13th Parachute Battalion

105745

7/II

A/C

Airldg

Amn

Arty

A/Tk

Bde

Bks

Brhead

Cas

Cdn

Cdo

Comd

Conc

Coy

Def

Disposn

Div

FDL

FOO

Fwd

Gren

Incl

Inf

Infm

Junc

LAD

LMG

LST

MDS

Med

MMG

Mor

Offr

O Group

Ord

Ox Bucks

Posn

Pz Gren

RAMC

Rds

Ref

Regt

REME

RQMS

RUR

Sec

Sig

Sitrep

Sqn

Sup

Tkd

Tpt

U/S

Veh

Wef

X-rds

Map Reference

No.7 Kompanie, 2nd Battalion
Anti-Aircraft

Aircraft

Airlanding

Ammunition

Artillery

Anti-Tank

Brigade

Barracks

Battalion

Bridge

Bridgehead

Casualties

Counter-battery

Canadian

Command

Commanding Officer

Command

Concentration

Company

Defence

Defensive Fire

Disposition

Division / Divisional

Drop Zone

Field

Forward Defended Locality

Forward Observation Officer

Forward

Grenadier

Highland Division
Heavy

Intelligence

Including

Infantry

Information

Intelligence Officer

Junction

Light Aid Detachment

Light Machine Gun

Landing Ship Tank

Landing Zone

Main Dressing Station

Medical

Machine Gun

Medium Machine Gun

Mortar

Motor Transport

Officer

Orders Group

Observation Post

Other Ranks

Ordnance

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

Park

Platoon

Position

Physical Training

Prisoners of War

Panzer Grenadier

Quartermaster

Royal Artillery

Royal Army Medical Corps

Road

Rounds

Royal Engineers

Reference

Regiment

Royal Electrical and Mechnical Engineers

Royal Marines

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant

Royal Ulster Rifles

Rendezvous

Section

Signal

Situation Report

Self-Propelled

Squadron

Special Service

Support

Tank

Tracked

Troop

Transport

Unserviceable

Vehicle

With Effect

Crossroads

0050 - 13th Bn. (Lancashire) The Parachute Regiment, forming part of 5th Parachute Brigade dropped from DAKOTA and ALBEMARLE a/c on D.Z. 'N' - NORTH of RANVILLE, near CAEN, Dept of CALVADOS.

0230 - Bn moved off from R.V., having rallied on the Bn hunting horn call (L for Lancaster), and formed in Companies.

0300 - Village of RANVILLE now cleared of enemy. Very few enemy were found, as from infm received from inhabitants, it appears that the main body of the enemy were away, and that the majority of those left behind departed with all speed when they saw parachutists. Those PW taken were wounded and seemed very young. Identification from PW, dead and documents was 7/II Pz Gren Regt 125.

0320 - Glider party arrived on L.Z. 'N', now cleared of poles by 'A' Coy. Party consisted mainly of A/Tk guns, which moved rapidly into posn.

0855 - Report received from Bde HQ that news from seaborne tps is that they have broken through first line of defs.

1033 - 'A' Coy reported attack repulsed. A/Tk guns knocked out 3 S.P. guns incl 2 destroyed. PW identified as 125 Pz Gren Regt (21 Pz Div).

1120 - Infm received of counter-attacks against 7 Para Bn and 12 Para Bn. All these attacks are being held.

1212 - 'C' Coy put in limited counter-attack to assist 'A' Coy. Enemy cas reported as 1 Offr and 42 ORs killed and 6 ORs captured.

1230 - 7 Para Bn report one Pl of enemy wearing Brit airborne smocks and red berets penetrated part of our line.

1330 - 1 S.S. Bde Commando tps passed over BENOUVILLE BRS and through Bde posns towards FRANCOVILLE PLAGE.

1710 - 'A' Coy again attacked by approx 50 of 3/I/Pz Gren Regt 125. Attack again repulsed.

1800 - 5 Para Bde report 7 Para Bn not yet relieved on BENOUVILLE BRS and 12 Para Bn repulsed number of enemy attacks.

1550 - Reported 2 Oxf Bucks driven out of ESCOVILLE and holding posns in HEROUVILLETTE.

1640 - 'A' Coy attacked, losing one A/Tk gun, but counter-attacked and regained gun and all ground lost.

1821 - Reported enemy in ESCOVILLE now withdrawing southwards. 1 R.U.R. have captured LONGUEVAL.

2030 - CSM McParlan, 'A' Coy, reported. This WO was dropped off the D.Z. and established a fighting base at ST SAMSON with 10 men of his stick and some Fighting French.

0500 - 4 PW 12 SS Pz Div captured. Presence indicated move WEST of 12 SS Pz Div to brhead area.

1705 - 857 Regt 346 Div identified by interrogation. Bridge 105745 attacked by enemy bombers.

1710 - 2 ME 109's attacked bridge 105745, dropping 2 x 500 lb bombs. 1 ME 109 destroyed.

2135 - Area again shelled. Lieut J.B. Sharples, Lieut H.M. Pollak and CSM Maguire, wounded. M.D.S. hit.

1325 - C.O. to Capt Kerr - "Do not open fire on COPSE without direct orders from me". Bn area shelled.

1345 - Movement observed COPSE 103720. ST HONORINE LA CHARDONERETTE being shelled, by our arty. Oxf Bucks occupied ESCOVILLE without opposition.

1830 to 1905 - Bn area under shellfire from direction ESCOVILLE and from VARAVILLE direction.

1910 to 2030 - Very heavy shelling of Bn area by guns and heavy mortars. HEROUVILLETTE heavily attacked by enemy infantry and tanks, but all attacks repulsed. Some tks approached our posns but driven off.

2120 to 2130 - Enemy fighters ground-strafed and bombed area. Intermittent shelling and bombing at irregular intervals throughout night.

0300 - Capt Kerr, commanding 2 Pls of 'B' Coy, covering northern approaches, reported enemy MG fire on his posns from Woods near BREVILLE. Bde HQ confirmed presence of enemy bn in BREVILLE and arrangements were made for reception of possible attacks. Intermittent shelling, resembling ranging continued until dawn.

0920 - Some enemy remnants conc in Wood 121734 and mortar fire falling on x-rds 114735.

1640 - R.V. attacked by Sherman tanks, 2 Coys 7 Para Bn and 'C' Coy 13 Para Bn. Cleared of enemy. 73 prisoners taken.

2005 - Enemy working party observed area 123733 - Arty OP reports enemy forming up with S.P. guns in BREVILLE.

1135 - Arty OP reports large conc enemy tks approaching HEROUVILLETTE from ST HONORINE.

2145 - Very heavy arty barrage put down by our arty on BREVILLE preparatory to attack by 12 Para Bn and 1 Coy 12 Devons.

During night area shelled and bombed at intervals. One bomb fell in 'B' Coy area, knocking out an A/Tk gun and killing one OR and wounding one OR.

1445 - 12 Para Bn captured 50 PW in BREVILLE. PW state 857 and 858 Gren Regts have sustained 70% cas and are now operating in scratch battle groups.

1705 - Pte Denby found two marked enemy maps on D.Z. which proved to give locations, plan of attack and O/B of 346 Inf Div.

0530 - Smoke and small arms fire observed area HEROUVILLETTE - RACECOURSE - ESCOVILLE.

No further incidents 16 June 44 except for occasional shelling. It is appreciated that enemy attacks were recce in force to discover new disposns following arrival of 51 H.D.

0330 - BREVILLE attacked by one pl enemy - unsuccessful. Major W.A.B. Harris, MC to comd 12 Para Bn.

1100 - Unit relieved 1 Cdn Para Bn as part of general relief of 3 Para Bde by 5 Para Bde. No incidents.

1905 - Our arty put down C.B. fire on mortars which were shelling us intermittently.

2314 - 'A' Coy standing patrol at FARM 144731 report heavy tracked vehs on rd to BAVENT.

1315 - Lt R.M. Town (Sig Offr) to MDS for rest for one day on account of sickness.

0218 - Lieut W.F. Hodgson returned from attempt to reach BAVENT with fighting patrol. Engaged enemy at 147733.

1200 - 7 Pl ('C' Coy) attack S.P. gun at 146734 after mortar preparation. Pinned down before reaching objective and withdrew. Major R. Collins and 14 ORs wounded. 2 ORs missing.

1800 - Routine contact patrols established under control of I.O. - each Coy to provide two patrols per day, each of 1 NCO and 1 OR.

2120 - 12 Devons opened party by mortaring enemy posns in WOOD 146734. It then appeared that the enemy expected an attack, as he (the enemy) fired all his weapons and put down mortar fire. One or two sections were observed moving near our front and after over two hours of wild firing on their side and concentrations on pin-pointed targets on our side, all was quiet by midnight. The development of such a large action from such a small beginning is suspected to be the result of panic in the enemy lines. Certainly all their M.G. was fired at nothing.

1120 - Quiet morning and afternoon - rifle grenades containing propaganda leaflets fired on our posns.

1800 to 1915 - Mortars on both sides engage located targets. Eventually our mortars silence enemy posns.

1140 - News received that the Bde Comd has been awarded the American Silver Star for the splendid work of the Brigade.

2030 - Another party - This time one of our contact patrols located enemy at 146730. They threw a grenade, killing two, and withdrew. The enemy then mortared our standing patrol at the Farm 143731 from 146730 and from Wood 147727. Our mortars promptly put a concentration on both of these, and thereafter every time they fired we replied fourfold (which is now our policy). When all enemy posns were quietened, a further conc was put down on the patrol from 146735 - these bombs actually fell near their own posns at 146730 - before our mortars could reply, 12 Devons put down a concentration on WOOD 146735 which effectively silenced the battery there. Action ended at midnight.

2200 - During the battle, movement of tkd vehs was heard eastwards from WOOD 146735 - presumably these are S.P. guns pulling out for the night. In case of tks, 'A' Coy layed mines on rd EAST of standing patrol.

0350 - Slight enemy mortar fire - our mortars replied with 10 rds per gun on each LUKE and JOHN.

1410 - Occasional shells on Bn area. One man of 'A' Coy injured by sniper - shot whilst burying German dead.

1915 - 'C' Coy patrol reports enemy MG posts at 143735 and mortar posn at 145735 - 2 S.P. guns at 173775.

0515 - Much movement and words of command from "LUKE". Movement of tpt heard in area LE PRIEURE.

1630 - 3 rounds fell in Bn. HQ area - one achieved direct hit on shed housing Command Post - no cas.

2025 - Two enemy approached patrol at 'B' Coy, Farm 14375. Sjt Badel fired killing one. Patrol withdrew and later recovered body. Identification 858 Gren Regt.

2335 - Contact patrols for night cancelled in view of fighting patrols to be carried out about midnight by both flanking units.

2350 - Bn area heavily shelled and mortared, 7 Para Bn being shelled also. Sounds of enemy MG fire. 'B' Coy reported attack on their front.

0025 - Area still being shelled and mortared. Our mortars engaged all known enemy locations.

0028 - "PETER" on fire!! Lt Jeavons concussed and one OR killed by direct hit on slit trench.

0100 to 0600 - Shelling and mortaring going on on both sides. Battle died down at 0600 hrs but odd shelling persisted all night.

1300 - Handover to 1 Cdn Para Bn completed and Bn moved to rest area near RANVILLE on banks of R. ORNE.

The Battalion dropped into FRANCE on night 5/6 June and as a result of the drop 62 men are missing, of the majority there is no news. Two officers, Lieut A.H. Lee and Capt (QM) S. Daisley, who was in the Bde Glider Element are missing.

All tasks allotted to the Battalion were completed according to schedule and the battalion dug in around RANVILLE prepared to repel attacks, which proved to be few and far between, and ineffective. There was considerable shelling of the Battalion positions and the majority of the casualties were due to this. The biggest attack was put in against 'B' Coy on 10 Jun and was repelled with heavy losses to the enemy.

On 17 Jun the Bn moved forward to LE MESNIL and relieved 1 Canadian Parachute Bn, and from there on 25 Jun, in to a rest area near BENOUVILLE bridges for a much-needed rest.

Total casualties for the month were - Killed - Offrs 1 ORs 16. Wounded - Offrs 6 ORs 119. Missing - Offrs 2 ORs 59. A number of officers have been lost. Major W.A.B. Harris MC, Capt R.M. Kerr, Lieut B.W. Metcalf and Lieut J.M. Bercot were posted to 12th Parachute Bn. Capt F.A.N. Elliston was killed and Major R.G. Collins, Lieut B.S. Arnold, Lieut J.B. Sharples, Lieut H.M. Pollak and Lieut J.S. Jeavons wounded. Capt H.J. Ainsworth broke his leg on landing.

Stores		Date	Received or Issued	Remarks
Rangefinders MkVII	- 4	3 Jun	Rec'd	Carried by QM in Glider - failed to arrive
Wireless Sets No.18	- 3	7 Jun	"
Wireless Sets No.38	- 4	7 Jun	"
Guns M/G Bren	- 4	"	"	In partial recovery of weapons and equipment which
Guns M/G Vickers	- 3	"	"	failed to arrive from D.Z.
OML Mortar 3"	- 3	"	"
Telescopes, Scout	- 1	"	"
PIATs	- 2	"	"
OML Mortar 3"	- 2	8 Jun	"	To replace damaged by enemy action.
Wireless Sets No.38	- 2	"	"	In recovery of losses on D.Z.
Guns M/G Bren	- 2	"	"	To replace damaged by enemy action.
OML Mortar 3" Baseplate	- 3	10 Jun	"	To replace damaged and U/S parts.
OML Mortar 3" Barrel	- 3	"	"	"
Wireless Sets No.38	- 3	17 Jun	"	To replace damaged and U/S parts.
Wireless Sets No.18	- 1	"	"	"
Carbines M/G Sten	- 55	25 Jun	Issued.
Rifles No.4 Mk.1.	- 64	"	"
Lamps S.D.	- 8	"	"	Returned to Ordnance Fd Pk as surplus to requirements.
Bayonets No.4 Mk.1.	- 90	"	"
Watches G.S.	- 5	"	Received	In lieu of deficiencies of Watches, wristlet.
Mortar 2" Inf Patt.	- 1	28 Jun	Rec'd	To replace u/s weapons returned.
Mortar 3" complete	- 1	"	"
Barrels, spare, Bren	- 9	"	"	To replace deficiencies.
Wallets, spare parts	- 9	"	"
Wireless Set No.18	- 1	30 Jun	Rec'd	To replace deficiencies.
Carbines, M/G Sten	- 5	"	Issued	Surplus to requirements - to Ord Fd Pk.
Watches G.S.	- 2	"	Rec'd	In lieu of Watches, wristlet, deficient.

Bn resting in Div rest area since 25 June 44. Time devoted to P.T., recreation., cleaning and repair of arms, etc. Vacancies for film and other shows were allotted and trips to the beaches were organised. 100 infantry reinforcements arrived 3.7.44.

1130 - Take-over of previous posns from 1st Cdn Para Bn completed. The line has been pushed forward according to the plans made by us before our relief.

General: A quiet day, punctuated by sporadic bursts of mortar and M.G. fire. We took no offensive action, but replied vigorously to all enemy activity.

1130 - Bn handed over posns to 12 Para Bn and left for BENOUVILLE to train for, and rehearse a Bn attack planned originally as a company raid and now extended to Bn level.

During this period the bn carried out rehearsals of day and night advances. Early in the period (see note) it was learned that the attack as planned was not to take place, and that the bn was to continue training as a 'div assault bn', with the object of attacking when and where opportunity offered or circumstances dictated. The training was done, but on 9th July it was decided to move us back into the line the following day.

1100 - Take-over from 12 Para Bn completed - posns as before. A certain amount of shelling and mortaring of our posns was caused by a raid carried out by 7 Para Bn on our right. It was noted that the enemy guns and mortars were in action 10 minutes after our arty conc started, and 6-barrelled mortars 50 minutes after. During the night contact patrols made contact with enemy posns, reporting no change in previous locations.

No activity during day apart from occasional mortar and M.G. fire. At dusk the enemy put up illuminating flares at odd intervals. During the night Bn R.A.M.C. personnel assisted by 'C' Coy recovered bodies of Pte Denby and Pte Stanyon, which had been lying in disputed ground. Two patrols were sent out to determine extent of enemy wiring, and returned with the required information, having penetrated as far as the houses at 149727, where they heard movement, and hedge junc 146728, where voices were heard.

0710 - 8 Me 109's flew over Bn area, but dropped nothing more dangerous than an empty petrol tank in 'A' Coy area.

1000 - Lieut G.H. O'Brien-Hitching, when posting 'A' Coy snipers in a forward posn, was wounded by M.G. fire in the area of hedge junc 146725. Both he and Pte Corbett RAMC, who went out to fetch him, were captured by the enemy.

1255, 1305, 1400 - Rear areas heavily shelled and mortared by the enemy. No shells fell in bn area. Number of shells varied from 20 to 70 on each occasion.

1730 - 'A' and 'B' Coys mortared by 5cm mortars from area 146725. Our mortars silenced enemy fire.

Night: A patrol of three penetrated to enemy posn at 149727 and laid delayed action H.E. charges close to enemy trenches. 'C' Coy, having failed to locate the body of Sjt Muir on previous night's patrol, made deeper patrols in vain.

1109, 1135, 1301, 1313, 1320 - At these times enemy mortar bombs in small numbers fell in Bn area. No action was taken (in view of policy of keeping front quiet and limitations on mortar bomb expenditure) until 1322 hrs.

1322 - Our mortars fire on known enemy mortar posns. This mortar and counter-mortar fire lasted all afternoon and well into the evening. None of it was particularly heavy or concentrated, and it is not proposed to report further exact timings, as this kind of nuisance fire is a more or less permanent feature of this part of the line. The policy is to reply to each salvo with about 3 times the number of bombs fired at us. This is only carried out when the mortaring becomes a nuisance to fwd troops.

Night: A patrol was sent out to plant H.E. at hedge junc 146728, but unfortunately drew fire and were forced to dump the H.E. just outside our own wire.

0645 - An enemy deserter from II/858 Gren Regt was wounded entering our lines in 'B' Coy area.

0716 - Another deserter entered 'B' Coy lines - this time unhurt. This PW reported that Lieut O'Brien-Hitching had died soon after being captured.

Night: A patrol made contact with the enemy at rd/track junc 145733, and left delayed action H.E. charges. These went off later and successfully blew down a telegraph pole close to the enemy. The policy of these patrols is to establish moral ascendancy over the enemy by indicating to him the strength of our patrol activities.

This was a singularly uneventful day. What mortaring there was was well distributed and ineffective for the most part. On the whole the enemy appeared to be content to leave well alone.

Night: Lieut BOYLE and 2 O.Rs patrolled to area 145733 and laid delayed-action incendiary charges. On the way back they bumped into, and promptly captured, an enemy patrol of 1 NCO and 2 ORs of II/858 Gren Regt.

1215 - As a result of interrogation of PW., which disclosed the location of the enemy Coy HQ and Bn. HQ, and the times at which meals were issued at these places., a combined mortar and M.G. shoot was fired at this time on to both targets, and on to a counter-mortar target. A total of 280 bombs were fired. There was no immediate enemy reaction.

2300 - Enemy a/c active over Bn area. Some bombs which were dropped fell in the enemy lines - fortunately on a located mortar posn.

General: Capt D.J. Tibbs and Lieut W.F. Hodgson were decorated today with the 'immediate' award of the Military Cross. The investiture was held by General Sir Bernard L. Montgomery.

Night: During the night attempts were made to trap any other enemy patrols venturesome enough to approach our posns, but without success.

In accordance with policy, the front was kept very quiet today., the eve of the attack S.E. of CAEN. There was no reply to such slight enemy mortar fire as fell in our area.

0530 - The air attack S.E. of CAEN commenced with heavy bombing by LANCASTERS AND HALIFAXES.

0645 - In view of the possibility of an enemy attempt to lose contact on this front, because of the heavy attack now being carried out further SOUTH, recce patrols were sent out by fwd Coys with the task of maintaining contact with the enemy. This they did and discovered that the enemy still held his posns.

1230 - Throughout the morning the enemy troubled us at intervals with mortar fire, and some rockets fell near, but not in, the bn area. The noise of the battle to the SOUTH became more and more distant.

1650 - A patrol sent out to test enemy reaction was heavily fired on., one NCO being killed. (Cpl Lysaght).

1000 - 2 enemy O.Rs came into our lines as deserters and gave valuable information.

1200 - An attempt was made to draw enemy fire - thus maintaining contact. Mors and M.Gs fired, and the enemy reacted favourably, replying with similar fire.

1700 - Bn area mortared. This mortar fire continued at widely dispersed intervals throughout the evening.

0020 - Enemy a/c dropped bombs near Bn area. During the early hours of the morning the enemy fire frequent flares and light signals, making the work of our patrols very difficult.

During the day there was no action of any sort apart from occasional mortaring by both sides. Our policy is to reply at least three-fold to all enemy mortar fire.

Night: Contact patrols confirmed presence of enemy at 147728 and 149726. Up to date there have been no indications of any enemy withdrawal in this sector, and since the main attack further SOUTH has now been halted, it is unlikely that a withdrawal will take place.

Another very quiet day. The enemy again responded to attempts to draw his fire, particularly when a PIAT was used against one of his sniper posns. Mortar fire was infrequent.

Even less activity than previous day. Slight mortar fire - NOT in Bn area. Left forward Coy area taken over by 12 Devons.

The enemy was very sensitive all day and fired on the least provocation. 'C' Coy were unfortunate in sustaining a number of cas from enemy mortar fire, as a result of very accurate fire from 50mm and 81mm mortars on their forward positions. Two cas were also caused by a troublesome enemy sniper. See attached SITREP giving full details. Appx B.

Bn in rest area. The opportunity was taken to have a general clean-up, which was most necessary after the rains of the previous few days. Whilst in the rest area there was no trouble from enemy bombing or shell-fire. Recreational parties were organised for cinema and stage shows and for swimming on the beaches. As on previous occasions, a Church Service was held.

0930 - Bn took-over from 7 Para Bn in sector SOUTH of line previously held. 'A' Coy is left fwd coy., 'B' Coy in reserve, and 'C' Coy right forward coy.

1015 - Take-over complete. For the rest of the day there was literally "nothing to report". Only odd rifle shots were fired and only fleeting glimpses of the enemy observed.

Orders received to hand-over to No.3 Commando on 1 Aug 44, on 5 Para Bde going into Div reserve. During the day the area was occasionally mortared, but no bombs fell near our posns. The enemy fired bursts of M.G. occasionally, but with no effect.

A quiet month. One long spell of duty was carried out in the line at LE MESNIL and the rest of the month was spent at rest or training areas. On 28 July, the Bn was informed that within a few days it would move into Corps Reserve. This was generally understood to be preparatory to a return to the U.K., a move which had been long expected, was much overdue, and concerning which numerous rumours had been rife for some time. The warning order for the move was, however, cancelled the following day. During the month Major G.W. Bristow was wounded by a direct hit on his slit-trench and was evacuated. He was the first Company Commander to become a casualty. Major R.M. Tarrant, OC 'HQ' Coy took-over 'B' Company in place of Major Bristow.

1200 - Bn relieved from posns recently taken over from 7 Para Bn (relieving formation 1 SS Bde). Bn moved into original area in RANVILLE, where it came with 5 Para Bde into div reserve.

Bn resting in a reserve role at RANVILLE. There was no operational activity during this period.

Bn took over posns from No.46 R.M. Cdo. The take-over was completed without incident and apart from slight occasional mortar fire there was no activity. LA GRANDE FERME DU BUISSON (139763) was occupied by one pl as an outpost posn and was manned as an O.P. by the I. sec.

During the night a patrol succeeded in locating the enemy FDL and in fixing the posns of several MGs. The enemy at the SALLENELLES strong point put over occasional bursts of MG fire during the night., presumably as a result of the patrol activity on our left flanking unit. There was no enemy activity during the day.

Patrols were sent out again during the night to maintain contact with the enemy FDL - this they did successfully. During the day some mortar fire was put down on our FDLs and on LA GRANDE FERME DU BUISSON. Enemy activity in their own FDLs was observed from the O.P. Several targets were taken on successfully by our mortars.

During the night an enemy patrol was observed in the immediate vicinity of the GRANDE FERME DU BUISSON. The patrol was 15 strong but avoided contact with a sallying force sent out from the Farm. Our patrols continued to maintain contact with enemy FDLs. By day enemy activity was observed in his FDLs and several targets were engaged by our mortars. Some light mortar fire fell in the bn area.

During the night a patrol one platoon strong lay in wait for a repetition of the previous night's enemy activity in the area of the GRANDE FERME DU BUISSON. Unfortunately the enemy did not choose to repeat his performance. The main event of the day was a visit by Mr George Formby, who gave a short show at Bn. HQ to as many men as could be spared from the FDLs. Contact with the enemy was maintained by observation.

Patrol activity during the night was limited by a dense mist which arose. Contact was made, however. The enemy continued his policy of non-aggression throughout the day and was more careful in the way he moved about his FDLs.

1100 - Bn handed over its posns to Belgian Group and moved into Div reserve once more at RANVILLE.

Bn remained in its posns at RANVILLE, taking the opportunity to train for mobile operations, as the enemy was expected to carry out large scale with-drawals in the near future.

1500 - Bn moved off to an assembly area in the BOIS DE BAVENT in transport, following information that the expected withdrawal had commenced, and that fwd tpt were pushing over R. DIVES.

0400 - Bn moved off through TROARN, and across the R. DIVES to area 207703 in rear of 3 Para Bde, where food arrived and the bn. rested throughout the day. Just before midnight the bn moved off from the concentration area to cross the river at 237719 and to attack the village of PUTOT-EN-AUGE.

0145 - Bn. arrived at bridge 237719 to find it blown and not crossable. A change of plan was then made by the Bde. Comd entailing the transfer of the original assault to 7 & 12 Para Bns and the follow-through assault to 13 Para Bn.

0500 - Bn. now concentrated WEST of river crossing 237718 awaiting orders to cross. Whilst in this area considerable number of mortar bombs fall around the bn. but no casualties were suffered.

1000 - Bn. crossed river, covered by arty barrage, and entered the village of PUTOT-EN-AUGE. From here the advance was continued after a short pause up the steep slope to what was later known as 'Hill 13'. B Coy led the advance and had almost gained the summit when they were engaged by heavy MG fire, inflicting many casualties. Attempts by A & C Coys to carry out flanking attacks were pinned down. Appx A.

1530 - Orders were given to consolidate the posns already held and not to advance further. This was done, and extremely accurate arty fire and small arms fire inflicted very heavy casualties on an enemy counter attack which never reached our FDLs. During the day the following officers were wounded - Major Tarrant., Capt Tibbs (RAMC)., Lieut Bibby (missing). There were nearly 70 all ranks killed wounded and missing. Capt Grantham took over comd of B Coy., Lieut Town becoming adjutant in his place.

During the night 48 RM Cdo took Hill 13 and there was no enemy activity on our front. By day a number of enemy were seen, and a recce patrol in the evening found the house at 255723 occupied by a pl. of enemy, heavy mortar fire was an annoyance and accounted for a number of casualties.

1530 - Bn. moved to a conc. area at the foot of the hill near PUTOT-EN-AUGE and prepared to move forward in transport.

0430 - Bn. moved out of ANNEBAULT on foot with orders to take up posns covering bridges at PONT L'EVEQUE.

1330 - A Coy entered PONT L'EVEQUE without opposition until they took up positions fwd of rd junc 518038 just WEST of the br at 520037. Appx B.

1415 - The whole Bn. is now in PONT L'EVEQUE - A Coy is heavily engaged from across the river - in addition two MG's and mortars a S.P. 20 mm AA gun has been fired at ground targets.

1530 - 1 tp CROMWELL tanks of the Airborne Light Tank Sqn entered the town to give support. An armoured bulldozer filled in the centre bridge to allow the tanks to pass, and they went over and harassed the enemy with fire from our side of the river.

1845 - C Coy took over the battle area from A Coy. The town centre is now well alight and is spreading rapidly. The town is cleared up to the bridge at 520037 but no further progress can be made.

0600 - One pl. of B Coy succeeded in crossing the br, and made its way forward to the houses at 522037. This pl. was quickly followed up by the remainder of B Coy, and by A & C Coys until a bridgehead over the river had been formed. Further progress was held up by stiff opposition.

1240 - After several hours of stiff fighting the enemy has been observed to bring up reinforcements in tpt. Our armour has been ordered up to give covering fire.

1330 - Orders received to give up bridgehead and withdraw through a covering force of one Coy 7 Para Bn.

1415 - Withdrawal from PONT L'EVEQUE commenced. By this time the whole town centre was either blazing or collapsed and smouldering, and the only practicable way was through the gardens on the southern side of the town. The effect of the enemy reinforcements was now felt, as he had pushed out his flanks to make the river crossing extremely difficult.

1515 - All tps are now withdrawn from eastern bank of the river. The withdrawal was successful and was carried out with very small losses. Bn. went to rest area 500018.

1030 - The bn. once again moved forward. During the night the enemy had withdrawn from PONT L'EVEQUE and 7 Para Bn was hard on his heels. The bn. moved off across country to secure the high ground WEST of LES AUTHIEUX SUR CALONNE 5904. This they did without opposition, and were in posns in the area 585044 by 1900 hrs. There was no actual contact with the enemy, and our posns were designed to seal off the enemy's southern flank. All troops spent the night under cover.

This day was spent resting and preparing for subsequent operations. No moves took place and no contact was made with the enemy. In the evening orders were received to prepare to advance.

0515 - Bn. moved by march route in the wake of 7 Para Bn. towards PONT AUDEMER 7609. At SAINT MACLOU 6810 the bn. was picked up in tpt and carried to PONT AUDEMER.

1130 - Bn. now installed. Slight casualties were caused by mortar fire in the bn. area.

Bn. rested under cover in GENNEVILLE. On August 29th 44, orders were received to prepare for the move back to England on 2 Sep 44.

Bn arrived at No.60 Transit Camp at GENNOVILLE by M.T. and prepared to embark for U.K. Night spent in Transit Camp. 1 NCO and 31 Ptes posted to unit at Larkhill in U.K. from D.S.A.F.

1700 - Bn (16 Offrs 270 ORs) embarked via L.S.T. on board SS EMPIRE JAVELIN with 7th Bn.

1800 - SS EMPIRE JAVELIN dropped anchor outside SOUTHAMPTON harbour for the night after uneventful crossing.

1600 - Lieut E.V. Wraight arrived with 13 ORs and 5 Jeeps and trailers from SOUTHAMPTON.

1645 - Bn arrived at LARKHILL CAMP. Lieut B.R. Allen promoted Capt w.e.f. 17 Jun 44. New list of distribution of officers published in Bn. Orders.

Lieut E.V. Wraight proceeded on 3" mortar course SAS, NETHERAVON. All technical equipment inspected by REME.

Mobilization orders received. Mobilization to be completed by 0001 hrs 30 Sep 44.

Bn granted extension of leave until 21 Sep 44. This leave is to be considered embarkation leave.

Account of attack on the positions held by 13th Battalion (Lancashire) The Parachute Regiment, by 2nd Bn. 858 Gren Regt., 10 June 44. Known as the 'Battle of Ranville'.

The previous evening, 9 June, the O.P. in the sector held by two pls B Coy under command of Captain R.M.T. Kerr, reported movement in the woods N.E. of BREVILLE. This was in turn reported to HQ 5 Parachute Bde, who confirmed a report of one battalion being in this area.

During the night there was some spasmodic shelling of the village and in particular on the N.E. sector. This was considered to be ranging and was reported to Brigade Headquarters, who considered harassing fire to be more probable.

At 0300 hrs 10 June, Capt Kerr came in to Battalion Headquarters to report to the Commanding Officer that there had been some machine gun fire from the same woods and that he suspected an attack. The Intelligence Officer, Lieut L.H.U. Golding, was sent to HQ 5 Para Bde with this information and a request for a F.O.O. to be attached to the Battalion. Capt Kerr was told to remain in observation, report all movement and on no account to open fire and so disclose his positions. The request for a F.O.O. was granted by Brigade who were doubtful about the attack, which was considered to be most unlikely.

At 0600 hrs, the F.O.O., Lieut Hastings, South Notts Yeomanry, RA, was reported in position at the Church Tower in Ranville, where two battalion signallers, Pte John and Pte Thompson were waiting with the Commanding Officers Rover set, to maintain communication.

The F.O.O. was asked to register the openings from the woods N.E. of Ranville and the two cross-roads on the D.Z., which were considered to be likely Forming Up positions. These registrations were started at once by the fire of one Field Regiment, with one Field Regiment in reserve, which actually was never used during the engagement. The F.O.O.s wireless call was "Easy 6", which became a battalion by-word for efficient artillery support.

At 0645 hrs a fighting patrol from C Company under Sjt Holland, was sent out over the D.Z. to make contact, if possible, with the enemy. This contact was successfully made and it was established that the troops in the woods were in fact Germans. This information was not, however, received until 0800 hrs, as the fighting patrol had no wireless.

At 0725 hrs German troops were seen to debouch from the woods, and the cross roads in the village were shelled by the enemy. Stirlings on a supply drop had been fired on from the woods, from which the enemy came, and so it was considered likely that they were indeed Germans and "Easy 6" was asked to engage them, once they came in the open.

The artillery opened accurate fire on the enemy and without doubt caused considerable casualties among them, but the first wave had by now reached the cover of the first gliders on the L.Z. Meanwhile the supporting companies had come out of the wood and by 0745 hrs the whole battalion had debouched from the woods over a front of about 800 yards and 800 yards in depth with apparently two companies up.

Engaged throughout by the artillery, who fired with the most telling results, the enemy attacked the N.E. corner of Ranville and at one point, come round to attack the North by the orchards by the cross roads. Meanwhile the village was subjected to mortar fire, particularly to the North. The attack on the North was directly broken up by the artillery and never came in in force, though some men did infiltrate in, some being taken prisoner and one, who had climbed onto a roof being shot by RQMS Hanstock, who took Orderly Room Serjeant Ferdinand's rifle to do so, as Ferdinand could not see him on the roof even with his glasses on.

This infiltration was contained by the Anti-Tank platoon, under command of Lieut A. Lagergren.

Meanwhile the attack on the North East, onto that sector under Captain Kerr had been allowed to come on and no small arms fire had yet been opened, it having been ordered that this was to be held "until they could see the whites of their eyes".

Some of the enemy now infiltrated into the Battalion R.V., where they were engaged by the Mortars, under Lieut F.J. Skeate, with great accuracy and despatch. When they came forward again, fire was opened by all automatic weapons, including six captured German machine guns and one Vickers of the 8th Battalion which had dropped on the Ranville D.Z. At the same time, B Coy under command of Major G.W. Bristow, opened fire with light automatics and a Vickers gun from the battalion M.G. platoon, onto the supporting companies which were following up.

At 0825 hrs the attack was completely broken up by the sudden and sustained fire from the N.E. sector, and C Company, under command of Major G.H.D. Ford, was ordered to counter-attack.

One half, under the company second-in-command, Captain A.R. Clark, to sweep down through the orchards on the North of the village, mopping up as it came and the remainder under Major Ford to counter attack simultaneously on the arrival of Capt Clark's party from the South of the Easterly orchards northwards to take the enemy in the flank.

The counter attack finally went in at about 1000 hours. The enemy attack had then finally stopped and the counter-attack hit them perfectly and completely disorganised them. Some 20 men surrendered to Captain Clark alone, which caused him slight embarrassment.

The execution on the enemy was terrific and none of the enemy who had come forward from the R.V. were seen to regain its cover.

It was now appreciated that there were a number of enemy still in the R.V. and in fact, small numbers, in ones and twos were seen infiltrating into the R.V. through the crops, which were very high. C Company, the only company available for counter-attack was not strong enough to take this on alone, as the wood was fairly thick. The wood was therefore engaged continually by the artillery and the battalion Mortars in order to contain them in the wood.

The Brigadier, Brigadier J.H.N. Poett, had arranged, therefore, for one squadron of 13/18 Hussars to support a counter-attack by two companies 7th Parachute Battalion into and through the wood, followed by C Company, mopping up.

This attack went in at 1600 hours and was completely successful. 73 prisoners were taken.

German - 80 German wounded were treated in the M.D.S., the dead were never counted but his casualties were very large.

When the D.Z. was finally cleared, 4 light flak guns were found on the cross-roads engaged by the artillery.

The only engagement of our one-company front has been a fire fight commencing at 1000 hrs. At this time one of our snipers, working forward, presumably exploded a booby trap at 144725. He was not seen after the explosion. At 1140 hrs an O.R. of the A.Tk Pl was shot dead by a sniper from the area 146725. In retaliation we attacked his posn with mors and PIATs at 1400 hrs.

On the evening of August 18th, the battalion, which was lying up [E?] of GOUSTRANVILLE received orders to prepare for a night march and day attack into PUTOT EN AUGE. After some alteration in the orders, the Battalion finally set out at 2330 hours and marched off up the road through GOUSTRANVILLE and made for the railway bridge, intending to pass after the 9th Parachute Battalion. Guided by Captain Golding, the I.O., the head of the Battalion reached the bridge (at 237719) at 0145 hrs. Here it was found that the bridge had gone, and that the tide had risen to 5 feet 8 inches, and was still rising. The Battalion therefore turned about in its tracks and guided by the Commanding Officer and Second-in-Command retraced its steps, in absolutely inky darkness, to GOUSTRANVILLE.

Here orders were received to follow the 12th Parachute Battalion across the river by the bridge at 237718, which was found to be sound. The battalion therefore left at 0400 hrs and after an unpleasant approach down the main road, which was being shelled, made its lying up area at the foot of the hill at about 0430 hrs.

Here the Battalion lined a hedge and bank, fortunately defiladed from the enemy fire and prayed that the darkness, and then the mist would hold until they could be released to follow the 12th Parachute Battalion across the open and into PUTOT EN AUGE.

Gradually the darkness went and the mist lifted and still PUTOT EN AUGE had not been cleared and the Battalion was therefore to disperse as the high ground, including the bank, where it was sheltering was beginning to appear. Nevertheless, the hun started mortaring and shelling the area, and the Battalion was most fortunate to suffer no casualties during this period. When daylight came fully, some nine huns were found hiding, extremely frightened, in the area, and were removed.

At about 0900 hrs, the battalion, in the order, 'B', 'A', 'C' Coys, crossed over, a most difficult and dangerous passage, which was mostly carried out at the double, into the village of PUTOT EN AUGE. There was some mortar fire against us and five casualties were suffered, but the battalion reached the village by 1025 hrs and concentrated on the far side.

Here orders were received to attack and capture the hill over-looking the village, which was called "Hill 13", passing through the 7th Parachute Battalion. An "O Group" was held at 1115 hours, and the top of the hill was engaged by the F.O.O. at scale 3, at the same time.

Orders were issued for the Battalion to attack, 'B' Coy leading supported by 'A' Coy, with 'C' Coy in reserve. Mortars and M.Gs were still in GOUSTRANVILLE.

'B' Company, led most gallantly by Major R.M. Tarrant, went up the hill, taking the first crest without much trouble, went on to take the second crest direct. Here, on reaching the crest, they found that the Germans had just at that moment been reinforced, on the reverse slope, by 90 men, and they were forced off.

'A' Company tried to shoot them back and made no headway, so 'C' Company were put in right flanking. Unfortunately 'C' Company also met with aimed machine gun fire and could not make good their flanking move. At this moment the Germans tried to counter-attack, but most timely D.F. fire was available from 151 Fd Regt, who had managed to get an armoured O.P. across, and the counter-attack never really came on. The artillery fire was most accurate and excellently directed.

By 1500 hrs, the situation was stabilised, with the Battalion holding their ground and continuing to fire on the enemy whenever seen. Fairly heavy casualties had been suffered, about 70 killed, wounded and missing, including Major Tarrant and Lieut Bibby, both of 'B' Company, and Captain Tibbs the Doctor.

Captain Grantham, the Adjutant, took over 'B' Company, and 40 reinforcements, which arrived most opportunely, were drafted in to make up the depleted companies.

That night there was no activity on the part of the enemy, and 48 Commando passed through in a silent night attack and occupied the top of the hill successfully. The only activity was when the Commandos arrived, in the evening to make a reconnaissance of the positions. The movement was seen by the enemy and mortar fire inevitably came down on our area, wounding five Commando key men, the Battalion I Sjt, four men, seriously, and the second-in-command slightly. He said again - "You can not take chances with the hun".

The following day was uneventful except that the new Doctor, Captain Urquhart, was wounded by a sniper.

On 21 Aug, the battalion was in a concentration area at PUTOT EN AUGE, and was ordered to advance in M.T. to ANNEBAULT, which had already been occupied by 3 Para Bde, and to be prepared to advance from there to capture PONT L'EVEQUE. The move started at 2330 hours, and the Battalion arrived at ANNEBAULT at 0200 hours 22 Aug and took up defensive positions EAST of the cross roads.

At 0600 hours, the battalion moved forward to the area of LA HAIE TONDU, which had been occupied by 3 Para Bde. From this point orders were received to continue the advance and, if possible, cover PONT L'EVEQUE. The advance was without incident, and by 1330 hrs, Bn. HQ was established in the town at 518038. 'A' Company was ordered to move forward astride the main street and clear up the last bridge over the R. TOUQUES. Considerable enemy opposition was encountered, and mortar fire was fairly heavy from 1415 hrs onwards. During the afternoon one troop of CROMWELL tanks of Airborne Recce Regt arrived in the village, but were unable to cross the first bridge. The Commanding Officer requested the use of an armoured bull-dozer to make the river passable for tanks. By 1730 hours, battalion HQ had moved forward to the square surrounding the Church, and the area of the Church had been set on fire. This fire spread from house to house and was traced to the fact of the enemy having placed incendiary leaves in the houses., during the previous day. The enemy had a 2cm flak gun in the vicinity of the last bridge, and engaged the Church Tower setting it on fire.

By 1830 hrs, the bull-dozer had filled up the first stream sufficiently to allow the CROMWELLS to advance up to the Church square, from which they engaged the enemy MGs beyond the last bridge. One tank was set on fire by debris from a burning house, but was extinguished. At 1845 hrs 'C' Company under Major A.R. Clark was ordered to take-over from 'A' Company and this was done. Opposition was considerable, and no crossing of the main river had been possible, except for a short time by Lieut Hodgson who swam the river.

During this time it had not been possible to feed the Battalion who had had nothing since the previous evening. Food was therefore called up and the Companies were fed one at a time.

By evening, the whole of the area of the two Bridges was blazing and the forward Company, by the second bridge, was withdrawn to the West end of the town.

The night was uneventful and at dawn the following day one platoon of 'B' Company was sent forward to find a way through the burning houses and force a crossing of the river, establishing a bridgehead. This platoon under Captain Skeate went forward and reported having crossed and established a bridgehead on the right. The rest of the battalion was therefore ordered over as quickly as possible. This was carried out satisfactorily but almost at once the enemy seemed to have been reinforced, and 'B' Company under Major Grantham reported that they were held up. This seemed to be the vital flank, 'A' Company were sent forward to help and 'C' Company were held in reserve, with one platoon holding on the left where opposition was stronger.

Battalion Headquarters moved to the Safe Deposit of the Bank, wonderfully the only unburnt building in that part of PONT L'EVEQUE.

'A' and 'B' Companies concentrated in two big houses and assisted by a couple of P.I.A.Ts succeeded in making some progress, but the enemy were too numerous for them to be able to make good their gains and they therefore reported at about mid-day that though they seemed not to be able to make further progress, they could hold on to what they held.

Shortly after this they reported more enemy arriving in Volkswagens round the flank and Brigade was asked for No.48 Commando, which actually arrived five minutes later, as a reserve for the Battalion.

At about 1230 hrs, the enemy counter-attacked strongly and though held, casualties were suffered and the troops were becoming tired.

The troop of Cromwells was therefore requested to move up to the area of the second bridge to prevent enemy armour coming forward through the town and dividing up our forces. This was agreed but, the conflagration from the town was such that it was not possible to bring them forward.

At 1325 hrs, Rear Battalion Headquarters received a direct from a shell and the Brigade set was put out of action.

At about 1330 hrs, the Brigade I.O. arrived at Advanced Battalion Headquarters with a message from the Brigadier that nothing was being gained by holding on and the Battalion was to withdraw in its own time under orders of the Commanding Officer.

The Battalion was therefore ordered to withdraw in the order 'B', 'A', 'C' Companies and all casualties and spare men were sent back at once. 'B' Company was to be clear by 1415 hrs and 'A' and 'C' to follow when clear. All Companies to be across river by 1445 hrs. The artillery was asked to fire on the Station area and line of the railway at 1415 hrs and on the line of the river at 1445 hrs.

The withdrawal went according to plan, except that the enemy, who had been able to work round the left flank, managed to get a machine gun firing down the river and an armoured car firing down the main street, thus preventing cross the river by the girder that remained of the bridge and making any crossing most difficult.

By 1440 hrs all troops were across except one wounded man, whose passage delayed the crossing of the final few until about 1450 hrs. All was, however, well, as the Brigadier had most wisely told the artillery to fire on order only. As it was then, all wounded were withdrawn successfully and the Battalion was reorganised above the village and the next day passed through and advanced after the retreating enemy.

It was discovered that evening that the enemy had consisted of 800 men fresh from the South, and the next day 127 German graves were found in PONT L'EVEQUE. The Battalion losses were ten killed and thirty-three wounded, with two missing believed killed.

5	1 Pistol Signal 1" to DMA (surplus).
10	4 Modified Base Plates 3" Mortar received from Ordnance in lieu of 4 Old Patt returning to Ordnance. 12 Rifles No.4 Mk.1 returned to DMA (surplus). 1 Sten Mk V returned to DMA (shrapnelled).
11	4 Stens Mk V received from Ordnance in respect of 'A' Coy deficiencies.
12	4 Motor-cycles Lt Weight patt returned to Ordnance via LAD. (2 shrapnelled 2 unserviceable).
15	1 Bedford Water Truck received from Beach Ordnance Group.
21	1 Vickers MMG received from Ordnance in replacement of one returned to DMA (unserviceable).
28	1 Watches, Pocket received from Ordnance in respect of Lieut Lagergren (Watch, Wristlet removed by Med Authorities on his admission to Hospital).