling of gun area - no casualties. As no OPs required the "O" Group and "A" Echelon moved back to rest area at BONNE MAISON. Evening barrages. Capt. Buchanan R.H.A. posted to R.H.Q. as Adjutant, and Capt. J.A.C. Baxter . M.C. R.H.A. the Adjutant came to "D" as Battery Captain. Ammo expenditure 674 rnds. A including 532 rnds used for smoke screems).

12th.
At 846465. weather fine. Much firing in support of 50 Div attack. In the evening a premature on No.I gun of "A" Troops killed No 410394 Gnr Rodenhurst/ A?W. and slightly wounded two others. The gun was badly damaged, During the evening moved over MOUNT PICON to 854427. Ammo expenditure 2110 rnds.

14th.
At 854427. weather fine. First light recce and morning move to new area 880384. Ammo expenditure 2080 rnds.

13th.
At 85447. weather fine. Unpleasant area full of dead cattle. A fairly quiet day, and bath parties were arranged in the afternoon. Ammo expenditure 970 rnds.

15th.
At 880384. weather fine. breaking into thundery showers later. Lieut. A.L.P. Lawrence R.H.A. left the Battery to become adie - de - camp to the general. Ammo expenditure 444 rnds.

16th.
At 880384.- weather fine. Orders and counter-orders about move. Skeleton recces left finally at 0430 hrs and proceed via AUNAY, VILLERS, and SOUTH of CAEN to - eventually - a leaguer area in a cornfield (where Mosquitoes were very active - at CONTEBILLE). Ammo expenditure 623 rnds. Capt. J,A,C, Baxter M.C? R.H.A. took over "J" Battery and Capt. Hampton came to us as Battery Captain.

17th.
At CONTEVILLE (117574) - weather fine. Plan was to advance on ST PIERRE SUR DIVES (which was a 51 Highland Div bridgehead) and thence NORTH EAST TO LISIEUX. Fine day, tracks very dusty. Moved after breakfast on to 260515, full recce parties ahead, "J" Battery providing forward Battery as 1/5 Queens, whom we support, were in reserve, Immediately after getting into action recces were forward to area the other side of ST PIERRE SUR DIVES and the guns had a difficult occuopation in area 275488 and then proceeded to struggle through the problems of shooting a change of grid. Ammo expenditure NIL..

18th.
At 275488 - weather fine. Enemy seemed to have moved back and during the morning recce went forward tp 312488 (or 376750 on the NORD DU GUERRE grid - this change of grid is still causing Artillery problems). The hills in front of the recced position was reported clear of enemy and the Battery moved up very quickly. Eben then there were Regimental targets awaiting the Battery on its arrival which were quickly engaged on the Battery fixation (the latter being made difficult because of lack of the large scale map of the area).; Gun positions more roomy than of late. Although the 1/5 QUEENS were still in reserve O.Ps were soon well forward and by 1930 hrs were as far EAST as 413747. LIVAROT - our objective - was not, however, made by last light. The Battery were well up and we were now in a salient - the fact made very plain by a number of starffing attacks by our own planes on our Troops. Ammo expenditure 307 rnds.

19th.
At 312488. weather fine during day some rain. 1/5 QUEENS took the lead and our O,Ps were well up with them, Objective still LIVAROT but route changed to a minor road further NORTH. Recce parties forward to area 405704 (new grid) at 0900 hrs. This was close orchard country - relatively untouched by war - with a small number of cottages, most of which were occupied. Gun positions were hard to find - there were only two possible fields in the whole area. The R.A.F. were themselves a nuisance with straffing attacks along the roads causing casualties. The recce parties had been in occupation over an hour when they were amuse to find our Infantry advancing upon them apparently combing the area for stray parties of HUN. Our right flank was very open with the odd tank or Infantry parties reported quite close. The O.Ps had a good time with Regimental and Battery targets - so busy in fact that "D" Battery, which should have moved first, in Regimental order, moved last. By 1800 hrs O.Ps had reached 457745 and 455754 and in addition to observed shooting were getting much useful information from the civilians. Communalizations failed about 2000 hrs amd (and- were still impossible at midnight despite two relaying outstations. A listening post amd double guars posted on SOUTHERN flank during night - the Luftwaffe was quite active also. Ammo expenditure 1157 rnds.

20th.
At 405704. weather fair. In the early hours of the morning a heavy air raid. The gun positions and O,P. areas were straddled with anti-personnel and H.E. boms - we were luck to have no serious casualties. 886677 W/Bdr Bird H.V. and 975721 L/Bdr Waugh K.B., were wounded by bomb splinters and Lieut. A Gibb R.H.A., slightly wounded although he remained at duty. Capt. D.D/ Yonge M.C., R.H.A., later of "D" Battery, was also evacuatad. The push EASTWARDS went quite successfully although slowly. By 0930 hrs O.P. was at 458745. Several good targets to EAST of LIVAROT - small parties of Infantry, odd Tanks and vehicles etc. Recce parties off in afternoon to new area at 433737, recce was difficult as area was cramped by medium guns. Our guns fired until the last moment in the old position and then made a quick occupation of te new. By nightfall our troops were well over the river and were forming a firm base round LIVAROT whilst the armour went through NORTHWARDS towards LISIEUX. 2/Lieut. Buckholt R.A., rejoined the Battery. Ammo expenditure 839 rnds.

21st.
At 433737. a very wet night during day. Odd pockets of enemy on 1/6 QUEENS front were treated to a harassing fire barrage consisting of "lifts" fired in a mixed order,, quite earley in the morning. Engaged a varied assortment of targets, with one O.P. to the WEST of the river on high ground, and the other to the EAST of LIVAROT with our Infantry (1/5 QUEENS). Much difficulty was found in distinguishing between friends and foe, as both were using infiltration tactics. By noon O.Ps were at 476736 and 450743. Many POWs came in; armour had pushed well NORTH towards LISIEUX and had formed a bridgehead to the WEST of FERVAQUES. Ammo expenditire 190 rnds.

22nd,
At 433737 - weather fine. Recce patties moved off at 0600 hrs and guns prepared to move at 0615. R.V. for recces was on main road NORTH of LIVAROT, To get things moving quickly the "A" Echelon were brought up to 487789, one of the nest gun position occupied in this country (and certainly the best Command POst). The town of LISIEUX was to be taken during the day and in addition we had to support 5 R.H.A. in their tasks at FERVAQUES, and we had two of their O.Ps on our net. Progress was slow owing to well sited M,Gs. By noon O.P at 535898, on the outskirts of LISIEUX, but although the tow was entered both by the 131 QUEENS BDE and the 51 Highland Div (coming from the WEST, it was not ours at nightfall. Our Infantry withdrew during the eveningto leave town clear for an attack the next morning by the Highland Div. Tiresome recce of several unsuitable gun positions but recce,. Ammo expenditure 664 rnds.

23rd.
At 487789. weather fine turning to rain in evening. The 51 Highland Div succeeded during the early morning and our Brigade was ordered to push through pn the road running due EAST. Guns brought into action at ST MARTIN DE LA LIEVE 524843. As much of the high ground NORTH and EAST of LISIEUX was of doubtful ownership careful sitting was necessary. At 1400 hrs a barrage was put down along the main road running EAST from the town to support attack by 1/5 QUEENS. Despite a false start things went fairly well until almost the objective - the road fork about 1500 yards from the opening line of the barrage, but the orchards on either side proved difficult to clear and there was much flank fire and a tank scare and progress for the day was slow. As we were the supporting Battery of the 1/5 QUEENS we did not take place in the barrage, but had several good targets on call from fire from O.Ps. Ammo expenditure 1523 rounds for 24 hrs to 1730.

24th.
At ST MARTIN DE LA LIEVE - very wet day. A fire plan was prepared to support the QUEENS BDE EASTWARDS along the main road to THIERVILLE. The latter village had been occupied during the night by the CANADIANS - and there was no opposition to the QUEENS and the fire plan was cancelled. A very quiet day indeed, A recce party went to the EAST of LISIEUX during the afternoon but there was little possibility of occupation of gun positions here as the enemy had alreadt moved well out of range. Ammo expenditure 663 rounds ( all fired before 0630 hrs)/

25th.
At ST MARTIN DE LA LIEVE - fine weather.. About midnight orders to move at dawn, Left about 0630 for an area at GIVERVILLE. Route was via LISIEUX (very battered in the centre to THIBERVILLE - passing out of the DEPARTMENT of CALVADOS (NORMANDY) enroute - and thence NORTH EAST to DIVERVILLE and then to NEWVILLE SUR AUTHOU (835927). The O.Ps and B.C., stayed back with their Bns; (1/5 QUEENS), which was in reserve at GIVERVILLE. Aquiet day in unspoilt countryside with a very friendly people. In fact the French people seem to get more enthusiastic as we move EASTWARD. The Luftwaffe promised to ge noisy during the night but nothing dropped our way, ground opposition was slight. Capt. J.A.C. Baxter M.C. R.H.A.. re-joined as Battery Captaine, Capt, C. Hampton R.H.A. leaving us. Liuet. B.J. Cork R.H.A., rejoined the Battery having fully recovered from his wounds. Ammo expenditure NIL.

26th.
At NEWVILLE SUR AUTHOU - weather fine. Another early morning move. Recce parties moved over the river RISLE at PONTE AUTHOU and established a position on a plain at the tope of the hills at 906960. This was afterwards thought to be too open, and just before the guns arrived a further positions was recced and occupied further back at 876940. As recce parties arrived at the same time as the guns a snap action - desert style - was seen, A very comfortable position whish was left later for a position on the west of the river in the factory area of PONT AUTHOU. Our axis which was to e EASTWARDS had been change; strong rumour, supported /information "in print" states that we are being withdrawn for a rest. Ammo expenditure NIL.

27th.
At PONT AUTHOU - very weather fine. Confirmation of a quite stay in our present area followed by orders for an immediate move. Route via GEORGEs DU VIEVRE to MONTFORT SUR RISLE, thence NORTHWARDS and the N.E. to NORTH of the village of LES MARETTES (859600). Again the guns were close on the tail of the recce party. No sooner were we in action the a targe was fired at extreme range - and it got round the gunners that we had beathe our rivals the 5/R.H.A. in being the first fire over the SEINE. The 1/5 QUEENS, with our O.P.s, moved into BOURNEVILLE and then proceeded to clear the road from the town to ROUTOT. A fire plan, consisting of a series of code names stonks across the road, was laid on to support advance, but by last light the Infantry had only got halfway - although the tanks had cut the road further Eastwards. Midnight found the numerous D.Fs still being worked out. An intervening harrassing fire plan was put down during the evening from information provided by a captured HUN Officer. Ammo expenditure to 1730 hrs 8 rnds.

28th.
At LES MARETTES; weather fine. Quiet day until we had a sudden move up to a position at 869088 (near ETREVILLE) during afternoon. Objective of move was to get additional range - but we did not fire from this positions. Took three prisoners (quiet poor specimens) and buried one dead HUN. Moved right back in evening - tireing march to PONT AUTHOU - where we leaguered for the night in our old gun area. Ammo expenditure to 1730 hrs 424 rnds.

29th.
At PONT AUTHOU. Avery wet day. Recces moved off in the morning through BRIGNNE and LE NEUBOURG, eventually after many false RVs, arrived at the Regtl area around the village of LA SALLE COQUEREL. The Battery was fortunate to get in their allotted area a very large farm with ample out-buildings accommodation (an important thing with the miserable weather). The main portion of the Battery did not arrived until last light (after an uneventful "peace time " march) as the whole of Division was on the road. Ammo expenditure NIL.

30th.
At LA SALLE COQUEREL. (SE of LE NEUBOURG) An extremely wet day.. Am intensive programme of re-packing, maintenance, etc ws intended - but heavy rain meant keeping the men in the dry most of the day. At last light - despite an earlier assurance that we had 48 hrs in the area - orders came down for a move at first light. We were to support the 8 HUSSARS) (a welcome change from Infantry work. Briefly the plan was that Division - with several others - was directed on the Belgian frontier with the RIVER SOMME as the first objective. Much hard and late work put in in preparation of route code lists etc. Lieut S.PE Simon R.H.A. left the Battery for Hospita. Ammo expenditure NIL.

31st.
At LA SALLE COQUEREL. weather fine. Brewed and breakfasted at 0430 hrs ( a new expeience for us to light fires in the dark - although for most it was the only meal of the day) and Rvd about a mile away to get into the 8th HUSSARS column. As usual the order of march was changes and rechanged ad although we were at the TV before it was light we were some while before we started off. Two squadrons of 8 HUSSARS led followed ny "D" Battery and the the third Squadron and the remainder of 5 R.H.A. We were an independant Battery under direct command of 8 HUSSARS. Our route was via LOUVIERS, across the SIENE to HUIDS - PUCHAY - MORGHY - GOURNAT EN BRAY to a leaguer area near GRUMMESNIL. Progress seemed to be very slow at times - certainly, with large number of units using the same axis at times it was chaotic - but when the main axis was left just after GOURNAY and the roads were quieter we found that, despite our fears to contrary, all the Battery (less two OP tanks and the water cart which had dropped out with minor defects) was togethe. Had a wonderful reception en route from the FRENCH. Also suffered one or two heavy showers. No serious contact with the enemy and the guns never came into action. Leaguered late (portion of Battery went astray during last five miles) and had a quiet night. Ammo expenditure NIL.

Battery Strength as at 31st August 1944,
10 Officers and 183 O.R.s.

	Order of Battle:-

		B.C.	Major T.J. Tirrell. M.C. D.C.M. R.H.A.
		Bty Capt.	Capt.. J.A.C. Baxter, M.C. RHA.
		"A" Tp Condr.	Capt.. G. Brice M.C. R.H.A.
		"B" Tp Condr	Capt. J. Sibbald. R,H,A,
		C.P.O.	Lt. J.R. Brown. R,H,A,
		G,P,O, "A" Tp,	Lt. A Gibb. R,H,A,
		G.P.O. "B" Tp,	Lieut. H.A. Parsons R,H,A,
		A.C.P.O.	Lt, R, Jones R.A.
		T Ldr "B" Tp.	Lt, W.R. Buckholtt R.A.
			T/Capt. B.J. Cork R.A.




Ammunition expenditure for month 23089 H.E.rounds (including 1253 rounds).


"D" Battery 3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

War Diary for month of Sept.. 1944.


1st.
At GRUMESNIL. Weather fine. Started off at first light and joined in behind leading Squadron of 8th HUSSARS, Then followed a long march to the banks of the SOMMER - a much more comfortable march than yesterday for there was less traffic on the road. Even so there was considerable "shunting" movement - mostly due to the ract that we had to wait fr the tanks to check that the roads ahead were clear from the off pockets of the BOSCHE. Our welcome in all inhabited place was almost hysteriical, our vehicles were laden with flowers and fruit and the whole population seemed to turn out to see us go by. Route was via SARCUS, HECAMPS AT CLARI and many other small villages (keeping tp by-roads mostly) to a gun area at 877636. Here we engaged some targets Ienemy guns etc) on the far banks f the SOMMER arextreme range; whi;st a recce was made for new positions well forward at 8968. During the afternoon the plan was changed - we came under command of 131 QUEENS BDE again and our tasks was to support 1/5 QUEENS who were holding bridgehead at PICQIGNY. This involved a quick move of the Battery through MOLLIENS VIDANE to the NORTH f GAYILLON (965625) - near FOURDRINOY. Things became very much slower, although we had many targets o enemy infantry on the further bank of the SOME. A protecting boby of 1/5 QUEENS took care if us during a quite night. Ammo expenditure to 1730 hrs 541 rnds.

2nd,.
At FOURDRINOY. Weather fair. - much rain at times It was a quiet night after all - long before first light we were lined up yo pressed over the SIMME bridge at PICQUIGNY - and were leaguered in the pouring rain abut 1000 yrds the (NORTH) side - before dawn )003666). After a miserable few hours we were on the move again as far as the village of VIGNACORUT, passing on the way a well plastered flying bomb site, Her we et the Regtl column - for we were no long forward Battery. After a ong pause we resumed our march - with wonder reception in each village. Our route was through CANAPLES, crossrods at 036818, FIRNVILLERS and towards St POL. During the whole move snatch brew were the only opportinuity we had and our desert training was invaluable. At FREVENT we met with shelling in the village, probably from a roaming troop of 75 mm. After a mad dash through it it was found that no casualties had been sustained, The forward recce party had also had some excitement in the square of the village. There were halted there when a lorry load of HUN drove up to withing 100 yds and, seeing our column, had debussed and raked the square with spandau fiire, fortunately only one casualty (from the QUEENS). Came onto action at 155077 to support mopping up attack on St POL, where a few Germans, plus the off anti tank gun were installed. Although it was our role to attack and to by-pass slight opposition it was considered essential to have free passage through St POL to get supplies up.
Ammo expenditure 160 rounds

3rd.
At 155077 - SOUTH of HERLIN LE SEC. Weather fair. some rain Fired troop target throughout the morning until 1215 hours(odd groups of INfantry and an anti-tank gun or two) when a "stonk" was put down in the ST POL area in support of QUEEN'S attack. When the village was cleared in the later afternoon (with invaluable help from the FFI) it was proved not to have been so strongly held as we first thought. As there were considerable pockets f enemy about in various directions we had the peculiar position of seeing the guns of various units point at all the points of the compass. Later move ti leaguer area at VILLERS CHATEL through BUNEVILLE and AUBIGNY. A quite night despite a stand to at midnight because 3000 Germans and six tanks were supposed to be in the area - probably, however, only of our Echelons, Ammo Expenditure to 1730 hours 965 round.

4th.
At VILLERS CHATEL . Weather fine Todays objective GHENT! We were early on the move as leading Battery again in support of 8 HUSSARS. Earlty opposition however was bumped on the line of LA BASSEE CANAL, Just EAST of PETHUNE. The Battery went into action in the area of MAZINGARBE - with the memorial on VIMY RIDGE behind proving a grim memiory of 1914-1918. Fire a "stonk" in support of the armour on the road between LA BASSEE and BETHUNE. Both these towns were cleared in the later afternoon (it was doubtful if at any tome, the HUN was ever in BETHUNE) although the enemy were reputed to have crossed the CANAL and moved in our direction. Stayed in action during the night, which was quite, Ammo Expenditure to 1730 hours 366 rounds.

5th.
At MAZINGARBE. Weather fine Nothing doing at all in the morning, so much needed maintenance was done. It was irradiating to be static when it seemed that we could well push on - our plan in the past few days, however, has always been confusing except to the people in the know. In the afternoon, at last, orders came for a move; however it was a long time before we really started moving quickly for there was much traffic on the road and most of the CANAL bridges had been blown. It was all the ore irritating too as arrangements had been made to give all the med baths in a first class colliery establishment and whilst waiting about we had plenty of time to have done this. Route via VERMELLES, GARVIN, SECLIN, ESTANBOURG to GHENT. Harbour parties went ahead with the QUEENS section of the Brigade Column. It was quite dark long before we passed through the ROUBAIX and it was not until midnight that the BELGIUM FRONTIER was XX crossed (after some confusion at HEM where half the Battery too the wrong road). The Harbour party got us as far as OUDENARDE. Ammo Expenditure to 1730 hours 201 rounds.

6th.
On the road, Weather fine. Leaguered at AITRIYVE at 0430 hours and moved off again at 0700 hours. Meanwhile the Harbour party finding that the Battery would not catch up with them that evening pulled back about two miles from OUDENARDE and leaguered around a "estaminet". While awaiting orders, and were washing around their vehicles a spandau opend up a close range. Cover was immediately taken but not before five of the party had received slight wound. In the Battery 1093898 Dvr. Clark A.G. was wounded in both ankles, and both the party's jeeps holed. The Battery moving up the road was halted about 300 yards short of the danger area and the O,P. tanks went out to deal with the matter, followed later by the Infantry, and, when later the area was cleared, the Battery moved on through OUDENARDE to a leaguer area at COMBERGEN. Here in BELGIUM, we received a greater welcome, with even more flowers and larger and better fruit than in France. After a large number of plan changes we moved into the area of KELOSSE (on the road running SOUTH from GHENT) and leaguered there. During the march the Battery passed just clear of German Infantry advancing in open order near the crossroads at 114570, but all got by safely. We were very lightly protected in the leaguer area, just the odd tanks astride roads. "A" Troop were called into action in the leaguer area facing NORTH (5.R.H.A. just behind us were facing SOUTH) but did not fire. O.Ps had a wonderful reception in GHENT - the £OUTHERN part of the fown appeared to be clear of Germansand the only trouble there was civilians who were reported to have gone mad. The night was a little noisy with enemy harrassing fire. Ammo Expenditure NIL.

7th.
At KLOSSE, Extremely wet night and a damp day. "A" Troop moved towards GHENT and came into action at i178764 followed by "B" Troop, the latter remaining on wheels. A Command Post was established in a disused College with other 50 rooms - the Battery area included the grounds of a school )or rather series of schools) and had a huge mechanical laundry which soon was in full operation washing the clothes of the Battery, whilst the laundry tubs were all for all for baths. Blankets, greatcoats etc, were dried in the airing room. The students and masters were very helpful, and only to anxious to give us any assistance in return for a chance of airing their ENGLISH (which wsm in most case, surprisingly good), In the evening civilians reported that Germans were advancing in fair strength from the WEST, /WETS - and the hysterical population of GHENT (which was still mobbing our OPS and anybody else who got into the city) began to cool off. All day the road to our SOUTH had beencut my parties of German Infantry and our replenishment was led in ny a roundabout and somewhat doubtful route. The Battery, on receipt of the above information moved through GHENT (getting a good reception despite longer faces pulling in of flags) to a more protected area S,E, at 223774 - "B" Troop only going into action. The night was quiet. Ammo Expenditure NIL.

8th.
Near GHENT. Weather fine.. OP established in church belfry in square near cathedral. Engaged targets during day - enemy guns etc - and harrassing fire at night. OPs had long uncomfortable days, but were able to enjoy the night life of the town. Battery Command Post move in to a "collaborators" house in comparative luxury. We had an accident with one of the guns and No 5047842 W/Sgt Berrisford, E, was wounded with fragments of breech from his gun, the breech rind cracking and flying off backwards, Many Regtl targets were put down from information from outside sources. Ammo Expenditure to 1730 hrs 776 rnds.

9th.
Near GHENT. Weather fine.. Another busy day for the guns Layer in the day move to a delightful position further NORTH ay KLEIN GHENT, moving through GHENT to get there. Here the Bank Holiday scene continued. There were at all times swarms of civilians both both sexes around the guns and to a lesser extend around the other vehicles. Nearly all the cartridge cases disappeared as soon as fire as souveneirs. Communications continued to be difficult and line was laid which eased matters considerably. The Command Post was in a moated house in quite delightful surroundings. Ammo Expenditure 614 rounds.

10th.
At 236811 near GHENT - weather fine.. Another very busy day into which we include several air cooperation shoots with coloured smoke. Not quite so many Regimental Targets (which now numbers sixty plus) or so much counter Battery work, Owing to lack of adequate outside counter Battery information we had for the past tow nights established a flash spotting station in the day OP (church belfry). A mall plotting centre was set up at RHQ and we obtained some quite useful results. The enemy Artillery had been very actice at night and had put down really heavy stuff in to GHENT - and made things quite uncomfortable at times. Ammo Expenditure 1536 rounds.

11th.
Near GHENT. Weather fine.. Rumours of a move materialised when harbour parties left. The position was taken over by the Polish Divisional Artillery in the evening and a pleasant night march was made to the leaguer area near WESTREN on the GHENT ALOST road, but owing to ground mist, visibility, as a whole was poor. Ammo Expenditure 1700 rounds.

12th.
Near WESTREN. Weather fine.. An easy morning and our march continued in the afternoon. An extremely pleasant march taken quite steadily without the enomois streams of traffic we had met X in recent Divisional moves. A grand reception everywhere - and all vehicles finished laden with fruit and tomatoes. Our route was via ALOST, TERMONDE, WILLERROECK, BOOM, MALIENNES to our new area t BEERZEL. Here we took over a school for billets for the men whilsy the Offices found no difficulty in getting billets in private houses - the local people seemed almost over-anxious to accommodate us. It appear that only one Corp (30 Corp) could be maintained at the present movement in the Field, and 12 Corp (to whom were we attached) were to be given five or six days rest in which to re-equip and rest, Again-as always recently-civilians flocked to the leaguer area watching all that went on. Ammo Expenditure NIL.

13th.
At BEERZEL. Weather fine.. To-day all arms were taken into central stire, all vehicles completely unpacked (revealing masses of pure junk) and each vehicle was washed down at a trameay depot. A lot of useful maintenance was done. AT 1600 hours most had a changes to enjoy themselves locally - and there seemed plennty of yound woman about. Ammo Expenditure NIL.

14th.
At BEERZEL. Weather fine.. Continuation of maintenance of vehicles and a bath parade for a part of the Battery. Fo the first time a large demand for pay was received - and the Battery was paid out in the evening. Afootball match against a local team - a hard fought match with the result a draw. Ammo Expenditure NIL.
NOTE; Souvenier card received from local authorities on completed of football match is attached.

15th.
At BEERZEL. Weather fine.. A hard days maintenance for the CRAs inspection tomorrow. The transformation in vehicles and men was marvellous. It was amazing the amount junk which was got rid off. In the evening orders were received for a move at first light in the morning- as the night was exceptionally dark and all vehicle jit on the floor, packing proved top be exceptionally difficult. So - once again = we had our rest! Long hours had been put in the past few days so that our enjoyment of the following days should ne complete. Ammo Exp. NIL.

16th.
At BEERZEL. Weather fine.. Battery moved out art first liht although half hour before it seemed we should never be tidied up. A steady march - with "D" leading the Regiment through MALINES to ANTWERP. We passed through this latter town without quite the cheering etc that we had been used to and took over prepared positions on the docks to the NORTH of ANTWERP in support of the HLI and WELSH FUSILIERS. Command Post was established in a college which provided that excellent luxury - a bath. Even more civilians than ever flocked to the position. Some excellent shooting during the day - although some good targets seen proved out of range. In the evening we were relieve by the CANADIANS but it was too dark to move out - Ammo Exp. 199 rnds.

17th.
Near ANTWERP. Weather fine.. Moved back to BEERZEL at first light - a good move with no breakdowns on clear roads. A day of maintenance. At mid-day placed on 2 hours notice, and in the evening received orders to move next morning. Ammo exp; to 1730 hrs 245 rnds.

18th.
At BEERZEL. Weather fine.. Morning move to our new area at OOLEN, SOUTH of the town of HERENTHALS which was held fairly strongly by the enemy. The QUEENS BDE took up their Battle positions in the "V" made by the junction of the ALBERT and ESCAUT canals. Fairly quite day because of ammo restriction of 30 rpg and little being seen by the OPs. Line was laid to our TAC HQ across the ALBERT canal a somewhat difficult operation, because the road bridges had been blown. Some enemy shelling of forward areas, but very quiet at the gin position. Glider came down near position containing part of a glider troop's H.Q. - provided us with the days papers! Ammo expenditure ; to 1730 hrs NIL.

19th.
At OOLEN. Weather fine.. Am easy day with few targets. Much Allied air activity with gliders and transport planes going over. O.Ps. went out with a party to investigate woods lying to the EAST of HERENTHALS but found no reaction to fire put down although there was some sniping fro the CANAL bridges. The village if VENNEN also clear, Our biggest target of the day was 10 rounds fire on an Ack Ack Gun area, Ammo expenditure 317 rounds to 1730 hrs.

20th.
At OOLEN. Weather cloudy. Another easy day or the guns. Some firing on diggings just SOUTH of the ESCAUT CANAL but little other movement seen. Ammo expenditure ;201 roundss.

21st.
At OOLEN. Weather fine. Yet another very easy day. Some re-distribution of our forces took place in the early morning ast 15 SCOTTISH DIV pulled out of teh GHEEL bridgehead (about seven miles EAST of HERENTHALS) and the 7 ARMD DIV extended their front on the ground, but as our Infantry stayed in approximately the same area (the 1/5 QUEENS that is) the battery was not involved in the re-shuffle. Very little doing on our sector of the front. Ammo expenditure 150 rounds.

22nds.
At OOLEN. Weather fair. Recces moved off early followed later by the Battery. Route via GHEEL to MILLEGHEM station (NORTH WEST of MOLL). The Battery took over position from 179 Battery of 181 Field Regiment (15 SCOTTISH DIV) and the O Group went to the H.L.Is; F/D.LS to ESCAUT CANAL Fairly quiiet sector of the front and little firing. Ammo expenditure 137 rounds.

23rd.
At MILLEGHEM. Weather wet. A miserable night in which nearly all got very wet. Another quiet day for by noon it was clear that the enemy had withdrawn overnight. The H.L.I. were relieed by our own Infantry as we pulled in our O.Ps leaving an L.O. only out. Orders received in the evening for an early mooring move to the NORTH of EINDHOVEN: (HOLLAND). Ammo expenditures for 24 hours to 1730 hours 38 rounds.

24th.
At MILLEGHEM. Weather fine in the morning turning to heavy rain in the evening. Harbour party went forward in early morning followed closely by the Battery. Route via MOLL to LOMMELL then NORTH across the border into HOLLAND to village of STEVERT, SOUTH of STEENSEL. Here the horbour party - waited or some time for orders; eventually orders were given toleaguer in the area. "D" Battery were allocated a small pine forest with no shelter atall but night accommodatoon for the Battery in a small factory which gace some shelter from the heavy rain/ Ammo exp. NIL/

25th.
At STEVERT (2 moles SOUTH of STEENSEL.). Fine in morning turning to heavy rain. Moved at 0700 hrs up tthe Div axis.. Very heavy traffic on the road, especially after EINDHOVEN where vehicles were three banked most of the way. A large proportion of these vehicles were echelon amd maintenance vehicles waiti to get up to NIJMEGEM - ARNHEM area as soon as the enemy road block NORTH of St OEDENRODE was removed. After much delay the Battery ( or at least a five gun Troop, for we had three guns in Workshops) came into action at 441308 (just SOUTH of NEINSEL). 131 (QUEENS) BDE task with support of 8 HUSSARS was to capture the village of SHMIJNDEL amd hold it to protect the western side of the axis. On both our flanks were U.S. paratroops. The situation was very confused (as were too the various shell lines receive by the Gunners) and by nightfall little progress seemed to have been made. Several Troop and Regtl Targets on gun areas etc. It rained heavily later in the day turning the flat ground in to a sticky mud. Replenishment of the paratroops bt parachute from DOUGLAS Transport planes during the evening caused a lot of interest. Ammo exp. 226. rnds.

26th.
SOUTH of NEINSEL on the EINDHOVEN - NIJMEGEN road. Weather wet. Situation on front still confused - the wet weather is hindering our progress greatly. Some small troop targets engaged in early morning and later several Regtl targets. Positions were recced to the EAST of ST OEDENRODE in the early afternoon and laer in the evening to the NORTH of the town, but both positions were very exposed and well in to FDLs. The enemy Artillery was extremely active at times - mainly self propelled guns of light calibre. Fired a Divisional Target of ten rounds gunfire on a hostile A.A. Battery during an ALLIED air sortie. Our OP working with the 1/5 QUEENS got as far as 3000 yds from SCHIJNDEL, but had a warm time Ammo exp. 743. rnds.

27th.
NEINSEL. Weather very wet in evening. A slightly quieter day. A fire plan carried out on information obtained about enemy positions the previous day was put down on the road leading SOUTH from SCHIJNDEL, three Regts taking part. Recces went out to the area SOUTH of VEGHEL in the afternoon (the enemy having been cleared from the road the previous evening) and found gun positions in the area just WEST of the CANAL in 101 U.S. AIRBORNE BRIGADE. Put down some Air Targets Identification smoke during afternoon - enemy Artillery again active sbelling at St OEDENRODE area. From our O/Ps point of view this had been a difficult area for it was very exposed when approaching SCHIJNDEL. but with wooda and deep ditches on either flank. Ammo expenditure 1304 rnds.

28th.
NEINSEL. Weather fair. Early morning move to new ara at 466364, to WEST of the CANAL by VEGHEL We were supporting 1.5 QUEENS EAST of the CANAL, and FDLs were approximately as far forward as the village of MEESIJK. The position was a little strange, for we were well forward to the EAST of the CANAL. the well wood ground to the WEST of the CANAL holding back our ALLIES somewhat. During the late afternoon the Battery moved again to area 464411 NORTH WEST of VEGHEL and, as we were a little exposed to our NORTH WEST Infantry of the QUEENS dug in by us during the night. Ammo expenditure 442 rnds.

29th.
NORTH WEST of VEGHEL. Rain at times. A fairly hectic day. Our O.P went out with a strong patrol as far as bridge at 406429. Here he was met by heavy and accurate mortar fire plus some shelling by self propelled guns and our advance was forced to halt. Things got even more unpleasant in the evening and although we were limited to 40 rounds per gun we expended about 160 rounds per gun on our own Battery targets. Our O.P stayed forward with patrol which was quiet,. Ammo expenditure for 24 hours to 1730 hours 1790 rounds..

30th.
NORTH WEST of VEGHEL. Weather fair. Another unpleasant day for the O.P, and the Battery was not able to do much about it as ammo expenditure was limited to the very bare essentials (in practice about 15 rounds per gun). Later in the day the patrol returned and firm based around MERSWIJK. From this latter village our FDL ran almost due NORTH. In the afternoon moved to new area NORTH of DINTER at 411432. Standing patrols were site by the Battery but the night was quiet. Ammo expenditure 591 rounds.



Ammunition expenditure for month
12177 rounds of which 392 were smoke..


	Order of Battle at 30 September 1944/


"D" Battery 3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

War Diary for month of October .. 1944.


1st. NORTH of DINTER. some rain. Morning move to area 440418 on outskirts of DINTER. We were warned not to get too well established, and we moved later in the day to 453438.
Our first position was very cramped - the second much more satisfactory, especially as w soon found ourselves firing at 90° left of our zero line supporting 101 Airborne Brigade. A fairly quiet day - the 1/5 QUEENS were pulled out to Corps reserve and as 5 RTR, into whose support we came later in the day, were sited in a counter attack role only we have very little to do.

Ammunition Expenditure 24 rounds.

2nd. At 453438, NORTH of DINTER. Weather fine but cold. Another very quiet day. An O.P went out with a patrol of 5 R.T.R. but found little to see. An enemy stonk from four guns fell on the gun area but did no damage. "A" Troop went to old area at 440418 in evening and fired a hundred rounds per gun harrassing fire during the night returning in early morning.

Ammunition Expenditure 257 rounds.

3rd At 453438, NORTH of DINTER. Weather cold with some drizzle. Very quiet day indeed until evening when a small fire plan put down to aid an attack by the Americans Airborne Troops. Our O.P.s moveed down to 1/6 QUEENS area at DINTER to give additional support in that area.

Ammunition Expenditure 660 rounds.

4th At 453438, Weather continuing cold but fine. Another quiet day except for a series of Corps Targets in evening and a small Counter Battery programe in the night. O.P. with 5 R.T.R. (who except for a small patrol on the NORTH bank of the canal) were now Corps Reserve) who saw little all day.

Ammunition Expenditure 323 rounds.

5th At 453438, weather fine. Little firing and nothing to report. A complaint had been fairly general throughout the Regimen that rations received were not sufficient. For days we had been receiving German rations - fresh meat etc - because of a partial breakdown in supplies, and there was not the variety as with our own rations. Today, therefore, we had a visit from the R.A.S.C. experts - "V" Troop are changing over to central messing for a while in place of vehicle messing to see if any improvemnts result.

Ammunition Expenditure 103 rounds.

6th At 453438, weather fine. Leave trucks (day parties) for EINDHOVEN. Little firing except Counter Battery. We are now attached to 8 HUSSARS, who are in counter attack role only.

Ammunition Expenditure 199 rounds.

7th At 453438, weather fine. Quiet day. Now in I Corps

Ammunition Expenditure 369 rounds.

8th At 453438, weather fine. Small fire plam at 0300 hrs in aod of a patrol; another fire plan in afternoon to support two fighting patrols of tanks and infantry - we laida flank smoke screen for fifteen minutes. Our leave truck, on its way back from EINDHOVEN met with an accident on its return journey; several men were injured three being evacuated to hospital

Ammunition Expenditure 491 rounds.

9th At 453438, weather fine. Bat and cinema parties in addition to leave parties. Recce of an area about 4000 yards to our EAST as alternative gun position if a strong counter attack in present area. New area useless for it was all newly ploughed land or gardens. Since the beginning of OCTOBER our sector of the front has been extremely quite - we felt that we could push forward into S, HERTOGEN BOSCH - this would, however, have been a very deep salient south of the CANAL and badly esposed our left flank for little progress there (between VECHEL and ST OEDENRODE ) was made. A quiet period seems necessary too for the general plan for supplies have to be built up and it is fairly evident that something big will soon start.

Ammunition Expenditure 140 rounds.

10th At 453438, weather very wet. The following Regimental Classes began today- (a) specialists, (b) young signallers, (c) drivers, (d) yound N,C,O,s,
Otherwise nothing to report.

Ammunition Expenditure 57 rounds.

11th. to 1t7th. At 453438, weather cold with three very rainy days which chirmed up the tracks and made everything generally unpleasant. A fairly quite time both at the guns and the O.P. and (we shared an O.P in DINTER Chirch) with "M" Battery occupying on alternative days - very little "mobile" O.P. work was done.) The 1/5 QUEENS took over SOUTHERN sector of the Brigade front from 1/6 QUEENS. Much useful maintenance was done; and parties continued to rund on mist days to EINDHOVEN, or to the bathers at UDEN or to ENSA or mobile cinema shows. The gun and got very more static,. although a sniping section was sent out occasionally "to present moss growing under the wheels". Gun pits - really good ones properly reverted and ground camouflaged, were fug, and Troop Command Posts put underground. A novelty for us was a number of straw huts built by local labour for gun detachments - warmer and more comfortable that tarpaulin "bivvies". Central messing commenced throughout the Battery - amid some protest amongst the men - except for "A" Echelon, owing to lack of equipment. As we were a little thin on the ground in front a night listening post was manned several nights. The enemy on our sector had not been very aggressive, but advance was nor possible because of teh HUN salient to our SOUTH. Guns "camera calibrated o the 17th - a quick field method by photo electric cell.

Ammunition expenditure tow 17300 daily:- 11th 131 rnds, 12th 143 rnds, 13th 140 rnds, 14th 146 rnds, 15th 125 rnds, 16th 416 rnds, 17th 328 rnds.

18th At 453438, Weather mainly fine some rain. B.Cs Inspection of personnel, vehicles etc, The work of the last few weeks seemed well worth while for the turnout was good. Calibration results out and on the guns - not without some juggling about of figures for wrong date was at first given by calibration troop. The lesson learn here was not to accept any calibration date without first thoroughly examining it.

Ammunition Expenditure 169 rounds.

19th At 453438 - weather wet. C.R.As. inspection of gun areas - for the past few days we have been constructing gun pits of a very high standard, the C.R.A. (Brigadier T. LYON-SMITH D.S.O.) having offered 48 hours leave in BRUSSELS for the detachment with the best gun pit. A lot of hard work had been put in, the floor of the pits were constructed of logs, and sides revetted, particular attention having been paid to duting and camouflage. We were pleased to hear that F sub section of "B" Troop (Sgt, Stewart) ties for first place with F sub section of "M" Battery. Ammo expenditure 80 rounds.

20th At 453438 - weather wet. Stacking of ammo for the forthcoming operation, otherwise very quiet day. Bn from 15 (S) Div - the 8 ROYAL SCOTS - moved into 1/5 QUEENS area as reserve for the battle; A quiet day. Ammo expenditure 76 rounds.

21at At 453438 - weather fine but wet night. A Very quiet day indeed. The Div Cmdr (Major General VERNEY) visited the Battery and looked round our gun pits. He was very pleased with what he saw.
Ammo expenditure 76 rounds.

22nd At 453438 - weather fine. At last a creaky busy day AT XXXXXXXXXX 0308 hours we started a series of counter Battery tasks under R.A. 12 Corps Operation "PHEASANT" These went on, as far as the Regiment was concerned, until 0527 hours. Eight R.H.A. and Field Regiments, five Medium Regiments, One Heavy and one Heavy A.A. Regiments too part. AT 0600 hours commence firing on 7 Armd Div Operation "ALAN". The Division were attacking towards S.HERTOGERBOSCH with 53 (WELSH) Div attacking in the same direction to our NORTH, and 51 (HIGHLAND( Div also attacking to SOUTH of WILLEMS VART CANAL. In 131 (QUEENS) Bde 1/7 QUEENS led the attack with the first objective MIDDLERODE and area - considerable trouble was met from this village which slowed down the advance. Much Artillery fire support was given by both Regimental and Divisional targets. The 1/5 QUEENS, who were intended to pass through the 1/7 BYE-passed MIDDLERODE and made fairly good progress, as did the 1/6 QUEENS, and by nightfall the leading Company was well established astride the main road DOORNHOEK. The 53 (W) Div also made fairly good progress on our right. Our O.Ps had a good day, and had many Regimental targets. The night, after 2100 hours was quiet. Ammo expenditure 1783 rounds.

23rd At 453438 - weather fine. At 0001 hours we starting firing again - in support of 51 (H) Div's attack SOUTH of the WILLEMS VART CANAL. This fire plan lasted for an hour. At 0615 hours we fired some Regimental targets for our own O.Ps quickly switching to the 51 (H) Div front on a fire plan lasting until 0800 hours. The QUEENS resumed their attack at dawn and made good progress with very liberal Artillery support. Objectives were reached by the 1/5 QUEENS - BERLIKUM SOUTHWARD to main canal - in afternoon. Our O.Ps engaged enemy with some Battery targets (these were the only targets of less weight that a Regimental target during the whole battle). Further progress WESTWARDS was impossible on our front as marshy ground was ahead the only dry portion leading to S.HERTOGERBOSCH bring less than 1000 yards in breadth and on the 53 (W) Div front. 51 (H) Div made much progress to our SOUTH. Ammo expenditure 2228 rounds.

24th At 453438 - weather fine. Quiet morning - for most worth while targets wee out of range. This front was not wide enough to support one Division and the units of 7 armd Div were withdrawn one at a time to the rear. When the 1/6 QUEENS (last unit to had over to 53 (W) Div Infantry) was pulled out in the afternoon we came out of acton and leaguered on the position preparing to move next morning.
Ammo expenditure 135 rounds

25th At 453438 - weather fine but cold. Prepared to move at 1000 hours later postpone to 1200 hours (none were sorry to leave area- it was none too pleasant, and we found we might take rood if we stayed much longer). Eventually, after the usual false alarms, we moved about 1530 hours, SOUTHWARDS through MEEWIJK over the CANAL to SCHIJNDEL to SICKBEN where we leaguered the night. A striking feature of the move was the enormous Regimental Recce party which proceeded the Batteries for it included the whole of the Regimental Cookhouses.
Ammo expenditure NIL

26th At SICKBEN - weather fine. Prepared for a move in the morning, but again did not move until later afternoon. Recce parties arrived at the new gun position - just SOUTH of ESCH - at last light, and carried out a night survey. Occupation by night was difficult owing to the marshy state of the ground. A lesson was learnt, too, in survey ) that was not to rely too much on the map. We found that the map for the district was highly inaccurate tracks being non-existent or in the wrong place; much walking and resection by moonlight was necessary before an accuate fix of the Battery position could be made. A quiet night. Now in support of 1/5 QUEENS again.Ammo expenditure NI?/

27th At ESCH - weather fine. Reece parties left at first light and moved cross country to MOLENSTRAAT. Guns soon occupied, and within a few minutes recces were off again to new area near the brickworks at WINKEL. After firing a few Divisional Targets the Battery moved to WINKEL A fire plan followed shortly by another - was fire shortly before last light in support of an attacked upon LOON OP ZAND. Strong opposition ws met and the attack was unsuccessful. Harrassing fire during the evening. I/5 QUEENS in reserved at UDENHOUT.
Ammo expenditure 229 rounds.

28th At WINKEL - weather fine after wet night. Fire plan in support of an unsuccessful attack on LOON OP ZAND followed by several Regtl Targets. As our are was required by 51 H,D, we moved to 196367, about a mile SOUTH of UDENHOUT about noon. Here we used by "J" Battery and the Regiment to register targets and put down several useful concentrations on enemy movement. We were the first Battery of the Regiment to move forward and did the work of the Regiment whilst the other Batteries moved up. Put down a fire plan in support of 61 H,D, to our N.E., together with several Regtl targets, and some harrassing. Our Troops were in LOON OP ZAND attacking EASTWARDS and 51 HD attacking WESTWARDS from LOONSCHEHOEK (about 2 miles EAST of LOON OP ZAND whilst 1/5 QUEENS were attacking NORTHWARDS towards track and road junction at 137396, withdrawing SOUTHWARDS a little at last light. Today most of the Battery watched, with interest a flying bomb go over - the first the majority has seen
Ammo expenditure 2083 rounds.

29th. At 196367 SOUTH of UDENHOUT - weather fine. QUEENS resumed their attack at first light. During the night we had fired some harrassing fire. A certain amount of opposition at first to 1/5 QUEENS and we fired several targets. As the QUEENS were attacking from the SOUTH, and 1 R.T.R. were less that 1000 yds to the NORTH of the enemy firing was a little tricky. Recce parties went forward and surveyed a new position just SOUTH of LOON OP ZAND at 152386, and were interested to see a Battery Fire Plan come down on the woods about 3000 yds to the WEST. Here there was an isolated enemy pocket which was soon cleared. No sooner had the Battery occupied this position that recce parties went forward again and at last light the Battery occupied the second new area at 130393 - the same area that our fire plan had covered earlier just EAST of the hamlet of MOER. This latter place was shelled by the enemy with a heavy gun, and OP party there at the time had a narrow escape. A quiet night.
Ammo expenditure 653 rounds.

30th. EAST of MOER. weather fine heavy rain at night. The town of DONGEN having been reported clear, the Battery , just after noon, moved to a new position in the EASTERN portion of the town. We had an enthusiastic welcome here, as haearty as anywhere in Holland. As our infarntty (1/5 QUEENS) were "firm basng! on the town we had little work to do, Our Division moved on quickly to the outskirts of OOSTERHOUT.
Ammo expenditure 304 rounds.

31st. At DONGEN weather fine. A regroup of Divisions had taken place and the 7 Armd Davison became responsible for holding the area SOUTH of the river MAAS between the AFTWATERINGS and XXXX WILHELMINA canales with EASTERN boundary a line NORTH from TILBURG. The Battery therefore moved in the early afternoon (small party being sent overnight) to the village of 1^O STRAATJE (117433). As enemy seemed to have fairy considerable Artillery = accoring to reports - alternative positions were immediatel surberys in 1000 yards SOUTH at 2^O STRAATJE. At 117433 we were roughly in the centre of the zone and could cover the whole of the Divisional front. Our job here was to harrass the enemy as much as possible
Ammo expenditure NIL.

Order of Battle as oat 31st October 1944


"D" Battery 3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
War Diary for month of November.. 1944.


1st. At 1e STRAATJE - weather XXXXX misty. Fairly static role by 131st (QUEENS) Bde, Some enemy shelling of forward aeas. O.P. in WAALWIJK area, Engaded gun areas and Infantry positions as Regimental targets otherwise fairly quiet. Guns were sited close to houses, and everybody is able to sleep under cove - a good thing as it is very cold.
Ammunition Expenditure 115 rounds.

2nd. At 1e STRAATJE - weather fine. Recce and Survey of position to support 51 (HIGHLAND) DIV's forthcoming attack. More Regimental targets harrassing the enemy but little else.
Ammunition Expenditure 340 rounds.

3rd. At 1e STRAATJE - weather fine. Another quiet day with only harrassing fire, Short leave party sent to BRUSSELS and ANTWERP in the past few days. Extensive ammunition dumping at our area to which we moved shortly. A move of the Regiment was ordered today but later cancelled.
Ammunition Expenditure 384 rounds.

4th. At 1e STRAATJE - weather fine. Lieut A Flint R.A., left the Battery proceeding to ENGLAND on a Survey Officerr;s Course. The Battery moved to 21334047 (N.D Of UDENHOUT) in the morning to support 51 (HIGHLAND) DIV attack. 3000 rounds per gun HE and a quantity of smoke had neem dumped on the gun positions already. The attack, which started at 1635 hours had roughly foru phases (a) a bridgehead over the AFWATERING CANAL on the left, followed shortky by (b) a bridgehead over teh canal on the rights (c) consolidation to centre of the "island" on the line of the road DRUNEN to NIEUWKUIK (d) exploitations to the bank of the MAAS. For the first phase we laid a smoke screen for XX 35 minutes covering the bridgehead, followed an hour later by HE concentration in support of phase (b). Phase (c) quickly followed - HE concentrations, with later on the night a small fire plan for phase (d). Yje whole plan went through with amazing speed and the "island" as more or less under our control before first light. The troops almost worked in daylight with the searchlights on "A" Troop position on all night to give illumination for bridging.
Ammunition Expenditure to 1730 hours 776 rounds.

5th. N.E. UDENHOUT - weather mainly fine. An easy move back to position at 1e STRAATJE. A Corps target as soon as we arrived - otherwise quiet day. Recces forward in the evening ro survey in new position NORTH of DRUNEN.
Ammunition Expenditure 24 hours to 1730 hours 1964 rounds.

6th. At 1e STRAATJE - weather cold. A straightforward to positon at 211469 NORTH of DRUNEN (over the AFWATERING CANAL on the "isl;amd")/ A fairly quite day - one or two targets on NORTH bank of MAAS - enemy diggings etc. Little cover for troops as few houses, but fairly pleasant position. Cinema party in evening. 141 (QUEENS) BDE had taken over responsibility of the the "island" from 51 (HIGHLAND) DIB, our Infantry (1/5 QUEENS) being on the right. Lieut. R.M. Jones R.H.A. evacuated sick.
Ammunition Expenditure 5 rounds.

7th. NORTH of DRUNEN. cold but mainly fine. Some targets on enemy digging in NORTH of MAAS, otherwise quite
Ammunition Expenditure 368 rounds.

8th. NORTH of DRUNEN. cold and fine. Ammo restriction, so little firing. OPs saw little movement and generally quiet day.
Ammunition Expenditure 483 rounds.

9th. NORTH of DRUNEN. very wet day with occasional snow. Recce parties in Jeeps left for rendezvous at KINROY at the SOUTH EASTERN end of the II ARMY FRONT. Here they prepared to take over from 86 FIELD REGT RA. All tracks in this area were churned up into a particularly sticky mud and almost impassable to vehicles, The Battery had another very quiet day and OPs saw little movement.
Ammunition Expenditure 163 rounds.

10th. NORTH of DRUNEN. very heavy rain early in the day.. Battery moved off for new area at 0700 hrs in a Brigade Column, Route was S'HERTOGENBOSCH - TILBURG - POPPEL - GHEEL - MOLL - LOMMEL - LILLE - StHURBERT - BREE - KINROY to leagure area 635872 WEST of NEERITTER.
Battery arrived at new area about 2100 hrs.
Complete wireless silence.
Ammunition Expenditure NIL

11th. At 635872 - weather fine. Early in the morning the 323 Bty (86 FLD REGT RA) moved out and we took over their positions - quite comfortable ones in good cover for the man but extremely bad approaches. The QUEENS F.D.L.s were roughly the line of the CANAL ) VAN NEDERWEERT NAAR WESSEN) from the 90 NORTHINGS grid SOUTH to bend in RIVER MAAS. OPs established in village if ITTERVOORT. The Batter positions was right on the frontier between HOLLAND and BELGIUM 0 with the two troop positions in HOLLAND and the Battery Command Post and Waggon lines in Belgium. Position very quiet as we were restricted to five round per gun per day. Wireless silence broken in evening.
Ammunition Expenditure NIL..

12th. At 630866 - weather some rain. Fired off our five rounds early in the day. Quite and nothing to report.
Ammunition Expenditure 48 rounds..

15th. At 630866 - weather cold - some rain. Bath parades in morning. Engaged several targets during day - one a destructive shoot on a particularly active enemy pillbox, Farily quite day,
Ammunition Expenditure 58 rounds..

14th. At 630866 - weather cold. In the afternoon the big attack opened, although our Division played only a local role. General plan to reach the line of the MAAS (MEUSE) between VENLO and ROERMOND, main attacked by 51 H.D. and 53 (W) DIV, being to our NORTH. 131 Bde were to sieze the lock at 683883 using one Bn (1/7 QUEENS). WINDSOR I -the code name for the fire plan in support of the QUEENS attack - went down at 1615 hrs and our portion of the attack was completed by nightfall. Except for a few "at call" targets we took no part in the major attack, and our OPs had a quiet time in static position.
Ammunition Expenditure 709 rounds..

15th. At 630866 - weather cold. Little firing during day after night support of 53 DIV attack. Used 107 MEDIUM REGT RA to engage pill box quite successfully. The following O.Rs left the Battery under scheme "PYTHON" (five years abroad)
560586 Sgt Stewart. J. 886479 Gnr, Brown. A.B. 4450898 Gnr. Nattrass. S. 863395 Gnr, Pech. E.T. 863396 Gnr. Draper.E.J. 872996 Gnr. Hune. R.E.
Ammunition Expenditure 643 rounds..

16th. At 630866 - weather fine but frosty. Quiet day. Large party sent to ENSA show at BREE in afternoon
Ammunition Expenditure 24 rounds..

17th.- 19th. At 630866 - weather mainly fine. Except for some observed shooting, very quite day. The enemy was now mostly over the MEUSE (MAAS) except for a tiny bridgehead oppositeROERMOND. On the 19th our OP was established at WESSEM and shot up on groups of enemy. The CRA (Brig. Lyon Smith) paod us a visit on the 19th.
Ammunition Expenditure to 1730 hrs daily 17th 111 rnds, 18th 128 rnds, 19th 212 rnds.

20th. At 630866 - weather wet. Bath Parade. The RIVER MAAS is, roughly our F.D.L.s - but one target was engaged this side of it.
Ammunition Expenditure 169 rounds..

21st. At 630866 - weather wet. Another quiet day. The Batteries now do duty turns of once on duty in three day periods. Advantage is taken of the "off duty" to send off bather parties, local leave parties to Brussels, Antwerp etc, shopping and concert parties.
Ammunition Expenditure 35 rounds..

22nd. At 630866 - weather wet. "off duty" day. Our Colonel had met with a motor accident and was visited by the B.C. during the day. He was quite comfortable. The caused some temporary reshuffling on the Regiment - Major Bailley (J Bty) taking over command and Captain J.A.C. Baster M.C. R.H.A. taking over command "J" Battery R.H.A.
Ammunition Expenditure NIL.

23rd - 28th. first tow days wet. Another quiet day, remander bright and frosty. At 630886 - Very quiet period. The 1/5 and 1/7 QUEENS had moved across the CANA: with the 1/6 QUEENS in the neighbourhood of WESSEM. - An O.P., in this latter village was manned by the Battery each third day - a fair amount of movement of the odd HUN was seen, but no really worth while targets. Tracks to the gun positions got really bad with the large amount of raid and large parties were sent roa building with the Sappers. On the 26th Capt, D.P. Hicks R.H.A., re-joined the Regiment, having fully recovered from his recent head wound, and was posted to use as Battery Captain.
Ammunition Expenditure - 23rd 33 rounds, 24th and 25th NILm 26th 437 rounds.

27th. At 630866 - weather fine. A practice parge for the Guard of Honour for the next day. The B,C,, Major. T.J. Tirrell M.C., D.C,M., R.H.A., was Guard Commander and with him fifteen men from the Battery in Guard of three Officers and fifty men.
Ammunition Expenditure 497 rounds..

28th. At 630866 - weather fine turning to rain. Guard of Honour for the investiture by Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery K.G.B., D.S.O., was very impressive - and the Commander, Royal Artillery congratulated the Regiment "on the excellent turnout and drill"/.
Ammunition Expenditure NIL..

29th. At 630866 - weather wet. Recce party went off early to find new positions near SITTARD, and Capt. HICKS was probably the first man of the Regimentt to set foot on GERMAN soil in this campaign. Sound ranging party sent out each day to get XXXXXXXXX information o for Regimental Counter Battery.
Ammunition Expenditure 243 rounds.

30th. At 630866 - weather fine. Further recce in SITTARD area, Later informed that an immediate move not likely Todat the 1/6 and 1/7 QUEENS pulled out of 131 BDE, their places being taken by 2 DEVONS and 9 DURHAMS, The BDE had been in a great deal of active service and incurred a large number of casualties, the QUEENs, too, havehad more battalions in action than any other single Regiment in the BRITISH ARMY. For these reasons (which affect the reinforcement problem) it is impossible to maintain a homogeneous QUEEN BDE any longer. We are all sorry that this state of affairs exits - and we gave the two Battalions a hearty send off. We will continue to work with the 1/5 QUEENS,
Ammunition Expenditure 96 rounds.

"D" Battery 3 Regt, RHA

WAR DIARY

DECEMBER 1944

DATE

PLACE & WEATHER

WAR DIARY

1st

630866 N. of NEERITTER

Weather fine.

4 RHA took over from 5 RHA and ourselves. We remained four hours notice to take place in any battle that might crop up.

Ops and sound ranging parties not now required.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL

2nd

630866 N. of NEERITTER

some rain.

Recce parties went to NEEROETEN which is to be our new leaguer area. A muster parade in the morning to draw for home leave.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL

3rd.

630866 N. of NEERITTER

fair turning to heavy rain.

Holding parties left for harbour area XXXXXX to the WEST of NEEROETEREN (5678) across the canal. Remainder of Battery stood by to move out later in the day. Move later cancelled.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL

4th.

630866 N. of NEERITTER

weather showery.

No move today as incoming people did not turn up.

5th.

630866 N. of NEERITTER

weather fine.

At last the Battery moved.

Accommodation was good in the new area. We started at once to get our vehicles clean again, washing down at the mill stream or the canal.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL

6th.

Near NEEROETEREN.

weather fine.

CRA (Brig. Lyon Smith) visited the Bty in the morning and had an informal talk to the men about forthcoming leave to England and the difficulties of a winter campaign. In the afternoon a very full recce party left for SITTARD area and prepared the way for taking over positions occupied by 55 Fld Regt RA (Guards Armd Div)

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL

7th.

Near NEEROETEREN.

very wet

At 1015 hrs Bty left for new area on the fringe of the village of LEIJENBROEK just SOUTH of SITTARD an arrived in the afternoon. We took over by Troops, "A" Tp first so as to leave the Bty with a fireable unit.

A large number of defensive fire tasks were worked out in the evening. Our Bn is just over the border into GERMANY NORTH of the village of WEHR.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL

8th

At LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

All available men put on the improving of the approaches to the gun pits. We now had a system of retaliation for enemy shelling of forward areas - as soon as his shells came over we fired back at least five times as many on one or other preselected targets

Ammunition Expenditure. 65 rnds.

9th

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine except for some snow and sleet

The CRA paid us an informal visit in the morning and walked around the gun area. OPs engaged some targets, but "A" Troop - the Regtl troop on duty for "retaliation" - fired few concentrations.

Ammunition Expenditure. 87 rnds.

10th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

It was decided to moved "B" Tp to an adjoining orchard. All available men were put on the job and by evening a really grand piece of work had been done in constructing gun pits and shelters for the men on duty. Some observed shooting on movement of rds.

Ammunition Expenditure. 152 rnds.

11th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

OP at forward edge of the woods at 734696 saw fair amount of movement in squares 7571,7572, and engaged several targets in the area. Some anti-tank guns were revealed when the wind stripped off their camouflage. Work on gun positions proceeded.

Ammunition Expenditure. 326 rnds.

12th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather wet.

"B" Troop moved to their new position about 200 yds to the WEST of their original position. An excellent job had been done in construction of the gun pits and dug out for the crews.

Lt. A. Gibb RHA did a good piece of work in neutralising the anti-tank guns reported yesterday knocking out two for certain. He, together with two snipers had worked his way to a very forward position. Other enemy activity also engaged.

Ammunition Expenditure. 378 rnds.

13th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather dry.

Capt. L. Hicks. RHA left the Battery on a posting to "M" Bty and Capt. J.A.C. Baxter MC RHA rejoined as Bty Capt.

Some Regtl Targets engaged and the usual observed shooting from our OP.

Ammunition Expenditure. 292 rnds.

14th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine and frosty.

Took part in Counter Battery programme (wallop) in which 14000 shells were fired by a large number of Batteries, the objects being to neutralise 40 off enemy Batteries and to kill as many Artillerymen as poss.

O.P. got some good bearing on a rocket projector firing propaganda shells into our lines and stropped it up.

Lt T.. Ritson RHA joined the Battery on cross posting from RHQ.

Ammunition Expenditure. 279 rnds.

15th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather dry and cold.

The CRA visited the Battery and made an informal tour of the Troop positions. He as very impressed with "B" Tps position which was really excellent.

Movement was still observed by the OP and several gun fire targets engaged.

Ammunition Expenditure. 195 rnds.

16th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather wet.

Fairly quiet day. Some hostile air activity at our read at night.

Ammunition Expenditure. 320 rnds.

17th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

Stood to from 0100 hrs to fire a small fire plan in support of a fighting patrol of the 1/5 Queens. The patrol however never made contact and we stood down at 0430 hrs.

Our infantry were relieved during the day by Guards Armd Div. We continued to support for D.F. tasks only. During the afternoon the enemy began to harrass SITTARD area. Shells fell on both Troop positions. He used up to four guns at a time and continued with odd rounds until early hours of the morning. A jet propelled plane swept over the position during the afternoon and at last light enemy planes came over and using many flares dropped their loads on various villages around. Nothing fell on our immediate area.

Ammunition Expenditure. 167 rnds.

18th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather damp.

A similar programme to last night slightly earlier in time. The QUEENS patrol found the post surround by wire and mines and too alert of the patrol to get a prisoner. However, it was attacked and we fired in support. We were warned that a move was likely and recce parties went forward to EINIGHAUSEN. However the move for the Battery was cancelled although the remainder of the Regt. was settled in the new area by last night.

Some harrassing fire by heavy gun of area at night.

Ammunition Expenditure. 295 rnds.

19th.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

Fired a few Divisional Targets on hostile Batteries. Enemy still harrassing NORTH portion of area at night.

Ammunition Expenditure. 72 rnds.

20th.

LEIJENBROEK

foggy but fine.

The 1/5 QUEENS went back in to the line as Guards Armd Div went back for re-equipping. Fired harrassing tasks in early morning and a few Divisional Targets. OP saw little owing to mist. Harrassing fire by enemy on or F.D.L.s with a few in our area.

Ammunition Expenditure. 240 rnds.

21st.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

Again poor visibility at OP. A quiet day with few targets. Some track vehicle movement heard in forward enemy area in evening.

Ammunition Expenditure. 243 rnds.

22nd.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

Stood to on task to support fighting patrol of 2 DEVONS from 0100 hrs to time of actually firing 0515 hrs. Expected to received a visit from the Div Commander (Major Gen L.O. Lyne D.S.O.) but he did not turn up. Recce of alternative gun area at LINDENEUVEL and survey completed.

Fairly quite day.

Ammunition Expenditure. 344 rnds.

23rd.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine.

Two sniping guns went out all day to shoot up some anti tank guns spotted by the infantry. The result of the days shooting was one anti tank gun knocked out and second damage, whilst some ammunition in the pits was set on fire. A message on congratulation on such good shooting received from the C.O. f 1/5 QUEENS. The Div. Commander visited us in the afternoon and walked round the troop area.

Ammunition Expenditure. 416 rnds.

24th.

LEIJENBROEK

|Fine. and frosty.

Fairly quiet day.

Ammunition Expenditure. 110 rnds.

25th.

LEIJENBROEK

Weather bright and frosty.

Christmas day Church Service at 0900 hrs

"A" Troop and one hald of Bty H.Q. stood down during the whole day.

"B" Troop supplying skeleton gun crews for both Troops. - A very excellent 'Xmas dinner was served, with two bottles of beer, cigars and cigarettes for all.

The meal was followed by a sing song and later by high tea. All thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The enemy behaved quietly and we let him alone until it sound that he was enjoying himself too much in the village of HORGEN into which we loosed a substantial Regtl concentration.

Ammunition Expenditure. 22 rnds.

26.

LEIJENBROEK

|Bright and frosty.

A local enemy attack to our NORTH did not cause much work for the Battery.

"B" Troop and the remainder of BHQ returned for Christmas celebration. The dinner again was a great success. The Colonel sitting down with us, whilst Colonel Freeman. C.O. 1/5 QUEENS visited us during the sing song.

A well attended Battery dance in the evening.

Ammunition Expenditure. 46 rnds.

27.

LEIJENBROEK

Cold and fine.

Fairly quiet day.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL.

28.

LEIJENBROEK

Cold.

Another quiet day.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL.

29.

LEIJENBROEK

Cold and bright.

Nothing to report.

Ammunition Expenditure. NIL.

30.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine and cold.

Quiet day. As the enemy facing the 52 (L) Div on our right has been rather restless during the past few days and has in fact put in one or two fairly large scale attacks our Bn arranged an Artillery programme to strop up a few areas to discourage the Hun from trying any funny business on our sector. As the heavy A.A. took over our position we did not take any active part in the fire plan.

31.

LEIJENBROEK

weather fine

Quiet day. Some enemy air activity at night

Order of Battle as of 31st December 1944.

Battery Commander Major T.J. Tirrell. MC DCM RHA

Troop Commander "A" Troop. Capt. G.D. Brice. RHA

Troop Commander "B" Troop. Capt. B.J.. Cork. RHA

A/Battery Captain. Lieut. J.R. Brown, R.H.A

A/C.P.O. Lieut. H.A. Parsons. RHA

G.P.O "A" Troop Lieut. T.T. Ritson. RHA

G.P.O "B" Troop Lieut. W.R. Buckolt. RHA

Forward C.P.O. Lieut. A. Gibb. RHA

Ass./C.P.O Lieut. D. McDonald. R.A

Detached on courses;- Capt. J.A.C. Baxter. MC RHA. and Lt. A. Flint RHA.

Ammunition Expenditure for month 4654 including 8 rnds smoke.

Home	1939	1940	1941
	1942	1943	1945


JANUARY 1944.

1st.	Still onboard H.M.T. ORMONDE. Battery Parade for C.O. who congratulated us on turn out.
2nd.	Inter Regimental quize. Captain P.M. Barrington. was our representative. 5/R.H.A. were victors 14 points to 10.
3rd.	Sighted North Coast of IRELAND.
4th.	Drew into the CLYDE and moored off GOUROCK.
5th.	Unloading of baggage from holds, and preparation for disembarking.
6th.	Disembarked during afternoon and left immediately by train to new area.
7th.	Arrived FAKENHAM in early morning and conveyed to EAST RUDHAM, which is to be our Battery area.
8th - 31st.	Battery sent on disembarkation leave in relays.


FEBRUARY 1944.

Feb. 1st.)
2nd.)	Cleaning of Billet Area
3rd.)
Feb, 4th.	Billet Inspection.
Feb, 5th.	Battery Canteen opened in W.V.S. Room
Feb, 6th.	First Special Train to London
Feb, 7th.	Battery Church Parade
Feb, 8th.)	A rifle and marching drill training programme commenced.
9th.)
Feb, I0th.	C.O.'s Inspection
Feb, IIth.	Lt. B.J. Cork R.H.A., returned to the Battery. Provision of the Tea and Cakes at mid-morning break commenced. Copy of "Short History of Seventh Armoured Division! purchases by all ranks. Officers attended a lecture at the "Desert Rat Theatre" DIDLINGTON, by Major-General G,W,E,J. Erskine, the Divisional Commander.
Feb, I2th	Billet Inspection.
Feb, I3th.	Capt, D,D, Yonge M.C. R,H,A, returned to the Battery.
Feb, I4th.)
Feb, I5th.)	Normal Training
Feb, I6th.	Regimental Parade for Ceremonial Drill at RAYHAM HALL (J.BTY.)
Feb, I8th	Letter from C.O. transmitting the fact the General and C.R.A. were well pleased with the Inspection.
Feb, I9th.	Billet Inspection.
Feb,20th	2nd. Lt. B. Bazley, R.A. joined the Battery
	Psychiatrists test of Battery Personnel.
Feb,20st.	Party left to collect new vehicles.
Feb,22nd.	Normal Training
Feb,24th.	Inspection of Divisional Artillery by H.M. The King at Holborough Hall/
Feb,25th.)	Normal Training
Feb,26tth.)
Feb,27th	Battery Church Parade.
Feb,28th	Capt. A. Mission, R.A., Air O.P. Officer, attached to Battery gave number of lectures.
Feb,29th.	Battery Strength now:- I2 Officers,
	I85 O.R.'s


MARCH 1944.

1st.	Lieut. A, Gibb. R.H.A. returned from Sigs Course. Result 99%.
2nd.	Capt. D.D. Yonge M.C. R.H.A. to Troop Commanders Course.
3rd.	Capt. J. Sibbald. R.H.A. married at ALDERSHOT.
5 6 7th.	Training and issues of new equipment.
8th.	Lt. J.R. Brown R.H.A. to C.P.O.s course
9 - 19th.	Training continued.
20th.	Firing Practice - "A" Troop. Lieut. H.A. Parsons. R.H.A. to waterproofing course.
21st,	Further firing practive. 2/Lieut. W.R.S. Buckholt. R.A. amd 2/Lieut. J. Lanbourne R.A. join the Battery.
22nd.	Firing Practice - "B" Troop.
23rd/	2/Lieut. B. Bazle. R.A. posted to "M" Battery R.H.A.
24th.	Drill Order,
25th.	Battery Firing Practice. Lieut. H.A. Parsons and Lieut. A.L.P Lawrence appointed R.H.A. Lieut. A.L.P Lawrence to waterproofing course.
26 -27th	Training continued.
28th.	Battery Drill Order.
29th.	Regtl scheme and Firing ar BURHAM,
30 - 31st.	Two day exercise "SHIVER" Object;- to practice quick movement of forward body.
	Battery Strength. 13 Officers and 204 O.R.s.


Appendix "A" to War Diar. "D" Battery 3 Regt., R,H,A, June 1944

Officers and W.O.s of "D" Battery Royal Horse Artilley who
embarked with the Battery on 4th June 1944.

	Battery Commander Major T.J. Tirrell. MC DCM RHA T/Captain..P.M. Barrington. R.H.A RHA T/Captain..D.D. Yonge. M.C. RHA T/Captain..J. Sibbald. RHA Lieut. R.T. Demaine R.H.A Lieut. H.A. Parsons. RHA Lieut. A. Gibb. RHA Lieut. R.J. Cork. RHA ) Lieut. J.R. Brown, R.H.A ) Advance Party Lieut. S.P.E. Simon. RHA
	W/W.O.II (BSM) Clavering. W.J.
	W/W.O.II (BSM) Flint. H.

	----------XXXXXXXX----------


21 ARMY GROUP SPECIAL ORDER
issued on behalf of
GENERAL SIR BERNARD L MONTGOMERY, KCB, DSO,
Commander-in-Chief, 21 Army Gp
by
Major-General FW de GUINGAND, KBE, CB, DSO.
Chief of Staff 21 Army Gp.
-----------------------------------------------------------

	Headquarters, 21 Army Group 29th August, 1944


MESSAGE FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING.
-----------------------------------------------------------
1. The following message has been received by the Supreme Commander from his Majesty The King:-

"To you, and to all in the Allied Expeditionary Force, I send my warmest congratulation on the glorious victories already gained in France. All my people will joing me in thanking God for the outstanding success vouchsafed to allied arms!.

2. The Supreme Command desires that the above message be published to all troops

21 A.Gp/33787/6/A(PS2)
M.W.A.P. GRAHAM. Major-General,
i/c Administration.


	853359
	L/Bdr Campbell P
5th Sep 44	31 Dublin Road
	Belfast
	N Ireland

Dear Sir I expect you will have wondered what happened to “Plain Jane” and her four boy friends. At the end of the village we were in there was one road which turned sharp right and another which went straight on. We went along the straight road about a mile when we struck a mine as you know. So we got out to have a look at the damage. For about five mins we had the place to ourselves and course we thought we were well in our own backyard but just to prove we were wrong Jerry started firing with small arms. I am not sure if Sig Henderson got what through or not as I think he was jammed by another station. Then things started to warm up he started off with mortars and finished up by hitting the tank with the Jerry Piat which caused it to brew up. We decided that things were getting too warm for us to stop and longer so we made a run for it back to our own lies. We bumped into one patrol and they shouted at us to stop. Besides firing small arms we turned left from them straight into another lot but they caught us at the finish. The result was, I had shrapnel in my legs and arms from the mortar, Sig Henderson a bullet in the back of the knee, Sig Mckenzie a bullet through the hip and out through the belly and Mr Clarke bullet wounds in the belly. The took us to the RAP and fixed us up the best they could, then at night they run an ambulance for the four of us and took us to a C C S. Sig McKenzie and Mr Clarke as they were more serious than we were, and I believed they were operated on. Sig McKenzie was pretty bad when we left and Mr Clarke did not look good either. That was the last time we seen them. They took Henderson and I on to another dressing station. We stopped there another couple of days then they moved us onto Paris. We got there 12 Aug, six days after we had been put in the bag. Henderson got operated on and got the bullet removed the about the 17th, we were detail for Stalag with about 90 other blokes, they took us down to the railway and pit us in goods wagons. The we did get a shale on thinking about the RAF and what they were doing to the railways. However they could not get an engine to take us. In the meantime the French Red Cross came down and dressed our wounds. Well Jerry started to sort out the blokes that were fit to march. He took about 30 away altogether, and the French too us into a Convent Hospital where we stopped until the Yanks came in. Jerry tried to get us out a few times but the Underground was all round the hospital, and at night we used to listen to the small arms, then about four days after Paris was taken the Yanks took us away. They took us through about three hospital and the last one was an air hospital where we were flown back to Blighty. We arrived the 1st Sept, and at present we are in a hospital at Worcester. Henderson is still with me, where we go from here only the good lord knows and he won’t tell. Jerry treated us pretty good, just the same as his own blokes, some grub and at one place he gave us seven fags a day. The only time I though he was going to get nasty was when we met the intelligence office and would not tell him anything, would not even tell him anything about own homes. He said I don’t want to know anything from you I know you are in 131 Bde, 7 AD so he told me no to be hard boiled. Still we would not talk to him. He gave it up as a bad job at the finish. The last time I saw “Plain Jane” she was brewing up lovely, which I was pleased to see when I though of the rations, fags, maps, kit etc.

I remain Sir
Your Obedient Servant
T Campbell L/Bdr

P.S. Please excuse pencil as by pen went up in the brew.


		Battery Commander.	Major T.J. Tirrell. M.C. D.C.M. R.H.A.
		Battery Captain.	Capt.. J.A.C. Baxter, M.C. RHA.
		"A" Tp Commander,	Capt.. G. Brice M.C. R.H.A.
		"B" Tp Commander	Capt. B.J. Cork R/H.A.
		C.P.O.	Lt. J.R. Brown. R,H,A,
		G,P,O, "A" Tp,	Lt. A Gibb. R,H,A,
		G.P.O. "B" Tp,	Lieut. H.A. Parsons R,H,A,
		Ass.C.P.O.	Lt, R, Jones R.A.
			Lt, W.R. Buckholtt R.A.


S E C O N D A R M Y

We are now approaching Germany, and I wish to make certain points clear to every man in the Second Army.

Conditions there will be very different. We will no longer be amongst friends.

We will be in the enemy's county, where every man and women will wishs us ill/

We must be on our guard against spying, and se that no telephone or telegraph facilities are left open to the population by which our movements might be reported.

We must protect our lines of communication and stores against sabotage, deal ruthlessly with any attempts that are made to disrupt them.

We must always be armed and ready for treachery/
Our attitude to the civilian populations must be correct and just in every way. But there must be no mixing with them - no fraternization

We must remember always that these are the people who, twice in thirty years, have deliberately brought us to war.


Lieutenant-General,
Commander,
September 1944.	SECOND ARMY.



10 mds/538

Ammunition Expenditure for month 7974 (including 700 smoke)

	Order Battle at 30th November 1944.

	B.C.	Major T.J. Tirrell. M.C. D.C.M. R.H.A.
	Battery Captain.	Capt.. L.P. Hicks. RHA.
	Tp Cmder,"A"	Capt.. G. Brice M.C. R.H.A.
	Tp Cmder "B"	Capt. B.J. Cork R/H.A.
	C.P.O.	Lt. J.R. Brown. R,H,A,
	G,P,O, "A" Troop.	Lt. A Gibb. R,H,A,
	G.P.O. "B" Troop.	Lieut. H.A. Parsons R,H,A,
	Ass. C.P.O.	Lt, D McDonald. R.A.
		Lt, W.R. Buckholtt R.H,A.

Detached on Surey Course/ Lieutenant A.Fling. R.A.


	Major T.J. Tirrell M.C. D.C.M. R.H.A.,
	"D" Battery 3 Teg. R.H.A.
	B.L.A.
	7th November 1944.

	Dear Colonel,
	I am enclosing copy of my War Diary for month of October. Duplicate copy will be sent in a few days time this eliminating any possibility of one record not reaching you,

	I also enclose R.A. 12 Corps Consolidated Trace for attachment to War Diary for month of October, and souveneir card, received at a football match between the Battery and the village of BEERZEL, to be attached to the War Diary of month of September

	Yours
	T J Tirrel

	Colonel K.F.W. Dunn C.B.B., Headquarters, Gloucestershire Sub District, 2 College Lawn, Cheltenham.


NOMINAL ROLL.
	"D" Battery R,H,A, "HQ" Troop.	14 DEC.

	W.O.II(BSM) Powell. R.P.
	A/B.Q.M.S. Hayter. K.S.H.
	S/Sgt. Day. G.W.
	W/Sgt. Waters. H.
	P/L/Sgt. Webber, N.F.
	P/L/Sgt. Russell. S.H.
	P/L/Sgt. McCallum. R.W.
	W.Bdr.(Art) Cook. H.
	W/Bdr.(TS) Hault. H.
	W/Bdr, Johnson, W,P.
	A/Bdr. Johnson. A.E.
	P/L/Bdr, Cameron D. (MM)
	P/L/Bdr(DM) Dinsley, W,
	P/L/Bdr, Hodge, I
	P/L/Bdr. Yoxon. F.S.
	P/L/Bdr. Hughes G.V.
	U/L/Bdr. Peck. M.
	U/L/Bdr. Wright, H.
	Dvr. Acaster, D,
	Pte. Averback. I
	Dvr. Battye J.
	Dvr. Baker. S.A.
	Gnr. Bracegirdle N.
	Dvr. Coxon T.
	Gnr. Hannan C.
	Gnr. Herdfield D.F.
	Gnr. Hope. T.
	Gnr. Hamilton J.
	Pte. Lacey A.
	Gnr.(D.M.) Mc,Donald. W.
	Dvr. Nattrass S.
	Dvr. Newby E.
	Gnr. Orme D.
	Dvr. Perry J.
	Dvr. Pearson C.J.
	Dvr. Potter V.M.
	Gnr. Pitts J,N,
	Gnr.(M.M.) Russell J.C.
	Gnr. Smith L.
	Gnr. Sawyer T.
	Gnr. Simpson D.
	Dvr. Todd J.J.
	Gnr. Tomlinson H.
	Gnr. Vickery E.S.J.
	Gnr. Wilson J.
	L/L/Bdr. Locatt,J,
	Dvr. Adair. W.G. +
		Total 49.
	A/W.O.II Wallace. M.


NOMINAL ROLL.
	"D" Battery R,H,A, "A" Troop.	14 DEC.

	W.O.II (BSM) Clavering, W.J.	Gnr, Booth. D.E.
	W/Sgt. Clifton. T.	D.M Kershaw. J.R.
	A/Sgt, Hodge E,H.
	A/Sgt Hurdle E.
	A/Sgt. Brand. A.
	P/L/Sgt. Robsoon J.D.
	P/L/Sgt. Smith. E.
	P/L/Sgt. Shaw. F.Y
	P/L/Sgt, Ross. L.G.
	W/Bdr. Brunsden. L
	W/Bdr. Dwyer. T.
	A/Bdr. Bird. H.V.	TOTAL 56.
	P/L/Bdr. Marshall. P.J.
	P/L/Bdr. Campbell. P.
	P/L/Bdr. Mortimer. C.
	U/L/Bdr. South. J.
	Gnr. Arnfield. A.
	Gnr. Bell. E.J.
	Gnr. Brain. C.G.
	Gnr. Broomshead. G.
	L/L/Bdr. Croft. F.S.
	Gnr. Davis. E.
	Gnr. Dowsett. E.A.
	Gnr Drumond. C.
	Gnr Duce. E.J.
	Gnr Dutten. A.H.
	Gnr Evans. R.G.
	Dvr Gilroy. J.V.
	Dvr. Grainger. L.
	Dvr. Gilks. H.
	Gnr.Fter. Gaskins. J.F.
	Gnr Haworth. J.
	Gnr Harrison L.
	Gnr Henderson J.B.
	Gnr Ives. J.
	Dvr. Keenan. C.
	Gnr Mckenzie. H.
	Gnr Martin, W.D.D.
	Gnr Middleton. L.
	D.M. Nicholts. T.C.
	M.M. Pecj. E.
	Gnr Payne, M.S.
	Dvr. Reynish. C.R.
	Gnr Shier. B
	Gnr Shaw. A.
	Gnr Short. J.
	Gnr Smihson. W.R.
	Gnr Waugh. K.B.
	Gnr Whitehurst. L.
	Gnr Whiteley. J.W.
	Gnr Wilkins., A.E.
	Dvr. Thomas. J.L. +


NOMINAL ROLL.
	"D" Battery R,H,A, "B" Troop.	14 DEC.

	W.O.II(BSM) McArthuer.S.
	A/Sgt. Stewart. J
	A/Sgt. Baker. J.R.
	A/Sgt. Wilford J.A.
	A.Sgt. Russ. A.F.
	P/L/Sgt/ Mathews, V.
	W/Bdr. Smth. A.C.
	W/Bdr. Chedzey. D.J.
	W/Bdr. Hunt. W.A.
	A/Bdr. Mckay. W.A.
	A/Bdr. Moyle. E.N.
	P/L/Bdr. Cuthbertson. G.
	P/L/Bdr, Perkins. L.
	P/L/Bdr, Ogilvie. A.C.
	Dvr. Austin. H
	Dvr. Brend. A.R.
	Dvr. Brown. A.S.
	Gnr. Bate. A.
	Dvr. Bennett. S.G.
	Gnr.D.M. Burhouse. C.
	Gnr. Clayton, A,
	Gnr. Clancey. T.
	M.M. Draper. E.J.
	Gnr. Donovan. M.
	Gnr. Downie. J.
	Gnr. England. A.K.
	Gnr. Edgecomb. D.
	Gnr. Frost. V.C.
	Gnr. Fellows. N.
	Gnr. Giles, R,
	D.M. Hall. D.C.
	Dvr. Hunt. R.E.
	Gnr. Harman. M.W.
	Gnr. Hall. E.
	Dvr. Loudon.E.
	Gnr. McCrone
	Gnr. Matthews. J.
	Dvr. Mattin. J.
	Dvr. McDonald. R.
	Dvr. Percy. C.
	Gnr. Payne. W.G.
	Gnr. Perry. A.C.
	Gnr. Patten. G.A.
	Gnr. Randle. S.
	Dvr. Shepherd. W
	Gnr. Smith. J.
	Gnr. Sapsford. D.V..
	Gnr. Williams. L.V.
	Dvr. Coxen, F,
	Gnr. Knibbs. E.E.
	Gnr. Spencer. S.
	U/L/Bdr. White. J.A.
	Dvr. Cadman. A.M.	Total 54.
	Gnr. Gittins. L.