National Archives catalogue number WO 171/6159.
Abbreviation
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855755 2i/c ACC Adm Adv Amn ARH Bde Bn BSD Cdn C in C Coln Comd Comp Coy Det DID Div Ech Fd FMC Fwd Inf Instr KOSB L of C M/C MO MR OC Op PD Pet Pl POL Priv Pt PWX RASC Rep RV S Sect SOS Sup TCV Tp Tpt Veh W/Shops |
Map Reference Second-in-Command Army Catering Corps Administration Advance Ammunition Ammunition Railhead Brigade Battalion Base Supply Depot Canadian Commander in Chief Column Command Composite Coy Commander Royal Army Service Corps Detachment Detail Issue Depot Division / Divisional Displaced Persons Echelon Field Forward Maintenance Centre Forward Infantry Instruction King's Own Scottish Borderers Line of Communication Motorcycle Officer Commanding Operation Petrol Depot or Dump Petrol Platoon Petrol, Oil and Lubricants Privilege Point Ex-Prisoner of War Royal Army Service Corps Representative Rendezvous Scottish Section Struck off Strength Self-Propelled Troop Carrying Vehicle Troop Transport Vehicle Workshops |
Month and year : March 1945
Commanding Officer : Major G. H. Martin
1st March 1945
Place: Alost, Belgium, 1/250,000 Sheet 2 J4067
0800 - Disposition & employment of unit as follows:- Coy HQ, 1 & 2 Pls stationed at ALOST under op. comd. of HQ L of C & administered by 16 L of C Sub Area - 4 Pl stationed at RENAIX under op. control of 13 Garrison & under Coy. Comder for [stores?] - 3 Pl stationed at BRUSSELS under op. control of 35 Tpt. Coln. & under Coy. Comder. for Adm. - Local details.
6th March 1945
1430 - Inter. Pl. MULBERRY Cup football final played - DDST, HQ, L of C presented cup & medals.
7th March 1945
1700 - Capt THOM proceeded on 7 days privilege leave to U.K.
8th March 1945
1200 - Warning order received from HQ L of C that Coy. to move within 48 hrs.
9th March 1945
0800 - Coy. Reps. to CRASC 17 Sup Units, 44 Tpt Coln & 2nd [? ?] loading & offloading points & instructions.
10th March 1945
0800 - Vehicles preload at GHENT.
11th March 1945
0800 - Coy. move commenced - night staged at BEERINGEN. Cpl. MILLER killed in M/C accident en route.
12th March 1945
Place: Olmen, Belgium, 1/250,000 Sheet 3 K1985
1100 - Coy H.Q. established at OLMEN - Platoons proceed to deliver load to 54 B.S.D. KEVELAER, GERMANY.
1200 - Coy now employed in stocking 10 Army Roadhead. Sups. from 61 B.S.D. TESSENDERLOO to 54 B.S.D. KEVELAER. P.O.L. from 21 P.D. LUMMEN & 227 P.D. LOMMEL to 139 P.D. LOMM. Amn. from 8 A.R.H. HOOTHAELEN to BOXMEER.
13th March 1945
1600 - Capt. B. WYNN WERNINCK detailed by C.R.A.S.C. 44 Tpt Coln for transfer to infantry - medically examined and found A.1.
1700 - Lt. ROBINSON proceeded on 7 days Priv leave to U.K.
14th March 1945
1100 - O.C. inspected workshops & 3 Pl.
15th March 1945
1500 - Major McCREATH and Capt CAMPBELL of H.Q.C.R.A.S.C. 44 Tpt Coln visited unit.
1600 - Capt B. WYNN WERNINCK to 21 W.O.S.B. for interview for infantry. He was accepted & S.O.S. this unit.
16th March 1945
1200 - Lt. Col. OSTLER, M.B.E., C.R.A.S.C., 44 Tpt Coln visited unit.
17th March 1945
1600 - All available officers medically examined by Coln. M.O.
18th March 1945
0800 - O.C. proceeded to 54 B.S.D. KEVELAER & reported to 44 CRASC on return reference transport arrangements there.
19th March 1945
1500 - Capt THOM returned from privilege leave.
21st March 1945
0800 - Lt. S.H. SPEED proceeded on 48 hrs leave to BRUSSELS.
22nd March 1945
1000 - A.C.C. representative 2nd Army Troops visited re upgrading of books.
23rd March 1945
1500 - Lt Robinson returned from 7 days priv leave.
24th March 1945
1000 - Personal message from C in C read out to all ranks. Lt. S.H. SPEED returned from leave.
25th March 1945
2100 - O.C. addressed all Officers, Sgts & Cpls regarding pilfering & stressed importance of control by all Officers & N.C.O's over drivers.
26th March 1945
1200 - 1 Pl. handed over from Lt. S.H. Speed to Lt. Thrupp. Lt Speed now H.Q. Subaltern.
27th March 1945
0900 - O.C. reported to CRASC 3 P.I. LOMM and recced harbouring area for 2 Pls.
1700 - Warning order received for move of Coy. to area SONSBECK.
28th March 1945
0800 - Lt Lea posted to & left for CRASC 60 Tpt Coln in Acting rank of Capt.
0500 - Orders received from CRASC 44 Tpt Coln to move Coy to area SONSBECK.
0800 - No's 3 & 4 Pls preloaded with F.T.F. ([Heavy?]) at LUMMEN for delivery to C.R.A.S.C. 3 P.I. at LOMM. Recce parties left to report to CRASC 44 Tpt Coln by 1200 hrs.
0900 - HQ W/Shops, 1 & 2 Pls commenced to move.
1700 - Coy H.Q. established at KERVENHEIM.
1730 - Orders received from CRASC 44 Tpt to load 4 Pls at LOMM for delivery to 58 F.M.C. WESEL.
29th March 1945
Place: Kervenheim, Germany, 1/250,000 Sheet 2A & 3A E9936.
0700 - 3 Pl crossed Rhine at WESEL.
1000 - 1 & 2 Pl crossed Rhine at WESEL.
1900 - 4 Pl crossed Rhine at WESEL.
1500 - H.Q. rep. contacted CRASC 8 Corps Tps & ascertained that 1, 2 & 3 Pls now under comd. 6 Airborne Div & that 4 Pl now under comd. CRASC 8 Corps Tps.
30th March 1945
0900 - O.C. proceeds to C.R.A.S.C. 8 Corps Troops for further information. Capt Tough proceeds to contact 1, 2 & 3 Pls & act as liaison officer.
31st March 1945
0800 - Coy H.Q. & Workshops remains KERVENHEIM. 1, 2 & 3 Pls mobile with 6 Airborne Div, 4 Pl mobile with 8 Corps.
Month and year : April 1945
Commanding Officer : Major G. H. Martin
1st April 1945
The positions regarding the forward detachment at the beginning of the month were as follows:- 1 Pln loaded with 3rd line reserve amn was attached to 398 Airborne Div Composite Coy located in the morning at a farm M.R. Sheet K53 8585. 2 Pln loaded with 2nd line amn was at the Amn Point M.R. Sheet K53 9589. 3 Pln loaded with P.O.L. was working forward as a petrol point at M.R. Sheet K53 9589. Both these refilling points were in a wood East of GREVEN. The positions had not been advanced on account of the resistance which had been received previously at the bridge at Leveren. During the course of the morning Capt Tough returned back from 19 Coy H.Q. & brought:- W/Shops officer and 1 Sect of W/Shops and Capt Speed. The W/Shops Sect was also attached to 398 Airborne Div Comp Coy while Capt Speed was given operational command of 1 Pln & Lt. Thrupp operational command of 2 Pln.
1530 - 398 Coy moved forward but owing to resistance fwd a harbouring area was found at Sheet K53 9484 S.E. of GREVEN. When settled in location information was received that at least one enemy S.P. Gun and a pocket of enemy troops were on our right flank. Guards were doubled Piats and Brens mounted. Enemy air activity was observed & the S.P. Gun fired one or two rounds into the wood where the Coy was located.
2359 - Lt. Richardson 1 Pln who was about to relieve a guard at 398 Coy H.Q. was shot and killed by the sentry he was supposed to relieve.
2nd April 1945
Owing to slow progress forward there was no change of location.
3rd April 1945
Owing to slow progress forward there was no change of location.
4th April 1945
Owing to slow progress forward there was no change of location. Capt Tough returned to Coy H.Q. to find the H.Q. on the move.
5th April 1945
Capt Tough contacted 19 Coy H.Q. at RAMSDORF Sheet K52 4366. Mail was collected for the fwd detachment.
0900 - 3 Pln with 63 Coy (Airborne Div) & 1 & 2 Plns with 398 Coy moved forward to BLASHEIN L53 5613 & HOLZHAUSEN L53 5611 respectively.
2200 - Capt Tough returned to 398 Coy.
2300 - 398 Coy held a conference and the following instructions were received:- 1 & 2 Plns would offload amn the following morning with a Pln of 648 Coy RASC. The three Plns would then proceed under Capt Tough to a R.V. at LENGERICH K53 0899 where a representative of 15 Scottish Div CRASC would be contacted. The new detail was to be for troop carrying. 3 Pln was to remain with 63 Airborne Div Comp Coy.
6th April 1945
1400 - 1 & 2 & 648 Plns moved to LENGERICH. No representatives were found at the appointed R.V.
1900 - Capt Tough contacted CRASC 15 (S) Div & was given instructions to report to 44 Bde 15 (S) Div at ALTENBERGE K53 8184. Instr were given to the Plns to move to area Altenberge & a lying up area was stated. Capt Tough proceeded to Altenberge but was unable to locate 44 Bde.
2300 - Further enquiries were made and 44 Bde contacted at BURGHORST K53 7693. Bde Major decided to split Plns down to Coy level that night to prepare for early move.
2359 - Plns instructed to move to Borghorst and R.V. with inf coy guides at 040030.
7th April 1945
0100 - Plns moving to the Coys which were to be lifted that day, 1 Pln were to carry 1 Bn Royal Scots, 2 Pln 1 Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers, and 648 Coy 1 Bn K.O.S.B.
0800 - Bde started to move to new area.
1700 - Bns began to arrive in new area of WAVESLOH L53 6825. 3 Pln still at BLASHEIM.
8th April 1945
0900 - Capt Tough attended a Coy Comdrs Conference at CRASC HQ 15 (S) Div. The position regarding Troop Carrying was clarified. The following arrangements were detailed:- Capt Creed was attached to 44 Bde H.Q. for liaison duties. 1 Pln to lift 1 Bn Royal Scots. 648 Pln to lift 1 Bn KOSB. 2 Pln under Lt. Thrupp to move to 46 Bde 15 (S) Div for duties there. No Bn was given to 2 Pln as all T.C.Vs were brigaded in A 2 Ech. W/Shops Sect attached to 44 Bde H.Q. 3 Pln still at BLASHEIM.
9th April 1945
3 Pln at Blasheim carrying P.O.L. fwd. Tp Carrying vehs with 15 (S) Div spent day on vehicle and man maintenance. Fwd Det HQ moved to 15 (S) Div Amn Coy RASC.
10th April 1945
0900 - W/Shops Sect moved to 15 (S) Div Amn Coy RASC at L53, 8027. Capt Tough returned to 19 Coy HQ at EMSDETTEN Sheet 2 1:100,000, 821954. 3 Pln moved to ALTENHAGEN L53, 0928 & were engaged carrying P.O.L. & Tp Carrying a Para Bn. Tp Carriers remained in same location.
11th April 1945
Capt Tough returned to 3 Pln at ALTENHAGEN. 3 Pln engaged on P.O.L. 1 Pln & 648 Pln moved fwd with their Bns to area HELLENDORF L53, 3543. 2 Pln to area S.E. CELLE L53, 5151 where the enemy were contacted. W/Shops Sect still at same location.
12th April 1945
0900 - 1 Pln & 648 Pln same location. 2 Pln same area. 3 Pln same location. 3 Pln engaged on Troop Carrying a Para Bn on clearing the enemy from area round WIEKENBURG L53, 4351.
1800 - 1 Pln & 648 Pln moved to CELLE. O.C. arrived at 3 Pln's location.
13th April 1945
0900 - W/Shops Sect. moved with 15 (S) Div Amn Coy to FUHRBERG L53, 4343.
1100 - O.C. & Capt Tough arrived at FUHRBERG. O.C. visited CELLE. Capt Tough visited 1 Pln & 648 Pln at CELLE. Contact was not made with 2 Pln as they were with Bn fighting to the N.E. of CELLE.
1800 - 3 Pln moved to CELLE. Capt Speed visited O.C. at FUHRBERG.
14th April 1945
0900 - O.C. returned to Coy HQ.
1500 - 1 Pln & 648 Pln moved with their troops to join the battle N.E. of ESCHEDE L53, 6963. Information received that 1 Pln 2 Pln & 648 Pln would leave area of 15 (S) Div on the 15th April.
15th April 1945
0400 - Vehs with Sergt Green of 2 Pln and carrying the Glasgow Highlanders were attacked by the enemy at STADENSON Sheet M5 1/100,000 900491. 1 cpl 2 dvrs wounded and one driver captured. 6 task vehs, 1 x 15 cwt and 4 motorcycles were destroyed.
1200 - 1 Pln under Capt Speed returned to ESCHEDE L53, 6963 where Adv H.Q. was located. Under instructions from G.2. 8 Corps this Pln moved back to BORGHORST K53, 7693 area to pick up bridging components. The Pln of 648 Coy also report back and left command.
1330 - W/Shops Sect arrived at ESCHEDE.
2000 - Capt Tough proceeded to BRELTENHEES M5 1/100,000 855745 where contact was made with 2 Pln. This Pln had been subjected air attack at 1200 hrs and 2030 hrs, no casualties. On instructions from CRASC 6th Airborne Div Capt Tough took 8 vehs from 2 Pln and reported with them to 1 Cdn Para Bn ESCHEDE. Slight air activity was experienced on journey to ESCHEDE. 3 Pln still at CELLE carrying P.O.L. to Pet Pts.
16th April 1945
0800 - Vehs attached to Cdn Para Bn moved forward to N.E. of BRELTENHEES.
1300 - Remaining vehs of 2 Pln moved to CELLE to pick up British Para Bn and carried then to N.E. of BRELTENHEES. Capt Tough visited 3 Pln at CELLE.
17th April 1945
1000 - 3 Pln moved to wooded area M5 1/100,000 855764 still attached to 63 Airborne Div Comp Coy RASC. Adv. HQ & W/Shops Sect moved to same area. 2 Pln concentrated at BRELTENHEES.
1300 - 2 i/c 6th Airborne CRASC instructed 2 Pln to proceed on detail to Army R/Head area NENDORF L53, 8535. Capt Thom reported back to 19 Coy H.Q.
18th April 1945
1400 - Capt Thom returned.
1800 - Lt Thrupp 2 Pln reported back with information he would be going fwd to LUNEBURG M54 7921.
19th April 1945
1600 - Instructions received from CRASC 6 Airborne Div that all Plns were to revert to comd 44 Tpt Coln. 3 Pln left and 63 Coy Airborne and proceeded to 64 FMC CELLE to load empty jerricans. Adv. HQ & W/Shops Sect. moved to area CELLE & staged for the night.
20th April 1945
1200 - Adv HQ & W/Shops Sect. returned to 19 Coy H.Q. at MUSLERINGEN L53, 8833. 1 2 & 3 Plns now back with the Company & working under direction of CRASC 44 Tpt Coln.
1st April 1945
Coy H.Q. located at M.R. 2A13A 1/250,000 E9936 south of KERVENHEIM. 4 Pln working under CRASC 8 Corps Tps and located at 60 F.M.C. and working from 58 F.M.C. to 60 F.M.C. on P.O.L. & Sups details.
2nd April 1945
- do -
3rd April 1945
- do - 4 Pln to come under comd 44 Tpt Coln.
4th April 1945
1800 - Coy HQ & W/Shops move to Station Yard RAMSDORF K52, 4366. 60 F.M.C. area & 4 Pln location. 4 Pln no detail till 1400 hrs.
5th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops move to West of YELEN K52, 4767. 4 Pln loaded sups at 60 F.M.C. for delivery to 61 F.M.C.
6th April 1945
0830 - Coy HQ & W/Shops no change. 4 Pln reported back to 60 F.M.C. for further details.
1400 - 4 Pln moved to Fd Bakery and 22 veh loads amn. loaded up at 60 F.M.C.
1730 - Amn vehs left. Harbouring on road owing to road congestion.
7th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops moved to South of Rheine K53, 7908. Capt Butchers established a Feeding Centre and Veh Control Pt at RAMSDORF.
0930 - 4 Pln reported to 61 F.M.C. sent on to 62 F.M.C.
1230 - Arrived 62 F.M.C. Harboured for the night.
8th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change. 4 Pln reported back to 61 F.M.C. loaded P.O.L.
2100 - Finished loading.
9th April 1945
0100 - 4 Pln arrived 62 F.M.C. Harboured. Off loaded during morning.
2330 - 4 Pln reported to 60 F.M.C. Coy HQ W/Shops & 4 Pln now located at EMSDETTEN K53, 8697.
10th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change.
0830 - 4 Pln loaded at 60 F.M.C.
1700 - 4 Pln arrived at 62 F.M.C. offloaded and returned to Coy location.
11th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change. Capt. Butchers returned to HQ. The Feeding Centre at Ramsdorf having finished.
0945 - 4 Pln reported to 61 F.M.C.
2230 - Loaded 137 DID & moved 63 F.M.C.
12th April 1945
O.C. proceeded to visit 1 2 3 & 1 sect of W/Shops Plns.
0530 - 4 Pln offloaded 137 DID.
1130 - 4 Pln reported to 62 F.M.C. & loaded empty jerricans.
2130 - 4 Pln harboured Coy location after unloading jerricans.
13th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change.
0800 - 4 Pln loaded amn & proceeded to 62 F.M.C.
14th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops moved to new location MUSLERINGEN L53, 8833. O.C. returned from visiting 1 2 3 & W/Shops Sect. 4 Pln sent on from 62 F.M.C. to 64 F.M.C.
15th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change.
0600 - 4 Pln left 64 F.M.C. & returned to Musleringen.
1400 - Proceeded to load P.O.L. at 227 P.D.
16th April 1945
0100 - 4 Pln returned to location loaded.
0600 - 4 Pln left location & proceeded to 64 F.M.C. Loaded empty jerricans.
2000 - Reported back to Pln location.
17th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops. No change. Capts Thom & Speed visited Coy location. Information received that 2 Pln had suffered casualties 3 men wounded 1 missing 6 Task Vehs 1 x 15 cwt & 4 M/Cycles burnt-out.
0430 - 4 Pln left location to load P.O.L. 14 A.R.H. for 64 F.M.C.
2359 - Arrived at 64 F.M.C.
18th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change. Capts Thom & Speed return to the fwd detachment.
0700 - 4 Pln offloaded P.O.L. at 64 F.M.C. and loaded displaced persons. 63 F.M.C. ordered the offloading of D.Ps. & returned to Pln location.
19th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change. No.1 Pln returned from detachment.
0600 - 4 Pln left for 122 DID loaded & then proceeded to 64 F.M.C. Harboured at 64 F.M.C.
20th April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change.
1200 - Capt Tough returned from Detachment together with Adv Sect W/Shops & 3 Pln.
0630 - 4 Pln loaded P.O.L. at 64 F.M.C. for delivery to 14 A.R.H.
21st April 1945
Coy HQ & W/Shops no change. 1 3 & 4 Plns working now under comd 44 Tpt Coln. mainly on details from 14 A.R.H. to 65 F.M.C. & 66 F.M.C.
22nd April 1945
- do -
23rd April 1945
- do - 2 Pln now returned & working on similar details to 1, 2 & 3 Plns.
24th April 1945
- do -
25th April 1945
- do -
26th April 1945
- do - Capt S.H. Speed despatched on [?] leave.
27th April 1945
As for 25th.
28th April 1945
- do -
29th April 1945
2330 - Instrs received from CRASC 44 Tpt Coln to move to area LUNEBURG M54, 7921 on the 30 April and that the Coy was then going under command of CRASC 8 Corps Tps.
30th April 1945
0900 - Moved to MARXEN-AM BERGE area M4, 1/100,000, 682102 and came under comd 8 Corps Tps CRASC.
GENERAL. Great difficulty was experienced during the month by the many punctures and "blow-outs" on the tyres.
Month and year : May 1945
Commanding Officer : Major G. H. Martin
1st May 1945
Place: Marxem Am Berge M4 1/100,000 682102
The Coy was settled down in good farming property at this location and there were good veh. standings. Plns were engaged on P.O.L. and Sup details from 14 A.R.H. & 65 F.M.C. to 66 F.M.C.
2nd May 1945
- do - Feeding Centre established near LUNEBURG for P.W.X.
3rd May 1945
- do - Feeding Centre established near LUNEBURG for P.W.X.
4th May 1945
- do - Feeding Centre established near LUNEBURG for P.W.X.
5th May 1945
- do -
6th May 1945
- do -
7th May 1945
1400 - Coy moved to a wood EAST of BRIETLINGEN M54 1/250,000, 8329. No property in the area but for operational reasons it was essential the Coy should remain there.
8th May 1945
No change. Victory announcement awaited. The number of German prisoners seen by the Coy in the past few days was one of the many indications that "Cease Fire" would soon be given.
1800 - Information that 9 May 1945 would be officially V.E. Day.
9th May 1945
1700 - Major Bell RASC M.T.I.B. called & informed O.C. that his section would commence an inspection on the 10th May 45.
2000 - A Victory Celebration was held at HQ location for all personnel in camp. The Coy Dance Band provided music from an improvised stage & whole pig was roasted on a large bonfire.
10th May 1945
Pln's work no change.
0900 - M.T.I.B. commenced inspection.
11th May 1945
0800 - Major G.H. Martin proceeded to U.K. on Privilege leave. Capt W.H. Tough took over temporary command of the Coy.
0900 - Coy. moved to UTEGHT M54 1/250,000 O,0080. Plns work no change.
12th May 1945
Plns mainly on details from 65 F.M.C. to 66 F.M.C. The number of "back loads" of D.Ps. increased.
13th May 1945
1200 - W/Shops arrived at new location. M.T.I.B. staff now attached to the Coy for their domestic purposes.
14th May 1945
Coy - no change.
15th May 1945
- do -
16th May 1945
- do - M.T.I.B. finished inspection.
17th May 1945
Plns still engage on details from 65 F.M.C. to 66 F.M.C.
18th May 1945
No change.
19th May 1945
No change.
20th May 1945
No change.
21st May 1945
No change.
22nd May 1945
No change.
23rd May 1945
No change.
24th May 1945
1100 - Information received from CRASC 8 Corps Tps that the Coy would have to move out of present location by 1200 hrs 25th May 45.
1330 - Recce Party under Capt Butchers left to recce new area.
2200 - Recce Party returned without being able to find new location.
2230 - CRASC agrees to Coy going to MÖLLN.
25th May 1945
0800 - Recce Party moved off to MÖLLN.
1100 - Party moved to MÖLLN M54, N9564. Property satisfactorily arranged to house whole Coy.
26th May 1945
Capt Butchers departed to U.K. on Privilege Leave. O.C. returned from leave.
27th May 1945
Plns still working between 65 F.M.C. & 66 F.M.C. The number of "back loads" of D.Ps. increasing.
28th May 1945
No change.
29th May 1945
No change.
30th May 1945
No change.
31st May 1945
No change. Tyre position getting more serious.
