National Archives catalogue number WO 171/5116.
Abbreviation
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2 ic 301200A 775049 AA A/B Adjt AG AGRA Appt Armd A/Tk BC BHQ BM Bn Br / Brit Btn Bty CB CBO CCRA Cdn CM Cmdr CO Comd Comn Comp Conc Coy CRA CRASC Det Div DP DR Est Fd FDL FMC Fwd Gd HAA Hy i/c Inf Infm Junc LAA Loc m/c Mech Med Mob MR MT NBW NTR Obs OC Offr OP OR Pln Posn Pty PWX QM R RA RASC RCA RE Regt Regtl REME RHA RHQ RM RT RV Rwy S Sch Sec Sigs Sitrep Sp Spec Sqn Svy Tac TC Tp Trng Twr Veh Wef X rds |
Second-in-Command 30th March, 1200 hrs Map Reference Anti-Aircraft Airborne Adjutant Army Group Army Group Royal Artillery Appointment Armoured Anti-Tank Battery Captain Battery Headquarters Brigade Major Battalion British Battalion Battery Counter-Battery Counter-Battery Officer Corps Commander Royal Artillery Canadian Counter-Mortar Commander Commanding Officer Command Communication Completed Concentration Company Commander Royal Artillery Commander Royal Army Service Corps Detachment Division Displaced Persons Despatch Rider Establish Field Forward Defended Locality Forward Maintenance Centre Forward Ground Heavy Anti-Aircraft Heavy In-command Infantry Informed Junction Light Anti-Aircraft Liaison Officer Location Motorcycle Mechanic Medium Mobile Map Reference Motor Transport Nebelwerfer Nothing to Report Observation Officer Commanding Officer Observation Post / Operation (if lower case) Other Ranks Platoon Position Ex-Prisoners of War Quartermaster Radar Royal Artillery Royal Army Service Corps Royal Canadian Artillery Road Royal Engineers Regiment Regimental Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Royal Horse Artillery Regimental Headquarters Royal Marines Radio Telephony Rendezvous Railway Scottish Section Situation Report Support Special Squadron Survey Tactical Troop Commander Troop Training Tower Vehicle With-Effect Crossroads |
Month and year : March 1945
Commanding Officer : Lt-Col E.A. Spencer, R.A.
1st March 1945
Place: Deurne
The Regt was located as shown in Appx A. Strength 40 Offrs 654 O.Rs.
2nd March 1945
Place: Corloo
1000 - Nos 1 and 2 Secs of C.M. Tp closed down. Surveyors from Y Troop assisted the R.E. Bridging Coy on the VENLO bridge.
1900 - No.3 Sec C.M. Tp closed down.
4th March 1945
Place: Panningen
Regt concentrated at PANNINGEN 7704.
1100 - RHQ est at 775049.
5th to 11th March 1945
Place: Panningen
Regt rested and carried out maintenance and trng. Investigation of HB positions across the MAAS was made.
11th March 1945
Place: Panningen
1430 - CCRA 8 Corps presided at a Survey Conference at RHQ.
0930 - A/Adjt left on recce for Tac HQ EAST of the R. MAAS. 'B' Tp deployed near WESEL. No.2 Sec CM Tp deployed on WORDT base, NORTH of XANTEN.
12th March 1945
Place: Issum
1200 - Tac HQ est at ISSUM (094276). 4 & 7 Survey Regts came in sp 10 Svy Regt. 100 Army Radar Bty RA came under comd 10 Svy Regt RA.
14th March 1945
Place: Cleves
'C' Tp deployed CLEVES area.
15th March 1945
Place: Issum
No.12 Special Radar Unit RA (WATCHDOG) came under comd 10 Svy Regt. Capt J.R. Roberts Offr i/c. No.1 Sec CM Tp deployed in HUISBERDEN area 960560 under comd 4 Svy Regt RA.
16th March 1945
Place: Issum
No.2 Sec CM Tp deployed near XANTEN under comd 7 Svy Regt RA.
19th March 1945
Place: Cleves
'D' Tp took over 'C' Tp's base in CLEVES area and were under comd 48 Bty of 4 Svy Regt RA.
Place: Panningen
'C' Troop concentrated at PANNINGEN.
20th March 1945
Place: Issum
100 R Bty (less C Tp) reverted to under command. 4 & 7 Svy Regts ceased to be in sp.
21st March 1945
Place: Issum
Regt moved to ISSUM area. C Troop deployed east of XANTEN with HQ 150357. No.3 Sec CM Tp took over WESEL base from CM Tp 7 Svy Regt RA working under comd 7 Svy Regt RA.
23rd March 1945
Place: Issum
1200 - No.2 Sec CM Tp came out of action.
24th March 1945
Place: Issum
1800 - No.3 Sec CM Tp came out of action. 10 & 12 Spec Radar Units ceased to be under Regt comd.
2300 - X Troop and recce parties from A & C Troops under comd Capt. DILLISTONE crossed the RHINE.
25th March 1945
Place: Xanten
B Troop came out of action and reverted to comd B/10 Bty.
1530 - CO, Capt. BRAMMALL and Lt. SAUNDERS crossed the RHINE at 1530 hrs by assault boat at WESEL and, proceeding on foot, attempted to contact the Jeep party at R.V. arranged, but without success. Capt. CLAYTON crossed by boat, contacted 6 A/B Div. and X Troop and Lt. MINSHULL crossed by rwy bridge (taking one hr) and contact 17 US A/B Div. It was found impracticable to convey a S.R. base across the blown railway bridge.
1800 - C Troop came out of action.
26th March 1945
Place: Issum
A/10 Bty under comd Major JAMIESON crossed the RHINE. A & C Tps deployed.
Place: Cleves
D Troop came out of action reverted to comd B/10 Bty.
27th March 1945
Place: Wesel
1600 - Tac HQ and B/10 Bty. under comd Capt. MOODY crossed the R.RHINE and Tac HQ est near WESEL (234427).
1100 - No.1 Section CM Troop out of action.
28th March 1945
Place: Wesel
0300 - The remainder of the Regt crossed the R.RHINE and bivouaced in the WESEL area.
29th March 1945
Place: Wesel
1030 - Tac HQ left WESEL for ERLE (4050) where it was est by 1400 hrs. B/10 Bty. moved to area ERLE.
30th March 1945
Place: Erle
1330 - Tac HQ left ERLE to RV with CBO 8 Corps at 416513. Then Tac HQ moved with CBO to 569860 close to 8 AGRA. From 301200A Tac HQ came under comd 8 AGRA for movement. B/10 Bty moved up under comd 8 AGRA.
31st March 1945
Place: Erle
1400 - Tac HQ and B/10 moved with CBO and 8 AGRA from area 5786 to 7182 HOPINGEN. A/10 Bty, CM Troop and C Tp (100 R Bty) supplied men and vehs to assist FMCs during the last two days of the month.
Month and year : April 1945
Commanding Officer : Lt-Col E.A. Spencer, R.A.
1st April 1945
Place: Hopingen
The Regt was located as shown in Appx "A". Strength: 40 Offrs 637 ORs.
1430 - Tac HQ moved to GREVEN (866897).
2nd April 1945
Place: Greven
1040 - Major N. DRINKWATER (2 IC) becomes casualty.
1045 - B/10 Bty move up to TAC HQ area.
3rd April 1945
Place: Greven
1000 - Major J.G.H. JAMIESON assumes appointment of 2 IC, vice Major N. DRINKWATER.
1610 - TAC HQ moved to GREVEN (911887).
4th April 1945
Place: Greven
0930 - TAC HQ moved to 047000. A/10 Bty moved to VELEN.
1230 - B/10 Bty moved to ANTRUP (055999).
1430 - TAC HQ moved to 278039.
5th April 1945
Place: Issenstedt
1030 - TAC HQ moved up to ISSENSTEDT (628162).
1300 - CM Tp moved to VELEN.
1400 - MAIN HQ arrive VELEN. B/10 Bty moved to BISSENDORF 285027.
6th April 1945
Place: Issenstedt
PM - B, D, & Y Tps deploy to STOLZENAU area.
1800 - C Tp arrived ISSENSTEDT.
7th April 1945
Place: Stolzenau
0420 - L/Bdr EMBERLIN and Gnr OUTLAW killed. Gnrs BARNETT and TAVENER missing on Radio Link outstation.
1830 - Main RHQ and CM Tp moved from VELEN.
8th April 1945
Place: Issenstedt
0352 - Sgt HOLLAND killed by enemy shell.
1300 - TAC HQ move to 818225, MUNCHAUSEN.
1500 - Main HQ & CM Tp arrive ISSENSTEDT area.
9th April 1945
1100 - No:2 CM Section take over from No:1 Section under comd 11 Armd Div.
1400 - B Tp out of action.
1415 - C Tp deploy at HAZENBURG.
10th April 1945
1200 - D Tp out of action and move to AMEDORF (238458).
1300 - C Tp out of action.
1800 - B Tp deploy in SUEDERBECH area. CM Tp moved to NEUSTADT.
11th April 1945
Place: Issenstedt
1000 - B Tp deployed to face north in area (350412). D Tp deployed astride R.LEINE.
1300 - TAC HQ moved to 350412. CM Tp moved to EMPEDE.
13th April 1945
Place: Celle
1540 - TAC HQ moved to CELLE (554482). Main HQ, A/10 Bty, CM Tp moved to ALTENHAGEN (610515).
14th April 1945
Place: Scharnhorst
TAC HQ moved to SCHARNHORST.
0600 - Y Tp put under command 11 Armd Div.
1845 - B & D Tps out of action.
15th April 1945
Place: Amedorf
0900 - B/10 Bty moved to DALLE (7368).
16th April 1945
Place: Graulingen
TAC HQ moved with 8 AGRA to GRAULINGEN.
17th April 1945
Place: Altengen
0730 - No:3 CM Section under command 15 (S) Div.
19th April 1945
Place: Graulingen
Main RHQ joined TAC HQ at GRAULINGEN.
0830 - CM Tp moved to BAHNSEN.
2115 - A/10 Bty moved to ERBSTORF 835238. B Tp deploy in HACKLINGEN area.
2255 - D Tp deploy in ADENDORF area.
20th April 1945
Place: Luneburg
TAC HQ moved to LUNEBURG (777187).
1200 - No:2 Section (CM Tp) deployed at WINSEN.
1445 - C Tp deploy at ROSENTHAL.
1500 - A Tp deploy in BALTERSTEN area.
2023 - D Tp out of action.
21st April 1945
0010 - D Tp in action at BRIETLINGEN (811301).
22nd April 1945
RHQ moved to LUNEBURG (775183). Major N. DRINKWATER assumes appointment of 2 IC vice Major J.G.H. JAMIESON.
23rd April 1945
0900 - No:3 CM Section returned from 15 (S) Div.
24th April 1945
Place: Kohlingen
1800 - No:1 & 3 CM Sections deploy with 5 Brit Div in KOHLINGEN area.
26th April 1945
Place: Kohlingen
2100 - Sgt TAYLOR and Bdr JUDD missing, believed prisoners.
29th April 1945
Place: Luneburg
Y Tp moved to 871357, N of LAUENBERG.
1200 - No:3 Section out of action.
1715 - B Tp out of action.
30th April 1945
Place: Kohlingen
1000 - No:1 Section out of action.
1620 - No:1 Section moved to SCHARNEBECK.
Month and year : May 1945
Commanding Officer : Lt-Col E.A. Spencer, R.A.
1st May 1945
Place: Luneburg
The Regiment was located as shown in Appx "A". Strength - Offrs - 36: ORs 620.
Place: Wangelau
1600 - TAC HQ moved to 870435.
Place: Scharnebeck
1350 - A Troop out of action.
Place: Adendorf
1225 - D Troop out of action. No.1 Section CM Troop move across R. ELBE with 15 (S) Div.
2nd May 1945
Place: Linau
Tac HQ moved to 813647.
Place: Rosenthal
1200 - C Troop out of action.
3rd May 1945
Place: Schretstaken
Regt (less Y Troop, TAC HQ) moved to 864581.
Place: Stocklesdorf
1800 - TAC HQ move to 914925. 2 Gnrs reported missing 7 Apr now known to be PWX.
4th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
Regt (less Y Troop, TAC HQ) moved to 862830.
5th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
0800 - German surrender to 21 Army Group effective. Y Troop moved to join Regiment at WESENBERG.
6th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
TAC HQ moved to WESENBERG. No.2 Section CM moved to WESENBERG.
7th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
No.1 Section CM Troop moved to WESENBERG.
8th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
VE Day.
10th May 1945
Place: Kiel
1000 - Regiment move to allotted areas in KIEL area. C.O. accompanies Corps Commander on Field Marshal Montgomery's visit to Marshal ROKOSSOVSKY.
11th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Regiment made responsible to guarding and escorting German PW ex DENMARK, from KIEL to OLLENBURG. Lt.Col. HEMMING, MC, RA & party from Svy Wing, Sch of Arty, arrive.
14th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Completion of German PW Escort duties. Responsibility for accommodation in the Stadt Kreis of KIEL given to Regt.
15th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Lt.Col. HEMMING and party depart.
16th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Regiment commended Guard duties on VPs in KIEL area.
28th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Lt.Col. SPENCER takes over command of KIEL Bde area for four days.
A/10 Survey Battery, 10th Survey Regiment
Month and year : March 1945
Commanding Officer : Capt R.G. Hardy, R.A.
1st March 1945
Place: Horst
a.m. - Weather was gusty with rain later.
1100 - Capt Piercy paid a visit to the BC at BHQ in connection with trouble experienced with the Americans in SEVENUM over the lighting of X Troop vehicles. Capt Piercy was shot at the previous night. The matter was reported to the Adjutant re the ruling on vehicle lights. Meanwhile X Troop were to conform to the American ruling on lights.
1400 - The BC visited A Troop regarding the trace required by the CBO, showing visibility from four suspected German OPs. The trace was sent to the CBO warning him that it was a work of "art and imagination".
1600 - The BC called at C Troop and informed Capt Bryant to be ready to move on the 3rd of March, to recce VENRAY area on the 2nd of March in preparation for the move on the 3rd.
2nd March 1945
Place: Horst
a.m. - The weather was bleak with occasional snow showers.
0800 - The BC left for C Troop to take Capt Bryant and his advance party to the Town Major of VENRAY, for billets.
0930 - The town Major informed the BC that the plan had been changed and that this Regt was not to come in to VENRAY.
1100 - RHQ [informed] the BC that he was to rendezvous with the Adjutant at PANNINGEN to recce a Regtl Area.
1430 - The BC accompanied by the BSM, rendezvous with the Second in Comd and the Adjutant at PANNINGEN. They found that REs were in occupation, hence the billeting plan is off, temporarily.
1530 - The BC visited the CBO with films from A Troop, to be developed. Arrangements were made for C Troop to supply parties on 3 March, to check HB's located on the other side of the MAAS. All troops were warned to remain in the same hides as no move is contemplated at present.
p.m. - Arrangements were made for No3 Section to complete stores, and to go to LOMMEL for calibration shoots. No2 Section were to stand by if required for Survey.
2000 - The BC informed by the Second in Comd that both Survey Sections would not be required on the morrow, but probably in the near future. The Adjutant asked for one Survey Section to occupy 54 Bty, 7th Survey Regt's billets as they are to move out on Sunday the 4th March.
3rd March 1945
Place: Horst
a.m. - The weather was fine but frosty.
1000 - Capt Bryant to report to the CBO for briefing on checking up of HB located by him, over the MAAS. Two parties from C Troop are to go over the MAAS to check up on HBs located by C Troop.
1100 - Message was received from RHQ. to prepare to conc at PANNINGEN. The Bty recce party to rendezvous with the Second in comd and Adjutant at 1400 hrs at BEERINGEN. Orders were received by BHQ for X and C Troops to send recce parties to BEERINGEN at 1500 hrs, tomorrow morning, the 4th March the remainder of the Troops to move.
1400 - The BC rendezvous with Second in Comd at 8 AGRA Car Park, BEERINGEN, the Adjutant was also there. The Battery Area was allotted at this meeting.
1500 - The Troop recce parties were given orders for the recce of Troop Areas.
1700 - BHQ, C Troop and X Troop advance parties occupy their new billets.
4th March 1945
Place: Panningen
a.m. - Weather was wet cold.
1000 - BHQ, C Troop and X Troop move to conc area at PANNENGEN.
1200 - Troops arrived at PANNENGEN.
1800 - A BCs Conference was held, the agenda consisted of a programme for at least a week's stay at PANNENGEN.
2000 - A Troop Commanders Conference was held.
5th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - The weather remained wet and rather cold. X Troop moved to billets opposite BHQ owing to the arrival of more troops.
1000 - A Troop moved into the Conc Area at PANNENGEN from their hide at VENRAY.
6th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - The weather was fine and rather milder. Capt Piercy engaged on a recce between the MAAS and the RHINE with the object of contacting the 4th Survey Regt RA.
1400 - A Troop Commanders Conference was held to raise points for discussion with the CCRA. During the day A and C Troops sent out parties, two in each case, to the CBO for locating HB positions on the ground. The remainder of the Battery spent the day on maintenance of vehicles and equipment and in recreation and entertainments.
7th March 1945
Place: Panningen
a.m. - The weather remained fine and pleasant. The day was spent in maintenance of all kinds and general training.
2100 - The Comd Officer called for F Sqn and S Rg Troop Commanders for planning conference.
8th March 1945
Place: Panningen
a.m. - The weather was fine with some cloud. The Troops were employed on maintenance and rest, with the exception of the parties which were still supplied for recces for the purpose of locating HBs.
1000 - The BC and Major Cannings visited the CO at RHQ in order to be "put in the picture" generally, for the future.
9th March 1945
Place: Panningen
a.m. - Weather was fine but cold. Troops engaged on maintenance and rest.
1400 - The BC paid a visit to the CBO in order to ascertain how much work was still necessary with regard to visiting located HB positions between the rivers MAAS and RHINE.
10th March 1945
Place: Panningen
a.m. - The weather was fine and mild. The day was spent in maintenance of transport and equipment by all Troops and recreational training, sports and entertainments.
11th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - Weather remained fine and sunny.
1130 - The Battery attended a Church Service, for which a Church Parade was held.
1430 - A Conference was held for all officers down to and including Troop Commanders, with the CCRA. The CCRA congratulated the Regt on excellent work done in HOLLAND. Points were discussed, which have arisen since last conference at FRESNES.
12th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - The weather was fine.
1000 - Lt Minshull was informed that he was to deploy No3 Section for fall of shot with Special George.
2200 - Message received from CO instructing Capt Bryant to be at TAC RHQ at ISSUM by 1800 hrs on Tuesday the 13th March, for orders. C Troop to be ready to move at 1000 hrs.
13th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - The weather was still fine and sunny.
0600 - The BC and Capt Bryant left to contact the CO at ISSUM.
0800 - No3 Section of X Troop under Lt Minshull left to join Special George at 021465 for plotting fall of shot. Orders were received from the CO for the deployment of C Troop base, between Mic 6 of S Troop, 4 Survey Regt and Mic 1 and 2 Cdn Survey Regt, to cover zone EMMERICK uncovered by either of these bases.
1000 - The BC paid a visit to Maj Balfour of 48 Bty, whom C Troop is supporting. Probable mic posns given, survey arranged and C Troop left PANNENGEN for CALCAR.
1100 - Recce of C Troop HQ was made and the BC visited 2nd Btn of the Warwicks, where arrangements were made for Infantry protection of the AP. The local situation was given by the CO of the Warwicks. The ground where the purposed base was to be deployed, is under enemy observation, thus there can be NO movement by day unless sufficiently screened by smoke, which is very sparse. Hence the base was pulled back one hundred metres. The base was map recced by Capt Bryant as follows:- Mic 1 - 984530, Mic 2 - 972537, Mic 3 - 959543, Mic 4 - 946549, Mic 5 - 934556, Mic 6 - 922563. The AP at 964570 to be occupied only after dark. C Troop HQ was located at 951549. The BC visited the BM of 185 Bde.
1300 - The BC returned to 48 Bty BHQ. Probable mic positions were given for X Troop Commander of 4 Survey Regt, to complete survey recce. HQ given, to be passed on to CBO of 30 Corps and the Sigs Officer, for the purpose of laying a line. Ration arrangements were completed with the Bty Capt of 48 Bty. Arrangements were made for Capt Bryant to visit 48 Bty with detailed results of his recce and sketches of each Mic and also to visit CBO of 30 Corps with Maj Balfour in the morning with reference to location summaries and wireless communications.
1400 - The BC visited 8 Corps CBO at SONSBECK and gave details of C Troop's deployment.
1500 - The BC then went on to call at TAC RHQ where he gave full details to the CO.
1830 - Line from A/CBO of 30 Corps through to C Troop.
14th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - Weather fine clear and sunny.
0830 - The BC left to visit C Troop and No3 Section of X Troop.
1030 - BC arrived at C Troop where he found Capt Blackie of 4 Survey Regt's Survey Troop. Survey was completed by 1130 hrs and all lines were in by 1145 hrs. C Troop were on the CBO Shelrep net at 1130 hrs. Their base was in action by 1200 hrs. Infantry protection for the AP was arranged and a trace made.
1400 - The BC visited No.3 Section of X Troop at CALCAR. Where he found that survey for Special George had been started. Their base for ABR was deployed at: 010481, 003499, Calcar Church, 980528 Till Church and their HQ at 031466.
1600 - The BC visited RHQ TAC on his return trip and reported to the CO.
15th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - Weather was fine and quite mild.
0900 - The BC left BHQ to visit No.3 Section at CALCAR and C Troop at CLEVE.
1100 - BC arrived at No3 Section. Visibility was 3000 m, the target 14000 m. And there was some line trouble.
1200 - The BC visited C Troop. A searchlight sited in the vicinity of their HQ was turned out, since the source of its light was in full view of the enemy.
1300 - He went on to visit D Troop of 2 Cdn Survey Regt for the purpose of checking on locations in Canadian zone.
1400 - Visited RHQ of the 2 Cdn Survey Regt in connection with the withdrawal of Cdn Survey bases and to obtain the location of the Cdn CBO.
1500 - The BC then visited A/CBO of 30 Corps and raised the following points:- (a) that only complete battery locations were published in HB List, not single guns, and (b) LAA not plotted only HAA, also (c) Bearings W of 0º to be passed to Cdns and Locations West of 95 Grid Line to be also passed to the Cdns. A line was laid to the Cdn CBO from C Troop, but he moved.
1700 - The BC then visited 48 Bty HQ, Maj Balfour was out, but arrangements were made for baths for C Troop. He then went on to visit No3 Section.
1800 - Visibility had improved 5 locations on REES Church had been fired on by 53 Hy Regt. It was planned to fire on 043534 in the morning in No3 Section's zone.
1900 - The BC finished the day by calling at TAC RHQ where made his report to the CO.
16th March 1945
Place: Panningen
a.m. - Weather misty.
1200 - The BC left to pay a visit to C Troop and No.3 Section of X Troop.
1415 - He arrived at C Troop at 1415 and completed arrangements with Lt.Col. Ross. Cdn CBO line laid. Loc summaries are to be sent to the Canadians. The BC went on to visit Q Battery, 2nd Cdn Survey Regt RCA, together with Cdn S Rg Troop Commander of D Troop. A discussion on aspects of S Rg took place. The following points were raised (a) Comparison of location of HBs in common zone; and (b) Modification of linear microphones. (c) FRISBY Plotter, Many other general points were profitably discussed. The BC received an invitation for Himself and Capts Bryant and Dillistone to visit the Canadians.
1600 - The BC arrived at No.3 Section to find that Lt Minshull was out on a recce at XANTEN since "Special George" are to move there on the 18th March, Sunday.
1800 - The BC paid a visit to Tac RHQ on his way back to BHQ. He made his report to the CO, arrangements were made for No6 Section of Y Troop to help No3 Section as difficulty had been experienced in line laying.
17th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - Weather was mild and fine.
0900 - Lt Kenny visited C Troop and No3 Section on pay round.
18th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - Weather was fine and sunny.
1200 - Major JGH Jamieson returned from Tac RHQ. C Troop are to come out of action on Monday the 19th March, their base is to be taken over by D Troop at 1400 hrs on that date.
1300 - Capt Bryant was informed by Major JGH Jamieson, that C Troop was to come out of action. Capt Bryant returned to Tac RHQ. A message was received to the effect that C Troop will concentrate at PANNENGEN at 1600 hrs on the 19th March. Advance party to set out tomorrow morning.
19th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - The weather remained fine and warm.
p.m. - The Command of the Battery was assumed by Major JGH Jamieson RA on return from RHQ where he was filling the appt of 2 i/c.
20th March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - The weather was fine and warm.
0730 - Capt Hardy left on a recce with Major Drinkwater, the Adjutant and Capt Moody, for new Regimental Area in ISSUM area, near to RHQ. The area allotted consisted of woodland, with no buildings. The Regiment will be camping in the open for the first time since FRENES in NORMANDY.
1200 - Warning Order to the Battery from RHQ. The Battery to be prepared to move on 21 March to Area 090305.
1600 - A conference was held, the Adjutant, the BCs and Bty Capts attended, in connection with the orders for the move. Capt Bryant to report to the CO at 0930 hrs on the 21 March for deployment orders.
2000 - A Troop Commanders Conference was held on the subject of Orders to Move.
21st March 1945
Place: Pannengen
a.m. - The weather was still fine and warm.
0730 - The BC accompanied by Capt Bryant, went to Tac RHQ for deployment orders for C Troop.
0800 - Bty Recce Party to new hide at HAMB, 090305.
a.m. - The Bty dept PANNENGEN to the following table: C Troop at 0945 hrs, BHQ at 1000 hrs, X Troop at 1015 hrs and A Troop at 1030 hrs.
1230 - C Troop arrived at new Regimental Area at 1230 hrs and were met by Capt Bryant, who deployed them immediately. Their HQ was established at 150357, and their Mics at: Mic 1 - 178333, Mic 2 - 169345, M3 - 1623357, M4 - 153368, M5 - 145383 and the AP1 at 191376. The BC arrived at the new hide from Tac RHQ.
1330 - The Battery arrived at the new hide and settled in. A Troop Commanders Conference was held on the subject of "light scales".
1630 - The BC visited RHQ with details of "light scales" of the Battery. He attended a BCs conference at 1800 hrs.
1900 - Capt Bryant visited the BC at BHQ to make his report on the new C Troop base.
2030 - A Troop Commanders Conference took place re future developments, over the RHINE.
22nd March 1945
Place: Hamb
a.m. - Weather was fine and warm. Recce party was formed for (a) SR Troop consisting of Capt Bryant, Lieut Wills and 5 ORs in 2 Jeeps and one trailer. (b) FS Troop, consisting of Capt Dillistone, Lieut Hollingsworth with 5 ORs and 2 Jeeps and one trailer; and (c) X Troop consisting of Capt Piercy, and Lieuts Prior and Pooles and party of ORs travelling in 9 Jeeps with 9 trailers. The BC took the Troop Commanders to visit the OC of the 146 A/Tk Battery with whom the Recce Party will cross the river.
23rd March 1945
Place: Hamb
a.m. - Weather was fine. The recce parties were engaged in loading store and rations.
0900 - The BC with Capt Dillistone and Bryant reported to RHQ for briefing.
1700 - Lieut Hollingsworth reported to hide preparatory to moving off to the Marshalling Area.
1730 - X Troop party in Jeeps, with A Troop party moved off to hide.
24th March 1945
Place: Hamb
a.m. - The weather was fine and warm.
1500 - No3 Section of X Troop came out of action and concentrated at 090305. The recce Parties of A C and X Troops spent the day in various hides near XANTEN.
2300 - Movement orders were given for the Recce Parties to cross the river.
25th March 1945
Place: Hamb
a.m. - The weather continued to be fine with slight showers.
1000 - BC visited the CBO.
1300 - A message was received from the CO that the BC and Lt Minshull were to report to TAC HQ to receive orders for a recce on foot across the river accompanied by armed escort. C Troop to be warned to formulate plans for manhandling stores for a complete base across the river.
1400 - The BC and Lt Minshull reported to TAC RHQ.
1900 - The BC returned. The railway bridge at WESEL was in an extremely bad state it was found to be impossible to manhandle stores across as the REs would be needed with block and tackle and the bridge was [under] fire. Arrangements were made for a truck to be at WESEL bridge from 0900 to 1600 hrs daily.
2100 - Lt Minshull back from recce and making contact with 6 Airborne Div.
2300 - Capt Clayton who crossed the river telephoned. He had contacted Capts Dillistone and Bryant, who had not started their recce, it was not necessary to send a truck.
26th March 1945
Place: Hamb
a.m. - The weather became overcast with occasional drizzle.
0900 - The BC visited RHQ.
0930 - A message was received from RHQ to the effect that A/10 Battery complete, were placed on 30 min notice to move over the river from 1000 hrs.
0945 - The ACBO of 8 Corps with his staff joined the bty for the move over the RHINE.
1100 - The BC returned from RHQ with orders to prepare to move immediately, awaiting movement orders from RHQ.
1200 - Movement orders were received. The bty was to cross the river in two parts, the BC leading "C" Troop and the Battery Capt leading the remainder of the Battery.
1230 - The BC left for C Troop, the bty to rendezvous at 221423.
1300 - A/10 Bty moved off, route: SONSBECK - VEEN - X rds 169335 - WESEL Bridge.
1415 - Arrived at Fork 221423 and met by DR, the column was led to X Troop Report centre at 230429.
1430 - C Troop moved off at 221448 where they are to deploy, to be in action by 0800 hrs on the 27 March on a base from Mi at 230412 to M6 at 215480 with AP at 248450. A Troop moved off to 219442 to deploy also. Posts at A-235407, B-217467, C-207486. BHQ moved off to 218427. Little activity was reported by A and C Troops, though there was much activity in the air. BHQ to move in the morning.
p.m. - Lt Minshull and No.3 Section of X Troop moved off to join 6 Fd Regt RA.
27th March 1945
Place: Wesel
a.m. - Weather was fine but cloudy.
0800 - The BC left to visit CRA of 6 Airborne Div.
0830 - The Bty Capt and the BSM left to recce a hide at 240436.
Place: Lackhausen
1000 - BHQ moved off to new hide and established themselves there. There was little CB work, the advance was too fast.
1300 - X Troop moved to 262418 where No3 Section rejoined them.
1800 - Troop Commanders Conference was held. Capt Dillistone was instructed to recce the route, BRUNEN to BORKEN. X Troop to supply one section to travel with 6 Airborne Div and one with 8 AGRA. TAC RHQ were now over the RHINE and established in a hide at 233427. A Troop out of action, less C Post which has a possibility of seeing.
1645 - C Troop out of action, but with their second AP moved to 303496 for Shelreps only.
28th March 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - The weather kept fine with a strong breeze.
0900 - The BHQ was visited by the Adjutant, who has brought RHQ over the river. He asked for assistance in selecting an RHQ hide. The BC visited the A CBO.
1000 - A/10 Bty provided a holding party for RHQ at 240432, the hide to which they are moving.
1300 - A/10 Holding party returned to the bty, RHQ had begun to move in their new hide at 245424.
1400 - A Troop and C Troop concentrated around BHQ at 238436, in the orchards there.
29th March 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - The weather still remained fine.
0930 - The BC attended a conference with the CO, where he learnt from the Regt, less TAC RHQ and B/10 Bty also X Troop, were to concentrate at 238436, under command of CO, of 121 LAA Regt RA.
1400 - RHQ moved in and established at 238436.
30th March 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - The weather remained fine and warm. There were no operational commitments and the Regt supplied men and vehicles to the FMC for transport of petrol.
31st March 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - The weather remained fine. The majority of the battery was at the disposal of the FMC for further work on the transport of petrol.
Month and year : April 1945
Commanding Officer : Capt R.G. Hardy, R.A.
1st April 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - The majority of the personnel of the battery and vehicles, were employed on working parties for the F.M.C. The weather was fine and sunny.
p.m. - The Adjutant returned from a conference with the CO of 121 LAA Regt RA. He learnt that 121 LAA Regt have received orders to move up. This Battery is consequently under command of Lt-Col E.A. Spencer RA once more.
2nd April 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - The weather became overcast and rain threatened. Men and vehicles were again provided for the FMC details.
2000 - The Adjutant returned from TAC RHQ with orders for a move up. Recce parties to depart at 1000 hrs on Tuesday, the 3 April 45. It was planned to "ferry" the Battery on Wednesday, and Thursday, the 4 and 5 April 45.
3rd April 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - Weather was cold and wet, clearing a little later in the day.
1000 - BC to TAC RHQ to assume the appointment of Second in Command vice Major Drinkwater. The Battery advance party, consisting of Capt Dillistone and the BSM left on recce with the Adjutant, to establish new hide at 60 FMC, who were last heard of at VELEN. Their route lay WESEL - BOCHOLT - KEPE - BORKEN - GEMEN - RAMSDORF - VELEN.
1400 - Working parties with their transport returned from the FMC, which has moved to a new location.
1800 - Conference was held, attended by the BC, the Adjutant and representatives of A C Troops and BHQ. The Battery is to move to the area of VELEN, near to 60 FMC, A Troop to move at 0900 hrs. Transport is to be made up from RHQ vehicles. All troops employed in loading to move off early tomorrow.
4th April 1945
Place: Lackhausen
a.m. - The weather remained wet and rather cold.
0800 - Troop recce parties moved off under Capt Dillistone RA, to new hide in the area of VELEN.
0900 - A Troop moved off under Lt. Hollingsworth.
0930 - BHQ moved off under BC.
1030 - C Troop followed under the Comd of Lt Davies and the new hide was reached first by A Troop at 1130 hrs, BHQ at 1145 hrs and C Troop at 1345 hrs. The Battery arrived complete there were no casualties vehicles were unloaded immediately. 5 3-tonners and 13 15-cwts were sent back to help to bring up RHQ on the morrow.
p.m. - Battery mostly settled under canvas. As this was the first actual contact with German civilians, a great deal of stress was laid upon non-fraternisation. Each Troop had a special parade for this purpose. German farmers were warned that their children and other dependents were not expected to speak to British Troops.
5th April 1945
Place: Velen
a.m. - The weather was very wet and unpleasant. The Troops were busy in settling in to their new hides.
0800 - At 0800 hrs Capt Bryant went forward on a recce with the object of establishing contact with X Troop.
1400 - RHQ arrived and occupied their new hide.
1730 - The BC attended a conference with the Adjutant. Details were worked out for the provision of vehicles and personnel for the FMC details to be undertaken.
6th April 1945
Place: Velen
a.m. - The weather was still overcast with some rain.
0100 - Capt Bryant returned from his forward recce, he only got as far as Rear Corps and he did not succeed in contacting X Troop. He brought back the information that RHQ TAC and Main Corps had been machine gunned several times by jet propelled aircraft at BAD-ESSEN about 20 miles west of MINDEN.
0900 - Lt Wills left to try to contact Rear Corps for money exchange and to draw pay money. Lt MRR Davies moved off with party of 60 Other Ranks, for work for FMC, their job was to be loading petrol.
1400 - Gnr Hurst and his 15-cwt Truck returned from Main Corps, carrying in his vehicle, 2 German officers as prisoners, these were passed via RHQ to POW Camp in the area.
1835 - Message from Adjutant. Deployment orders for C Troop from CCRA received over 8 Corps Net by CRASC at 1400 hrs. S Rg Troop to report to the CCRA at ACE near KELLEN. The remainder of the Battery was to concentrate at 62 FMC. Lt Davies was ordered to return from 60 FMC together with his party, both personnel and trucks.
2200 - Lt. Davies arrived with trucks. C Troop engaged in loading to move at first light.
2330 - The BC and Capt Bryant left for ACE, the journey took all night.
7th April 1945
Place: Velen
a.m. - The weather was fine and sunny.
0900 - The BC arrived at TAC RHQ at ISENSTEDT and reported to the CO.
1030 - The CO returned from Corps, C Troop it is learnt are not required to deploy.
1100 - The BC made a recce of a new hide at ISENSTEDT, to accommodate the remainder of the regiment.
1800 - C Troop arrived at ISENSTEDT, moved in and established at hide and wait for the rest of the regiment.
8th April 1945
Place: Velen
a.m. - The weather was fine and warm.
1400 - TAC RHQ move to MUNCHAUSEN area.
1500 - RHQ arrived ISENSTEDT together with the Advance Party of A Troop under Lt. Hollingsworth.
1800 - Capt Bryant sent as liaison officer TAC RHQ, for the purpose of receiving deployment orders for C Troop and being on the spot for any necessary recce.
9th April 1945
Place: Velen
a.m. - The weather remained fine.
0145 - A message was received from TAC RHQ ordering C Troop to deploy in NEUSTADT area. To move at 0800 hrs and to concentrate near TAC RHQ ready to cross the WESER.
0800 - The BC left, with C Troop, for TAC RHQ at MELLINGEN near PETERSHAFEN bridge over the WESER in preparation to deploy in NEUSTADT area.
0830 - A DR met the BC on the road with a message telling him not to leave the hide until 1100 hrs since the column could not cross by the Class 40 bridge before 1400 hrs.
0930 - The BC arrived at TAC RHQ, C Troop were established in a hide nearby.
1130 - A message was received from the CO to the effect that C Troop were to move over immediately by the Class 9 Bridge. C Troop were already on the road. The BC left to contact the OC C Troop at X Troop HQ at HAZENBURGH.
1400 - C Troop arrived at HAZENBURG. Later Capt Bryant arrived in company with Capt Piercy. Their recce had been completed, and the survey started. The Base deployed as follows:- M1 at 161371, M2 at 156384, M3 at 151380, M4 at 147315, M5 at 143300 with the AP at POGGENHAZEN and their HQ at 147312.
1415 - C Troop deployed, they were in action by 1800 for shelreps and by 2000 hrs (see App & Trace attached) they were fully in action on 5 mics and 1 AP. The BC visited the A CBO at 6 Airborne Div, where he arranged for line and wireless locsums.
1500 - A Troop arrived in ISENSTEDT.
1600 - The BC made his report to the CO at TAC RHQ.
10th April 1945
Place: Velen
a.m. - The weather was sunny and warm.
0800 - BHQ left VELEN for ISENSTEDT.
0900 - The BC left for TAC RHQ with X Troop and C Troop.
0930 - Capt Dillistone went forward to recce a hide for the regiment at NEUSTADT, near 63 FMC.
1000 - The BC visited TAC RHQ where he was informed that C Troop were to come out of action.
1100 - The BC arrived at X Troop. X Troop were to move to WIECHENDORF. A Troop were to move forward to NEUSTADT. He went on to C Troop which he reached at 1300 hrs. He informed the OC C Troop that his Troop were to come out of action. Capt Johnstone, the A CBO is with 6 Airborne Div and Capt Bryant was to go forward to the NEGENBORN area to look at the ground for future S Rg base if one is needed.
1400 - The BC and Capt Dillistone paid a visit to Major Pate, OC 63 FMC, to ask the area of the hide. This it was learnt was the area of the Petrol RC at 162380. Capt Dillistone left to recce this area for the regimental hide.
1600 - BHQ arrived at new hide at ISENSTEDT, joining RHQ and A Troop, they did not unload, since they move on to NEUSTADT in the morning.
11th April 1945
Place: Isenstedt
a.m. - The weather was fine and sunny.
0800 - The BC left BHQ to visit TAC RHQ, X Troop, C Troop and A Troop.
0900 - BHQ left for NEUSTADT to join A Troop at the 63 FMC.
1200 - The BC reached TAC RHQ where he was given orders from the CO to move C Troop up to NEUSTADT.
1300 - The BC arrived at C Troop to take Capt Bryant with him in order to recce a new hide for BHQ and C Troop.
1400 - BHQ arrived at NEUSTADT, and established themselves in the new hide as recced by the BC.
1500 - The BC contacted the FMC, he was told the news that 64 FMC will be established tomorrow North of CELLE.
1600 - Adjutant arrived at RHQ hide. Arrangements were made for supplying 3 Sections of 20 men and one officer to 63 FMC for unloading petrol.
1800 - The 63 FMC called for men to unload 180 petrol lorries.
12th April 1945
Place: Isenstedt
a.m. - The weather was warm but overcast.
0900 - The BC visited Major Pate, OC, 64 FMC. The FMC recce party is to move to CELLE in the afternoon. It was suggested that an officer be sent to CELLE to contact this recce party and that A/10 Battery move up to CELLE on the morning of the 13th.
1100 - The BC visited the Adjutant with the above information. Capt Bryant, it was arranged should contact the FMC at CELLE. The move of the Battery was laid on.
1400 - Capt Bryant left for CELLE on his recce.
2000 - The Adjutant ordered that the move was to be postponed as the FMC was not to be established at CELLE on the morrow.
2100 - Capt Bryant returned, he had seen no sign of the FMC Recce Party at CELLE.
2200 - A telephone message was received from Major Pate OC 64 FMC with the information that the FMC is to be established NE of CELLE at ALTENHAGEN by 1200 hrs, he suggested that A/10 Battery should move in the morning.
2215 - The BC visited the Adjutant, with the above information. Move for the Regtl Recce Party and the remainder of the Battery was laid on for the morning.
13th April 1945
Place: Isenstedt
0800 - Recce party consisting of Capt Dillistone and Lt Wills went forward to recce a hide for the Battery NE of CELLE and to contact 64 FMC.
0900 - A Troop move to ALTENHAZEN, a mile to the NE of CELLE. C Troop moved to the same area at 0930 hrs, followed by BHQ at 1000 hrs.
1400 - The Battery reached their new hide near the FMC. They settled in the area, which had not been cleared by our own troops. A strict search of all houses was made and arms found were collected.
2000 - The BC paid a visit to the CO. Capt Dillistone assumes command of the battery, wef 14 April.
14th April 1945
Place: Altenhazen
a.m. - The weather kept fine. Capt Dillistone RA assumed command of the Battery, Capt Hardy as Battery Capt. Lieut Wills returned to C Troop.
1800 - Orders were received from the Adjutant, for recce parties for S Rg and F Sp to report to the CO at TAC RHQ at 1000 hrs on 15 April, with the intention of recce'ing bases on the River ELBE at the earliest possible moment. The remainder of the Battery were to stay put and to move forward to 65 FMC when opened. Working parties, 25 from A Troop and 25 from C Troop, were provided for the FMC for lifting ammunition.
2200 - Working parties returned to their Troops.
15th April 1945
Place: Altenhazen
a.m. - The weather was fine and warm.
0900 - Recce Parties, for F Sp - Capt Dillistone and 2 Post Nosl; for S Rg - Capt Bryant and Lieut Wills, moved off for TAC RHQ. The recce parties for the move at 10 minutes notice. The remainder of the Battery was at one hour's notice to move. No move infact occurred, as UELZEN was still not cleared of the enemy.
1000 - The BC reported to the CO at TAC RHQ, where he learnt that the situation forward at UELZEN was still confused and fighting was still in progress, a recce in the area of the River ELBE was therefore impossible today. The recce parties returned to the Battery Hide, to await a call forward later.
1600 - The BC reported to the CO at TAC RHQ. No further developments were evident in the tactical situation; recce parties were still not required. The BC was to report to the CO at 0930 hrs tomorrow the 16 April.
16th April 1945
Place: Altenhazen
a.m. - The weather was still fine.
0930 - The BC reported to the CO at TAC RHQ, where he learnt that recce parties for ELBE deployment were still not required, as the advance is still held up by opposition in UELZEN. The BC was to report to the CO at the same time tomorrow morning, the 17th April 1945.
1500 - Lt. Johnson of RHQ advised the BC that the FMC was unlikely to move forward before the 19th April, consequently, the Battery's main body were unlikely to move forward before that date.
17th April 1945
Place: Altenhazen
a.m. - The weather was sunny and warm.
1000 - The BC reported to the CO at TAC RHQ. Recce parties were still not required, but UELZEN is to be taken by the 15 (Scottish) Div tomorrow morning. No fatigue parties were supplied to the FMC. The men were employed on cleaning and maintenance of vehicles and stores, and on survey and recreational training. There was still no news of the FMC moving forward.
18th April 1945
Place: Altenhazen
a.m. - The spell of fine weather continued.
1000 - The BC reported to the CO at TAC RHQ. A/10 Battery it was arranged, would move into the area of UELZEN, early in the morning of the 19th April. Tactical recce parties were to join Y Troop, in advance on 11 Armd Div axis up to the River ELBE, at the same time as the Battery move tomorrow. These parties will recce F Sp and S Rg bases on the ELBE.
1345 - The Battery Capt left to recce a hide in the UELZEN area. He took with him, a Sjt from each of A and C Troops, Lt Tuck of Corps S Rg Troop also accompanied him. The Adjutant was unable to obtain information as to exactly where the next FMC is to be established, in spite of contacting the 64 FMC who are here, on the spot. The Battery Capt will therefore recce the new hide in the area near TAC RHQ at GRAUBINGEN.
1400 - Troop Commanders Conference was held, orders were given for the Battery's move forward and for the tactical recce parties - C Troop will move at 0800 hrs, A Tp at 0830 hrs with BHQ: and the Corps S Rg Troop will move at 0900 hrs on the 19 April. Hide advance parties move at 0755 hrs. Tactical recce move at 0825 hrs.
2130 - A message was received from TAC RHQ stating that the Battery was to move at first light, tomorrow, the 19th April. Tactical recce parties to report at TAC RHQ at 0800 hrs tomorrow the 19th April.
2145 - The BC visited the Troops and issued his orders for the earlier move.
19th April 1945
Place: Altenhazen
a.m. - The weather remained fine and warm.
0600 - Recce parties and the Main Body moved off.
0800 - The recce parties reported to TAC RHQ. The BC was informed by the CO that LUNEBERG was now cleared and that an early deployment on the ELBE was most likely. The BC was told to report to the CO again at 1000 hrs for further orders.
0900 - Main Battery party arrived at their new hide in UELZEN area at 802840.
1000 - The BC reported to the CO, who informed him that recce or deployment orders can still not be given. B/10 Battery are definitely deploying this side of the ELBE, A/10 Battery are not to be committed until the situation at LUNEBURG railway bridge resolves itself. If the bridge were captured intact A/10 Battery might deploy immediately on the far side of the river. A Liaison Officer was sent to TAC RHQ, while the Battery was to move forward to the area of BEVERBECK - 8006.
1030 - Lt Wills left for TAC RHQ to act as Liaison Officer. Orders were issued to the Troop Commanders for the move forward to BEVERBECK area.
1045 - The hide recce parties moved off, followed by the main party of the Battery at 1100 hrs.
1300 - The Main body arrived at BEVERBECK and occupied a hide at 800065.
1430 - Lt Wills arrived from TAC RHQ with orders for F Sp and S Rg recce parties to proceed with recce for bases covering the ELBE to the NE of LUNEBURG. The Main Body to stay in their present location.
1445 - Recce parties consisting of Capt Dillistone the BC, Capt Bryant for S Rg, and Lt Hollingsworth for F Sp moved off.
1615 - Recce parties arrived in the deployment areas. Information regarding troop dispositions on the ground was extremely difficult to obtain. It was eventually found that the recce of the western end of both bases was all that would be possible that day since the eastern end is not yet occupied by our troops.
1730 - The BC left the recce parties for the main body at BEVERBECK. The recce parties were ordered to proceed with their recce on the west of the bases and to recce the eastern end when possible, the next day. They were to spend the night with Y Troop at ERBSTORF at 8323.
1815 - The BC arrived at BEVERBECK and was informed that a message had been received from TAC RHQ to the effect that the Battery was to deploy forthwith. The BC ordered the Battery Capt to move Bty to ERBSTORF area. Lt Davies was sent ahead to recce a new hide.
1830 - The main body moved off whilst the BC left for TAC RHQ who are still at GRAULINGEN 808820.
1915 - The BC reported to the CO at TAC RHQ and explained the impossibility of deployment in the planned area tonight. The CO ordered deployment on the following day as early as possible.
1930 - The BC left TAC RHQ for ERBSTORF.
2030 - The main party of the Battery arrived at ERBSTORF and bedded down for the night in a hide there.
2115 - The BC arrived at ERBSTORF and held a Troop Commanders Conference. F Sp and S Rg recce parties were to move off at first light in the morning and complete their recce for the eastern ends of the bases, after contacting local Bdes for information and confirmation that the ground is cleared. S Rg Troop to commence wiring from the western mics and to get "X" Troop to survey these.
20th April 1945
Place: Erbstorf
a.m. - The weather was fine but the sky was overcast occasionally.
0630 - F Sp and S Rg recce parties and some S Rg wire parties moved off.
1000 - Recce parties report that the eastern end of the bases is still not accessible. The BC ordered C Troop to deploy and wire mics 3, 4, 5, and 6 with a skeleton HQ until M1 and M2 positions can be reached. F Sp to recce along the ridge 10,000m south of the river.
1400 - S Rg Troop was in action for shelreps.
1445 - C Troop was in action with 4 mics wired. The survey was not yet complete. Flank mics were situated at M3; 940277, M6 at 883296, AP2 at 913304 and the HQ at 925277.
1500 - A Troop ordered to move to BALTERSTEN and set up their HQ there. OPs to be manned in SCHARNEBECK, (8525) the church, and at NEETZE church (9322), the Bell tower is to be erected at BALTERSEN. A/10 Battery HQ were to remain at ERBSTORF.
1900 - A and C Troops posts were in action on line.
2200 - B Post F Sp in action, Bell tower having been constructed at 895239.
2230 - The BC paid a visit to the CBO in SCHARNEBECK to confirm that the CBO was in communication on line with both A and C Troops.
21st April 1945
Place: Erbstorf
a.m. - The weather was cold with steady rain.
0900 - The BC visited the CBO, whom he found had no special requirements.
0945 - The BC called at C Troop, including AP2. The recce for M2 was completed. The wiring and survey of M2 was underway. M1 is still inaccessible since the enemy is still in the area. AP1, also in the area unoccupied by our own troops, is still not yet manned. The S Rg results obtained during the last 19 hours are quite satisfactory.
1130 - The BC called at A Troop, including A, B and C Posts, he ordered B Post, the Bell tower to be put up, as it is so far back from the river and is well false-crested. This tower has previously been lowered at dawn on the BC's instructions. F Sp results for the past night were poor owing to bad visibility.
1230 - The BC called at TAC RHQ at LUNEBURG, 777188 and reported to the CO. He received orders from the 2 i/c to move A Troop, C Post from SCHARNEBECK to BREETZE area (9822). He was also informed that Major Jamieson was to return to the Battery and re-assume its command, while Capt Dillistone was to return to and re-assume the command of A Troop.
1430 - The BC visited A Troop at BALTERSEN and issued his orders to the Troop Commander to recce a new post and also a new HQ in NEETZE area (9322).
1500 - The Battery Capt recced a new BHQ hide next to the CBO in SCHARNEBECK at 845259. This hide was to be occupied on the morrow.
1845 - Capt Bryant called at RHQ and reported that the survey of M2 was now complete also the wiring. M1 and AP1 were still inaccessible, at this stage.
1900 - A holding party were despatched to the BHQ hide which is to be occupied in the morning.
2000 - The BC contacted OC A Troop, a new C Post position had been found at BREETZE 980228, a ground OP with excellent observation. A new A Troop HQ had been recce'd at NEETZE 932229. The BC ordered A Troop to move to the new HQ and to move C Post at 1000 hrs in the morning (22 Apr). The old HQ and C Post to be manned by a skeleton staff until the new HQ and C Post were in action.
22nd April 1945
Place: Erbstorf
a.m. - The weather was wet.
0930 - Major Jamieson RA assumes command of the Battery and Capt Dillistone returned to A Troop.
Place: Scharnebeck
1000 - BHQ established in a new hide at SCHARNEBECK.
1200 - Lt Noxon, Sigs Officer called to enquire if the line communications to the CBO were in order.
1400 - The BC called on C Troop.
23rd April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
a.m. - The weather remained cold with occasional rain.
0930 - The BC left to visit the CO at TAC RHQ. Nothing special to note.
1600 - The Second in Command and the RMO called at BHQ.
1630 - A German civilian car being turned in to the Military Government, met with an accident on the way.
24th April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
a.m. - The weather became fine and warm.
0900 - The BC attended CO's Orders re Gnrs Simpson and Maltby, absent without leave.
1030 - The BC visited C Troop, who report that the main activity is from Railway Guns. Capt Bryant is to leave for UK privilege leave on the morrow.
25th April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
a.m. - The weather was fine and warm.
0900 - The BC reported to the CO - nothing special to note. The report on the recce on F Sp posts carried out by 109 AA Regt RA had not been received. 100,000 map sheets K4, 5, 6 were issued to Troops.
p.m. - The BC visited A Troops Posts during the afternoon. The CBO wished that cameras should be used tomorrow night, when an attempt is to be made to make the AA guns open up. The OC A Troop was informed.
26th April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
The weather was cold with rain showers.
27th April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
The weather continued cold with rain showers.
28th April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
The weather was fine but cold.
0900 - The BC, with OC A Troop, visited a factory at which F Sp instruments were alleged to be stored, on arrival they found that the place had been ransacked. From the remains of some instruments, it appeared that they were part of equipment for 88mm guns. OC A Troop was informed by the BC that the barrage was due to go down at 2250 hrs and the attack at 0200 hrs. A silent period for S Rg was suggested at 0330 hrs but this did not materialise as our guns continued firing.
29th April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
a.m. - The weather was fine but still rather cold.
0830 - The BC visited the CBO for latest news of the battle. He learnt that the bridgehead had been established but progress was slow. He then visited RHQ but no more details could be obtained.
30th April 1945
Place: Scharnebeck
The weather was fine and warmer. No details of any move over the ELBE were available.
Month and year : May 1945
Commanding Officer : Major J.G.H. Jamieson
1st May 1945
Place: Sharnebeck
The weather was fine and warm.
a.m. - The BC visited RHQ re move over the ELBE, no movement order was received from RHQ.
1350 - A Troop closed down their Base.
1400 - The BC visited 8 AGRA where arrangements were made for A/10 Battery to move over the river with 8 AGRA.
1600 - The Second in Comd was in conference with the BC at A/10 BHQ later they visited 8 AGRA where it was arranged that the whole Regiment should move over the river with 8 AGRA.
2300 - Movement order received from BM of 8 AGRA.
2nd May 1945
Place: Sharnebeck
Weather remained fine and sunny.
0900 - The Battery was told to be ready to move over the ELBE.
1200 - A Regimental recce party consisting of the BC and Capt Dillistone in a Jeep. They rendezvoused at LUTON 874416 with BM of 8 AGRA. C Troop out of action, less APs.
1400 - Bty advance party led by Lieut Wills to rendezvous at 851377.
1500 - C Troop APs out of action.
1800 - All troops concentrated at SCHARNEBECK in readiness to move off.
2200 - The Bty moved off to new hide near TALKAM 880570.
3rd May 1945
Place: Schretslaken
The weather was fine with some cloud.
0600 - The Battery arrived at SCHRETSLAKEN 864581, remained on wheels since a move was projected during the day.
1400 - Adjutant returned, the move will not take place today but tomorrow.
1800 - Movement Order was received from RHQ - A/10 Battery to move and concentrate at 0900 hrs tomorrow in the area of WESSENBURG 851843.
4th May 1945
Place: Schretslaken
Weather was fine.
0830 - Battery recce party left to recce hide at 850843 a village near WESSENBURG. and LUBECK.
0900 - Battery set out for new hide, BHQ and X Troop at 0900, A Troop at 0915 and C Troop at 0930.
0930 - The BC visited TAC RHQ at LINAN.
1200 - The Battery arrived at WESSENBURG. Wireless news gave the announcement of the German capitulation in NW Germany, Holland, Denmark.
5th May 1945
Place: Wessenburg
Weather was fine and sunny. All troops were generally at rest expecting to move to area to be occupied. An order of the day from Lt-Gen MC Dempsey, Commander of 2nd Army saying "Thank you and well done".
6th May 1945
Place: Wessenburg
The weather was dull and wet.
1130 - The CO gave an address to the Battery pointing out generally, our role in the future.
7th May 1945
Place: Wessenburg
The weather was fine and warm. Troops were employed on maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
2300 - The BC attended a conference at RHQ with the CO, where the Concentration Area for the Regiment was sub-divided into Battery Areas. A trace of A/10 Battery Area, SE of KIEL, was to be furnished for the CO by 1400 hrs on 8 May 45. This trace was to show billets chosen.
2359 - A Troop Commanders Conference was held at A/10 BHQ where Troop Areas were allotted. It was arranged that the Bty recce party would be ready to move off at 0800 hrs on the morrow.
8th May 1945
Place: Wessenburg
Weather was fine and sunny.
0800 - The recce parties moved off to new area SE of KIEL, led by the BC and Bty Capt and the Troop Commanders.
1000 - Recce parties arrived at new area. Troop Recce Parties began their recce for new hides.
1300 - All recce parties rendezvous at 575365. Trace of hides, scale 1/25,000 completed.
1400 - Rendezvous with the CO at 545365, where billets were approved.
1600 - Rendezvous with CCRA and the CO. The BC and Bty Recce parties at KIEL Aerodrome 622422.
9th May 1945
Place: Wessenburg
The weather remained fine and warm.
1000 - Holding parties for each Troop to new hides to give German inhabitants 24 hrs notice to quit.
1300 - Holding parties arrived and served notice to quit to the civilians.
10th May 1945
Place: Wessenburg
Weather was fine with stiff breeze.
0900 - The BC and Bty Capt left for new hide at WELLSEE 587356 near KIEL.
0930 - Bty under Capt Dillistone lined up at the junction of WESSENBERG rd and the Autobahn to LUBECK.
1000 - The Regimental column moved off their route lay via T junction at 848848 along the autobahn to T junction at 965955, EUTIN, PLON, PREETH. DP at RASDORF.
1300 - Troops move into Troop areas, BHQ at 587356, A Troop at 607350, C Troop at 596333 and X Troop at 566355.
11th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
1930 - The BC attended a conference with the Second in Comd on the subject of marching POW. He was accompanied by Capt Dillistone.
2100 - A warning order was telephoned by the BC from RHQ for the Battery to prepare for marching POW from MONKEYBERG 640385 to OLDENBURG 055375. Projected 16,000 Ps of W. The job it is estimated, will take three days, and will consist of 12 sections of 12 men for escort of the POW and 1 section of 12 men for rations. Party to be ready to move at 0600 hrs on the morrow.
2300 - The BC accompanied by Capt Dillistone started on their recce to MONKEYBURG. Troop Commanders Conference was held to arrange details of the PW March. It was decided that 184 men would be needed, this figure was inclusive of Officers and of DRs.
12th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
The weather was very wet in the early morning clearing and becoming warm by mid-day.
0545 - The BC and Capt Dillistone left for MONKEYBURG.
0700 - The first party of 4,000 PW, escorted by 3 sections of A Troop personnel under Lt Leeks, set out on their first day's journey to BELLIN 785356.
0800 - Second party, escorted by 3 sections under Lt. Prior; 1 section from A Troop and 2 from C Troop, set out.
0900 - The third party, escorted by 3 sections of C Troop personnel, under Lt. Wills, departed.
1000 - The last party, escorted by 3 sections of X Troop personnel under Lt. Minshull set out.
2000 - All parties were in Staging Camp at BELLIN 785356. 30 PW including 1 woman were removed to LUJTENBURG Military Hospital, seriously ill.
2130 - The CO arrived with orders to contact German officers at DORNSTOFF re orders to hand the prisoners over to them.
13th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was fine and hot.
0700 - The BC left accompanied by German General with the object of contacting the German officers at DORNSTOFF.
0730 - Contact was made with these German officers, a General, from the previous 15,000 prisoners, who passed on information to contact German General in charge of admin arrangements at POTLUS.
0800 - Contact was made with this General, and it was arranged to hand over own General and prisoners on arrival at the roadside camp at DORNSTOFF.
1345 - All the PW who could march were in the cage at DORNSTOFF.
1500 - The 600 prisoners who were unable to march were in the cage, having been moved by MT.
1900 - The Bty was in billets.
14th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was fine and hot. The troops were employed on settling in billets as a permanent home. As much comfort as possible was aimed at. The billets were tidied and arranged with view to a permanent stay.
15th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was fine and extremely hot. The Troops were employed on the maintenance of equipment and clothing. Training programmes to include much marching and rifle drill were instituted. Best dress was to be worn on the first parade daily.
16th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
The weather was fine and clear with warm sun.
17th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was fine and warm.
p.m. - A conference of Battery Commanders was called at RHQ in the evening, with the object of discussing permanent guard duties for which the Regiment were to be responsible. At the moment, the 9th Bn of Cameronians were responsible for the following, which at a later time - possibly 23 May, this Battery were to take over from them - Guards YELLOW 1, 2, 3 and 4 at MR C564388, a food dump. YELLOW 7 at MR C566379, a food dump. YELLOW 9 at MR C571393, a sugar dump. RED 5 at MR C556383, the "ELBE" hutted camp. And BLACK 3 at MR C569410, a clothing store.
18th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather remained fine and sunny. The BC accompanied the CO to WICK barracks, which, it is intended, the Battery shall take over from the 9th Cameronians.
p.m. - A conference was called during the evening, re guard commitments for the Regiment. It was agreed that it would appear that after fatigues, leave personnel, etc., had been accounted for, the Regiment could just cope with its commitments.
19th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - Weather was still fine and warm with a light breeze. Capt Dillistone and NCO continued instruction at WICK Barracks. The BC viewed SEINE Camp at N.533388 which it is proposed the Battery shall occupy. At present, 32 Bn of the RM are in occupation. It is thought that they will be moving out on Monday 21 May 45. The BC accompanied the CO on a visit to Guards YELLOW 1234, and YELLOW 7. These buildings, food warehouses, were at present guarded by 9 Cameronians.
p.m. - During the day, X Troop took over YELLOW 7 from the 9 Cameronians. The hand over was effected by 1100 hrs. During the day information was received from RHQ that the 9th Cameronians would accept responsibility for the ODER Detention Barracks.
20th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
0930 - The Battery attended a Church Service taken by DACG 8 Corps at RHQ location.
p.m. - A Regimental Soccer trial was held, 9 men of this Battery were tried out. Information was received from RHQ to the effect that the RM would take over WICK Barracks from the Cameronians. An extra commitment would be given to the Battery instead, in the form of guarding bullion at the Reichbank building at 564395N.
21st May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - Weather - fine.
1000 - The Battery Commander paid a visit to the SEIN Camp. He learnt that the RM were not moving out at present.
1500 - The Commanding Officer inspected the Battery at BHQ at WELLSEE. He saw a Best Dress parade with webbing equipment. The Battery did marching and rifle drill. The CO was very pleased with the turn out.
22nd May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was rainy steadily deteriorating with cold wind. The Regt was placed on 4 days notice to move.
1400 - The BC visited the ELBE POW (female) Camp at 556383N to report on its condition.
1500 - A Guard consisting of 2 NCOs and 6 ORs under command of Lt Prior, reported to the Central Railway Station, KIEL to guard a train loaded with stores.
23rd May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - Weather was fine and dry.
1200 - All guards duties in KIEL were taken over from the 9th Cameronians.
1300 - The CCRA visited BHQ accompanied by the CO.
1900 - A BCs Conference was held on the availability of personnel for guard duties. Lt Wills was attached to RHQ as A/Adjutant, Lt Pooles was inter-posted to C Troop. It was learnt that the Regt was no longer under 4 days notice to move. The previous order having been cancelled.
2130 - The Second in Command held a conference of Battery Capts with the object of drawing up a statement of availability of personnel for guard duties.
24th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - Weather was fine. The guard situation was eased a little.
2000 - The Guard until now supplied by this Battery on YELLOW 7 was taken over by B/10 Battery.
2230 - Lt Prior's guard detachment was dismounted, since the train which they had been guarding at Central Railway Station, KIEL was moved to a siding. During the afternoon, a trial Regimental match was played - the Regimental side against a reserve team. This Battery fielded 11 men in this match, 3 in the Regimental team and 8 in the reserve team, the latter won with a score of 6-2.
25th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was fine.
1630 - Brig Matthews accompanied by the CO paid a visit to YELLOW 9 Guard. There was little change in the guards situation.
26th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was fine and sunny.
1830 - There was no change in the guards mounted by the Battery. At 1830 hrs YELLOW 9 guard was visited by Lt.Col. Finchly RASC of 8 Corps.
27th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - Weather was fine with a cool breeze. The Church parade which was to take place this morning, was cancelled. There was no change in the Guards provided by this Battery. The Troops were engaged in checking stores with a view to handing in surplus stores. During the day the BC visited each troop in turn.
28th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather remained fine and warm. The Battery's Guards remained unchanged. During the day the Troops submitted a list of stores which they wished to hand in, leaving them with the bare minimum necessary for deployments.
29th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather kept fine and the sun warm.
0500 - The BC set out on a recce to the area of HANNOVER, in company with Capt Moody and Capt Clayton.
1115 - YELLOW 9 guard was visited by ADST from HQ 8 Corps and an 8 Corps Staff Capt.
30th May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - The weather was hot and the sky clear. No change was reported by all guards provided by this Battery.
p.m. - All surplus signal stores from troops were handed in to BQMS.
31st May 1945
Place: Wellsee
a.m. - Weather was still fine and warm. Surplus Signal Stores handed in by the Troops yesterday, were handed in to the QM.
0130 - The BC returned from his recce. Which it was learnt, was for accommodation in the area of OSNABRUCK and not HANNOVER as previously expected.
1100 - A Battery Commanders Conference was called and took place at RHQ.
1200 - The Guard at the ELBE Camp to be dismounted, since the GERMANS are to take over the camp.
B/10 Survey Battery, 10th Survey Regiment
Month and year : March 1945
Commanding Officer : Maj H.E. Cannings, R.A.
1st March 1945
Place: Oorloo
0600 - Locs 281800 - 010600: B Tp - 1 area, 10 actreps, 11 shelreps. D Tp - 3A, 1 BC, 1 BD, 4 shelreps. SPECIAL GEORGE: HQ 868187 - Laying line to B Tp. Deploying 881214. If not satisfactory, 890192, 881203 or 892223. X Tp svying 1st two today. Special George's experiments, however, were never begun; the Americans cleared the opposite side of the Maas too quickly.
1500 - CO infm by phone, asked to get HQ RA 8 Corps to authorise 63 Med to shoot with Special George.
1530 - 63 Med warned when Maj C visited.
1800 - Locs 010600 - 011800: B Tp - Nil, 4 actreps. D Tp - 1 Area, 4 shelreps. A great day for B Tp; German guns, unprotected by "Flashless" are showing themselves at last. Y Tp sent a holding party on behalf of RHQ to KASTENRAIJ.
2nd March 1945
Place: Oorloo
0600 - Locs 011800 - 020600: B Tp - 1Z, 1A, 9B, 1C, 8 area 39 actreps, 56 shelreps. D Tp - 1 AB, 2 BC, 2 area, 1 actrep, 10 shelreps. Two svyrs from Y Tp went to assist the RE Bridging Coy on VENLO bridge. A cordial letter of thanks for their services was subsequently received.
1330 - Bty Capt & BSM met Adjt at BERINGE. New billets allotted in PANNINGEN; but some REs got there first. The KASTENRAIJ holding party was first cancelled, then reinstated.
1800 - 020600 - 021800: B Tp - NIL, 14 actreps, 5 shelreps. D Tp - NTR.
3rd March 1945
Place: Oorloo
0800 - Locs 021800 - 030600: B Tp - 3Z, 4B, 5C, 5 area, 10 actreps, 44 shelreps. D Tp - 3 BD, 14 shelreps.
1330 - Bty Capt & BSM recce new billets in PANNINGEN.
1600 - Y Tp out of action.
1800 - Locs 030600 - 031800: B Tp - Nil, 14 actreps. D Tp - Nil, 1 shelreps.
1815 - B & D Tps out of action.
4th March 1945
Place: Oorloo
1330 - BHQ and B advance party's moved off to new billets in PANNINGEN. Y Tp moved to PANNINGEN.
5th March 1945
Place: Oorloo
0930 - BHQ closed down.
1000 - BHQ moved to PANNINGEN. Investigation of HB posns across the Maas begun; 1 offr or Sjt + 3 in a half-track for each party. CBO 8 Corps organised the search and assembled photos and records.
6th March 1945
Place: Panningen
Bulk of D Tp joined the bty. Lines parties are still lifting the 80 miles of wire laid from OORLOO. Using a 160lb tent as a gas chamber, BSM tested all available respirators. This continues until all checked.
7th March 1945
Place: Panningen
Map recce instituted for possible FSp and SRg bases on the Rhine. Otherwise, little but baths, maint, painting, cleaning, musketry and range-firing, and entertainments.
8th March 1945
Place: Panningen
NTR.
9th March 1945
Place: Panningen
NTR.
10th March 1945
Place: Panningen
BC went to Liege with ASM Dugdale to report on production of Hubert-Simon mobile FSp towers. Also contacted 11 Svy FSp Bty.
11th March 1945
Place: Panningen
0830 - B Tp moved off to deploy in area S of XANTEN. Under comd 7 Svy Regt RA. BC and all capts less Brammall attended conference with CCRA to discuss the Dutch campaign. B Tp deployed near WESEL, and 4 Sec Tp went out to svy a 4 pen base.
2150 - Message to 10 Svy Regt: 4 Sec Y Tp at 085431. B Tp 149359. E 189333. F 179358. G 172392. B Tp reports no difficulty in covering zone, which is rather bare, and so open to view. CBO sigs hope to connect line tomorrow.
12th March 1945
Place: Panningen
BC and Capt Aveling went round the FSp posts, getting a good view of WESEL rlwy bridge. An artificial smoke-screen hides British activities from German eyes, but does not assist either svyrs or FSp observers.
1415 - No.4 Sec Y Tp returned.
2200 - Message to 10 Svy: E 418960 533315 35º-130º: F 417960 535805 30º-132º; G 417000 539000 30º-160º. 10 Svy Tac informed 1630 hrs today.
13th March 1945
Place: Panningen
NTR.
14th March 1945
Place: Panningen
NTR.
15th March 1945
Place: Panningen
For all except B Tp, a period spent gratefully in make-and-mend and recreation. All ranks much gratified by CCRA's warm congratulations on their work in Holland.
16th March 1945
Place: Panningen
17th March 1945
Place: Panningen
NTR.
18th March 1945
Place: Panningen
0950 - Message CO to OC B/10. - D Tp Comd & recce party will report OC C Tp with a view to taking over existing base. Recce and preliminary arrangements with be carried out on 18 Mar 45, occupying base by 1400 hrs 19 Mar 45. Base will remain in action during take-over. C Tp HQ 951549.
1000 - Message BC to 10 Svy Tac. - Your 180800A. Orders given to D Tp Comd 0955. Suggest BHQ & Y should move into fwd area forthwith. Can I move them, or do I require permission?
19th March 1945
Place: Cleves
D Tp deployed in area CLEVES and under comd 48 Bty of 4 Svy Regt RA.
Place: Panningen
NTR.
20th March 1945
Place: Panningen
NTR.
21st March 1945
Place: Panningen
0900 - BHQ & Y Tp moved N of ISSUM. Maj Cannings remained at PANNINGEN.
22nd March 1945
Place: Issum
Maj Cannings to UK for Sigs Course at CATTERICK, YORKS. Capt Moody assumes comd B/10 Bty.
23rd March 1945
Place: Issum
NTR.
24th March 1945
Place: Issum
NTR.
25th March 1945
Place: S of Xanten
B Tp out of action and reverted to comd B/10 Bty. Remaining conc in existing HQ - XANTEN area.
Place: Issum
NTR.
26th March 1945
Place: Cleves
D Tp out of action and reverted to comd B/10 Bty.
Place: Issum
NTR.
27th March 1945
Place: Issum
0800 - Orders received to be ready to move 1100 hrs.
1000 - Movement order cancelled.
1530 - Order to move. BHQ, B, D, & Y crossed R.RHINE and moved to hide N of WESEL 205437.
28th March 1945
Place: Wesel
B/10 Bty under comd 8 AGRA to follow up the advance for CB purposes if required. 5 Sec of Y Tp under comd 11 Armd Div.
29th March 1945
Place: Wesel
1100 - Bty moved.
1400 - BHQ arrived 404478 - S of ERLE. B, D, & Y at 409482.
30th March 1945
Place: Erle
1115 - Bty convoy moved off.
1730 - Bty arrived hide SW of COESFELD.
31st March 1945
Place: Coesfeld
1400 - Bty moved.
1600 - Bty arrived HOPINGEN 707819 - with Tac HQ.
Month and year : April 1945
Commanding Officer : Maj H.E. Cannings, R.A.
1st April 1945
Place: Hopingen
B/10 Bty to follow one day's march behind HQ 8 AGRA.
2nd April 1945
Place: Hopingen
1030 - Bty moved to W of GREVEN 8789.
3rd April 1945
Place: Greven
NTR.
4th April 1945
Place: Greven
1230 - Bty moved to ANTRUP 055999.
5th April 1945
Place: Antrup
1300 - Bty moved to BISSENDORF 285027.
6th April 1945
Place: Bissendorf
1400 - BHQ moved to N of LUBBECKE. D & Y moved to deploy in STOLZENAU area. Y Tp HQ NENDORF 8434. D Tp Locs: HQ SOEGEBERG 872362. M2 687426 633241. M3 687531 635039. M4 687787 636900. M5 688215 638704. M6 688460 640385. AP 362909.
1900 - B Tp moved to deploy in STOLZENAU area. B Tp HQ at SOEGEBERG 872362.
7th April 1945
Place: Bissendorf
0420 - L/Bdr Emberlin & Gnr Outlaw killed, Gnrs Barnett & Tavener missing on RL Station.
0600 - Locs 062148 - 070600B: B Tp Not in Action. D Tp NIL, 2 shelreps.
0900 - BHQ moved to SOEGEBERG 872362.
1230 - Extract from message to CO:- Y Tp det sec under comd 11 Armd Div has just moved & will cross WESER at PETERSHAGEN. A bell-tower would improve the MUSLERINGEN post. This is in confirmation of my message via CMO 11 Armd & CBO. S Rg base Svy completed. Assistance now being give to B Tp. This tower did not arrive.
1845 - Svy completed on all B Tp posts. E 688012 633448. F 687959 636521. G 691030 638518; Zones of Obs 96º - 180º. G post originally in action at 0815 before vacating district as ordered by CRA. This post was re-occupied later after protection by 3 armd cars had been provided. This post was later complimented by RA 11 Armd for the good observation of gd movement observed round the pocket of resistance at LEESE.
8th April 1945
Place: Soegeberg
0352 - Sjt Holland fatally wounded by enemy shell. 1465276 Sjt Holland W.A., 1057694 L/Bdr Emberlin W.A. and 3969142 Gnr Outlaw F.E. buried in Temporary Burial Ground at 806340.
9th April 1945
Place: Soegeberg
0600 - Locs 080600 - 090600B: D Tp 1 AC, 1 BB, 7 Shelreps.
1400 - Locs 080600 - 091400B: B Tp NIL, 12 Actreps. B Tp base closed down.
1800 - Bty moved to SCHNEEREN.
10th April 1945
Place: Schneeren
1200 - D Tp moved to AMEDORF 238458.
1800 - B Tp deployed on new base - posts at SUEDERBUCH - NIEDERSTOEKERN - MANDELSLOH.
11th April 1945
Place: Schneeren
1000 - B redeployed to face NORTH. D deployed with base facing NE astride R LEINE. A ferry consisting of a punt drawn across the river by a line was used to assist the cable laying. The inf insisted on it being removed before dark for fear of hostile patrols.
1300 - BHQ moved to AMEDORF 238458.
1354 - Locs 102300 - 111345B: B Tp NIL, 3 Actreps, 3 Shelreps. B Tp base closed down.
1900 - Message to CO:- (1) LOCATIONS - B/10 238458; B 249556; D 274530; Y 238458. (2) OPs - E 724467.4 646404.9. F 724801.2 651080.8. G 720949.3 655131.2. (3) MICROs - M1 287529, M2 279533, M3 271538, M4 262544, M5 251550, M6 240558. (4) SVY - 2 Micros complete; work well advanced on remainder; B Tp complete. (5) LINES - 3 Micros complete - others well advanced; 2 OPs complete - 3rd nearly finished. (6) Herewith report on lost Micro party.
2300 - B Tp Sitrep - Zones of Obs: E 295º - 57º, F 325º - 58º, G 300º - 63º.
12th April 1945
Place: Amedorf
0600 - Locs 112033 - 120600B: D Tp 1 A, 1 B, 1 Area, 8 Shelreps. Maj H.E. Cannings RA resumes comd of B/10 Bty.
1800 - Locs 111530 - 121800B: B Tp 1 Area, 7 Actreps, 23 Shelreps.
13th April 1945
Place: Amedorf
0600 - Locs 121800 - 130600B: B Tp 1 Area; 5 Actreps; 8 Shelreps. 120600 - 130600B: D Tp 1 AB, 1 AC, 2 BB, 4 BC, 10 Shelreps.
14th April 1945
Place: Amedorf
0600 - Locs 130600 - 140600B: B Tp NIL, 20 Actreps, 27 Shelreps. D Tp 2 AB, 1 AC, 2 B, 3 BC, 1 BD, 1 C, 12 Shelreps. Y Tp complete allotted to 11 Armd to cope with the 4 regts under comd that div. Remainder of tp moved to join the detached section.
1845 - Message to B & D Tps:- (1) Tps will come out of action immediately and be ready to move at 150900B. (2) Tp Tac recce (each 1 jeep, 1 m/c) report to CO at Tac RHQ SCHARNHORST 7262 before 150900B. (3) Hide recce parties RV 150630B at rd junc 735664 (nr DALLE). (4) Unless otherwise ordered BHQ & tps will roll at 150900B & proceed individually to RV with hide recce at rd junc 735664.
15th April 1945
Place: Amedorf
0900 - Bty moved to DALLE 7368.
16th April 1945
Place: Dalle
6 Airborne sent 2 plns and a few armd vehs to DALLE today to take it. We said we'd got it already. However they flushed a party of Germans some hundred yards away in the woods.
1200 - Message to Y Tp: (1) Sent HUNT to Main RHQ 6151 for compassionate leave. (2) Send to X Tp 8583 an offr, 2 pairs and computing bodies to share 15 (S) Div work. Remainder continue to work for 11 Armd. (3) Tac RHQ moves to OLDENBURG 8281 today (or area). B/10 remains at DALLE 7368. Y Tp 15 Apr 45: HUXAHL 5668, moving northward today towards EBSTORF.
17th April 1945
Place: Dalle
B Tp practiced erecting the 60' Bell FSp tower which, when dismantled, is a single 3-tonner load. D Tp also exercised a team, in case it should ever prove helpful to lend help to B Tp in this task.
18th April 1945
Place: Dalle
Sjt Steele, of B Tp, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre for gallant work in the Normandy bridgehead.
2050 - Message to Tac RHQ: Your message received 2045. Recce parties now leaving. Lt Farmer as temp LO, but I urge his return, leaving DR only, tomorrow, as D Tp has no other offr at present. B Tp have only Lt Saunders. Y Tp with 4 offrs not readily accessible.
19th April 1945
Place: Dalle
0900 - Bty moved to HACKLINGEN (less Y Tp).
Place: Hacklingen
B & D deployed.
Place: Erbstorf
2200 - B Tp SITREP: E 785302 725550: F 782240 725250: in action 1945 hrs. HQ 830233. Mob twr at F. Hope use Bell twr at F on arrival. G will be in action 0800 tomorrow at 772260. It was too dark when OP pty reached site to do any work in roof of church. In comn with CMO by air & ops by line. Much trouble all day due to blown bridges & roads. Impossible get area ordered, might do better tomorrow.
2220 - Y Tp SITREP: Svy on M2 comp by 2130. Lt Chitty on recce during afternoon with CO 146 Med. CCRA 11 Armd orders SRg base priority for svy. 3 Sec X Tp RC at SCHARNEBECK & under control Y Tp. SRg base & mob twr to be svrys tomorrow. 2 prs Y Tp & 3 Sec X Tp to work on Regtl areas. 1 Sjt & 1 pr still with 13 RHA but nothing with 151 or 1 Mountain. RC remaining at ERBSTORF.
Place: Adendorf
2255 - D Tp SITREP: HQ 800259. Base from 852259 to 783261, AP 803284. Base put in at CRS's request. Unable to reach desired area owing to blown bridges. Ample accn for BHQ if required. Probably in action by 0200 on 5 wired mics & RL AP.
20th April 1945
Place: Hacklingen
0100 - SITREP to 10 Svy (Locs etc as on Tp SITREPS).
Place: Adendorf
0356 - D Tp base in action.
Place: Hacklingen
0600 - Locs 191800 - 200600: B Tp - NIL, 6 shelreps. D Tp - NIL, 6 shelreps.
1500 - Situation as at 201400B: B Tp - G Post moving to ch in ST DIONYS 7729, HQ to 800259. F Post will then be moved to area 800260. Bell twr arrived this evening, delayed overnight by breakdown at SUDERBURG. Rly br (now blown) is just visible from E Post 20º. D Tp - HQ moving to 810301 when new base wired. Recce completed, wiring begun. Estimated in action this evening. Only mics 1 & 2 greatly exposed. New base has required orientation, but is perhaps 900m further fwd to use front of woods. Y Tp - now at 800259. Svy obs for temp base completed, for new base begun. News not yet to hand when I was last there of gun jobs, but guns now arrived. E Post svyrd, new posts incorp with SRg svy as soon as possible. BHQ - will join Y Tp & B Tp at 800259, probably tomorrow morning. RT net with Y Tp OK. I will visit you later today. CBO - Laying lines from SCHARNEBECK.
Place: Adendorf
1840 - B Tp SITREP. In action. E 785302.1 725550.3 (Trig); F 780033.0 726141.0 (Prov); G 777543.5 729906.4 (Trig); HQ 800259.
2023 - D Tp Base closed down. Locs 200600 - 202023: 1 Area, 5 shelreps.
21st April 1945
Place: Brietlingen
0010 - New D Tp base in action: M1 784776 728343, M2 783129 729114, M3 781494 730061, M4 779782 731051, M5 778013 732031, M6 777086 732856, AP4 824331, HQ 811301.
Place: Hacklingen
0600 - Locs 201840 - 210600: B Tp - Nil, 20 shelreps, 1 actrep. Locs 210010 - 210600: D Tp - 1 Area, 15 shelreps.
1015 - BHQ moved to join B & Y Tps at 800259 ADENDORF.
Place: Adendorf
The battery has now almost a text-book illustration deployment. B/10, B Tp, and Y Tp (all together) have a HQ on the axis. D Tp HQ is also on the axis, two miles up. Their single AP is 2½ miles further on still on the axis. F Post is a stonesthrow from B Tp HQ, and both bases are almost perpendicular to, and bisected by the axis main road. Admin traffic is simpler than it has ever been. The AP, however, may be visited only by night, owing to the command given to the Germans by the LAUENBERG feature.
22nd April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 210600 - 220600: B Tp - Nil, 6 shelreps, 6 actreps. D Tp - 1 CD, 5 shelreps. BC had a narrow escape today when a rung in the highest ladder in G Post (St DIONYS church steeple) gave way under his not inconsiderable weight.
23rd April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 220600 - 230600: B Tp - Nil, 9 shelreps, 12 actreps. D Tp:- 1 AB, 1 AC, 1 BC, 3 CD, 3 area, 13 shelreps.
24th April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 230600 - 240600: B Tp - 1 area, 10 actreps, 15 shelreps. D Tp - 1 BB, 1 BC, 1 BD, 2 area, 25 shelreps.
25th April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 240600 - 250600: B Tp - 1 C, 12 actreps, 7 shelreps. D Tp - 3 AB, 3 BC, 33 shelreps.
26th April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 250600 - 260600: B Tp - 2 area, 9 actreps, 3 shelreps. D Tp - 2 BC, 1 area, 30 shelreps.
27th April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 260600 - 270600: B Tp - Nil, 4 actreps, 1 shelrep. D Tp - 1 area, 9 shelreps.
28th April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 270600 - 280600: B Tp - Nil, 1 actrep. D Tp - 1 AC, 1 BC, 1 BD, 1 DD, 16 shelreps. B Tp prepared a separate OP in SCHARNEBECK church for Corps Comd who wishes to watch opening phases of the ELBE crossings. They furnished it with a FSp instrument, a 1/25,000 map board, a vertical-photo map, and a series of obliques.
29th April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 280600 - 290600: B Tp - Nil, 20 actreps, 31 shelreps. D Tp - 2 AB, 2 AC, 1 BB, 5 BC, 1 B, 1 CD, 23 shelreps. Y Tp crossed the ELBE today, two recce jeeps some 10 hours and the remainder some 15 hours after the assault. At the last minute, Lt Solomon and a FSp OP were sent with the second party.
1715 - B Tp base out of action.
30th April 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 290600 - 300600: B Tp - Nil, 4 actreps. D Tp - 1 AB, 1 AC, 3 BB, 2 BC, 3 BD, 2 area, 43 shelreps. Y Tp reported at 871357, north of LAUENBERG. The FSp OP is in the LAUENBERG windmill, 883350.
Month and year : May 1945
Commanding Officer : Maj H.E. Cannings, R.A.
1st May 1945
Place: Adendorf
0600 - Locs 300600 - 010600: D Tp - 1 area, 15 shelreps.
1225 - D Tp out of action. Locs 010600 - 011225: NTR.
Place: Krukow
1330 - Y Tp report RC at 831398.
Place: Adendorf
Sent rations across the ELBE for Y Tp and Sjt Milliers' post. The truck had a very hard time getting back, owing to the priority for up traffic.
2nd May 1945
Place: Wiershop
1120 - Y Tp report RC at 808420. Hides across the ELBE recced during the day, move began 2230. The five miles to the bridge at ARTLENBURG took exactly five hours.
Place: Adendorf
2230 - BHQ, B, & D moved off to cross R. ELBE.
3rd May 1945
Place: Fuhlenhagen
0600 - BHQ, B, & D arrived FUHLENHAGEN 852568. There were enemy aircraft about, followed by much AA tracer, as we crossed the bridge at 0330, but no offensive action.
Place: Kuddeworde
1120 - Y Tp report RC at 762580. Our tactic at this time was to keep up with the advance on LÜBECK in case bases were wanted during its investment. But news soon came that LÜBECK was taken; our next possible deployment was on the KIEL Canal.
Place: Fuhlenhagen
Gnrs Tavener and Barnett, reported missing on 7 Apr, are now known to be PWX. Our best piece of news for a long time.
4th May 1945
0800 - BHQ, B, & D, moved to WESENBERG 862830. Regtl conc.
Place: Mollhagen
1115 - Y Tp report RC at 725719.
Place: Wesenberg
Not even the Kiel Canal now; N.Germany will surrender at 0800 tomorrow. This is D+332, and we landed on D+18; about 1000 miles in 314 days.
5th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
0800 - "CEASE FIRE" against 21 AG in DENMARK, HOLLAND, and N.W. GERMANY.
Place: Mollhagen
Y Tp moved to Wesenberg
Place: Wesenberg
Preliminary discussion about Occupation duties.
6th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
NTR.
7th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
B Tp found a lake with boats on, and the BC and Bty Capt had their first sail on the continent. Sudden conference at midnight, planning recce of KIEL as our Occupation Area.
8th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
"VE-DAY", spent, however, by recce parties in trying to find clear roads through the wreckage of Kiel, pausing only to hear Mr Churchill on a car radio at 1500 hrs.
9th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
Advance party sent to the Baracken-lage "Eckernförde-Chausee", to get the occupying Germans and their prisoners out, and then clean up. The name of this hutted barracks is impossible. We shall rename it "TILGATE CAMP".
10th May 1945
Place: Kiel
0900 - Regt move to KIEL.
1430 - B/10 HQ & B & D est TILGATE CAMP C585383. Y Tp est C 578378.
11th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Party of approx 130 Offrs and men commenced Op KGF at MÖNKEBURG (transferring POW to OLDENBURG).
12th May 1945
Place: Kiel
NTR.
13th May 1945
Place: Kiel
NTR.
14th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Op KGF completed. Det B/10 exhausted. Peace hath her victories, no less renowned than war.
15th May 1945
Place: Kiel
Report on Op KGF to CO. Thus ends the fortnight for which we have trained and fought for nearly six years. The Bty has been very fortunate. Little sickness, practically no crime. Eight killed, one missing, one offr and thirteen men wounded, most of them slightly. Svy regts get little rest, and are often remote from Welfare, but the doggedness and uncomplaining determination of the men have been remarkable. OPs and APs have been invariably, and all HQs usually, within Fd gun and NBW range of the FDLs, but only three or four of the men have shown any loss of nerve. I am proud to have commanded them.
16th to 31st May 1945 Inclusive
Place: Kiel
During this period the Battery has supplied guards for two clothing stores, two food stores, a wireless station and a Mil Gov HQ. The scale of the guards has been such as to require both NCOs and men to be on guard rather more than one night in two. The commitments are expected to diminish in the near future. The Battery has now centralised practically all its technical stores on the FSp and SRg sides, but has left Svy stores with Y Tp in case of the incidence of svy commitments. Welfare has continued sparse and of indifferent quality, but a beginning has been made with sports, for which, however, more apparatus will be very welcome.
C.M. Troop Survey Battery, 10th Survey Regiment
Month and year : March 1945
Commanding Officer : Capt W. Clayton, R.A.
1st March 1945
1800 - On 24 hrs notice to move.
2245 - C.O. rang to say Nos 1 & 2 Secs could close down. District exchange moved.
2nd March 1945
1000 - Nos 1 & 2 Secs closed down.
0900 - To Venraij for recce but cancelled.
1400 - To Panningen for recce but cancelled.
2230 - Word that Nos 1 & 2 Secs will move to 54 Bty billets in Maasbree on 4 March.
3rd March 1945
No 1 and 2 Secs move to Maasbree lunchtime today.
1330 - To Panningen for recce: Allotted Kerkstraat.
1900 - No " Sec closed down.
4th March 1945
0900 - Moved to Panningen with No. 4 Sec.
1000 - No.2 Sec moved to Panningen.
1300 - No.1 Sec moved to Panningen.
1800 - C.Os conference for training & maintenance programmes.
5th March 1945
1330 - No.3 Sec moved to Panningen.
6th to 9th March 1945
Maintenance etc.
10th March 1945
Maintenance.
11th March 1945
No.2 Sec deployed on Wordt base North of Xanten.
12th March 1945
Tac H.Q. moved to Issum.
13th March 1945
Capt. W. Clayton R.A. returned from leave and reassumed command of Troop.
14th March 1945
No.2 Sec experienced difficulty in plotting locations although films were good. Suspected placing of microphones not in sympathy with Survey. Survey check ordered.
15th March 1945
Capt Clayton with No.1 Sec to Calcar area for deployment with 3 Br. Div. Base recced in area of Huisberden 960560 and deployment started. All area under observation from Emmerich rendering movement in area difficult. 4th Survey Regt R.A. unable to survey base therefore internal survey by Section.
16th March 1945
Place: Panningen, Holland
No.1 Sec deployed on HUISBERDEN base under command of 4th Survey Regt R.A. Base survey done internally by Section on B.P. data from X Troop, of 4th Survey Regt. No 2 Sec deployed near Xanten under command of 7th Survey Regt R.A. Base survey done by Y Tp. of 10 Survey Regt R.A.
17th March 1945
O.C. visited both No.1 and No.2 Sections to ensure CMO link up O.K.
18th March 1945
Lt. Buttle R.E.M.E. visited the Troop to overhaul all equipments if necessary and to check up for faults. This Troop compares most favourably with other 4-Pen Troops re faults encountered.
19th March 1945
Lt. Buttle overhauled No.3 Sec and explained use of Boxes Microphone Calibrating.
20th March 1945
0800 - O.C. took Lt. Buttle to visit No.1 and No.2 Secs in action to inspect equipment.
1100 - Lt Howell-Everson ordered to contact 7th Survey Regt R.A. re taking over of 4 Pen base opposite WESEL.
1830 - Orders from 2i/c to move to area of KAPPELEN for concentration with Regt.
21st March 1945
0900 - Tp moved from Panningen.
1100 - Arrived KEPPELEN No. Sec on to new base immediately for take over.
1110 - Tp (less No.3 Sec deployed) moved into hide at 087306.
1200 - No.3 Sec took over WESEL base from CM Troop of 7th Survey Regt R.A. working under command of 7th Survey Regt.
22nd March 1945
0900 - O.C. visited C.O. Instructed to visit 4th & 7th Survey Regts and CMO. 3rd Brit Div. re coming out of action of No.1 Sec and No.2 Sec.
1300 - Visited 7th Survey Regt No.2 Sec come out of action at 1200 on 23rd.
1530 - Visited 4th Survey Regt and CMO 3 Brit Div. Services of No.1 Sec still required.
1930 - Reported to C.O.
23rd March 1945
1200 - No.12 Sec came out of action and reported to Tp HQ location.
1330 - No.3 Sec reported all well on WESEL base.
2030 - Orders from O.C. for No.3 Sec to come out of action at 1800 on 24th.
24th March 1945
Rhine attack going well Tp standing by for orders.
1800 - No.3 Sec came out of action on WESEL base.
25th March 1945
0800 - L/Bdr Whitehead sent on upgrading course for Veh Mechs.
1100 - Orders for O.C. with escort to proceed over Rhine to make contact with 6 Airborne Div and X Troop.
1300 - O.C. and Lt. Howell-Everson as escort left on detail.
2400 - O.C. and escort returned with required information.
26th March 1945
2030 - Orders from C.O. for No.1 Sec to come out of action.
2200 - Warning from Adjt of possible move early on 27th.
27th March 1945
0630 - O.C. out to see 4th Survey Regt and No.1 Sec for release from Huisberden base. Ordered Troop to prepare to move at 1200 hrs.
0830 - Gave Lt Drummond orders to come out of action at 1100 and report immediately to Troop HQ.
1100 - O.C. returned Orders from Adjt to cancel order to move. Stood men down.
1500 - O.C. visited C.O. at WESEL to obtain information re possible move.
2000 - O.C. returned. Tp standing by to move on orders from Adjt.
28th March 1945
0033 - Orders to move over Rhine to WESEL area.
0530 - Arrived at Wesel and bivouaced. Halt until daylight.
0730 - Contacted Tac HQ and recced hide area.
1030 - Moved into milk factory on northern outskirts of Wesel. Maintenance of vehicles.
2300 - Received orders to detach a Sec to accompany 11 Armd Div on coming push. Orders given to Lt. Drummond to be prepared to move at 0830 hrs on 29th.
29th March 1945
0830 - No.1 Sec moved to report to CMO. 11 Armd Div.
1030 - Orders from Tac HQ to supply half track plus driver for use of 2i/c. Gnr Gibson with half track despatched c/o Lt Kenney. Remainder of Troop on maintenance.
30th March 1945
0800 - On orders from Adjt 2 Sgts and 26 O.Rs. with 2 three tonners and drivers despatched under command of Lt Clark for work loading petrol with 58 FMC.
31st March 1945
Personnel still working on petrol fatigues.
Month and year : April 1945
Commanding Officer : Capt W. Clayton, R.A.
1st April 1945
Place: Wesel
No.1 SEC. still accompanying 11 AMD. DIV. under command.
2nd April 1945
Place: Wesel
O.C. visited C.O. at T.A.C. H.Q. Orders received to move to 60 F.M.C. area as soon as possible.
3rd April 1945
Place: Wesel
1000 - O.C. on recce with Adj. in VELEN area.
5th April 1945
Place: Wesel
0930 - Troop moved from WESEL for new hide.
1300 - Arrived at VELEN.
1900 - Lt. HOWELL-EVERSON detailed to report to T.A.C. H.Q. as liaison officer. Lt. CLARKE with one Sgt. and 20 men with 3 ton lorry detailed for duties with 60 F.M.C.
6th April 1945
Place: Velen
0700 - Lt. HOWELL-EVERSON left for T.A.C. H.Q.
0800 - Lt. CLARKE with fatigue party left for F.M.C.
1800 - Conference with Adj. re move to 61 F.M.C. area.
7th April 1945
Place: Velen
0830 - Conference with Adj. re move to 62 F.M.C. area. Troop to move at 1500.
1400 - O.C. moved with recce parties to find night bivouac area en route.
1500 - Troop moved from VELEN.
1830 - Regt. and Troop arrived in bivouac area on DORTMUND-EMS CANAL.
8th April 1945
Place: Velen
0730 - O.C. moved with recce parties for KELLEN area.
1100 - Contacted C.O. at T.A.C. H.Q. Hide located at ORT near KELLEN 619170.
1500 - Troop concentrated with Regt. at ORT. Orders from C.O. to replace No.1 SEC. by No.2 SEC. under command 11 AMD. DIV. Lt. EVANS left to contact C.M.O. 11 AMD. DIV. and Lt. DRUMMOND with orders for take-over.
9th April 1945
Place: Ort
0700 - O.C. with No.2 SEC. to contact Lt. EVANS at MARDORF.
1100 - Lt. EVANS contacted and take-over complete. O.C. visited C.M.O.
1300 - O.C. left MARDORF with No.1 SEC. to return to Troop.
1900 - O.C. and No.1 SEC. arrived at Troop. Orders from Adj. to prepare to move to NEUSTADT area on the 10th April.
10th April 1945
Place: Ort
1200 - O.C. left on recce of new area.
1300 - Troop moved from ORT.
1800 - Troop arrived at 63 F.M.C. near NEUSTADT and bivouaced for night.
11th April 1945
Place: Ort
1100 - O.C. with Lt. TUCK on recce for hide.
1300 - Contacted C.O. and informed him of move. Troop moved to EMPEDE. Hide in village recced for R.H.Q. and 100 Radar C. Troop.
1900 - Sgt. and 20 men sent to F.M.C. for petrol off-loading.
12th April 1945
Place: Empede
1300 - Adj. and Office Truck arrived at Troop Hide.
2000 - Orders to move to 64 F.M.C. near CELLE.
13th April 1945
Place: Empede
0800 - O.C. moved with recce parties to CELLE area.
1030 - Troop moved from EMPEDE.
1400 - Troop arrived at CELLE. Temporary hide until 15 Scottish Div. moved out of bridgehead.
1500 - Troop moved over River ALLER to hide at ALTENHAGEN.
2200 - Orders received from Adj. for a Sgt. and 20 men to stand by for duties with 64 F.M.C.
14th April 1945
Place: Altenhagen
0800 - Sgt. and 20 men standing by.
1000 - O.C. and Lt. TUCK left to contact Field Cashier and No.2 SEC. with 11 AMD. DIV.
1200 - No.2 SEC. contacted at ESSEL. C.M.O. visited. All going smoothly.
15th April 1945
Place: Altenhagen
Fatigue party still working with F.M.C.
16th April 1945
Place: Altenhagen (near CELLE)
No.2 Sec still deployed with 11 Amd Div (under command).
1000 - O.C. to TAC HQ warned that a Section may be needed by 15 S Div.
1530 - Orders received from C.O. for No.3 Sec to contact 15 S Div for C.B. duties.
1545 - O.C. with Lt. Hewell-Everson left to contact 15 S Div HQ R.A.
1745 - ACBO contacted and arrangements made for No.3 Sec to join HQ. RA. at 0830 on 18 May under command.
17th April 1945
Place: Altenhagen
0730 - No.3 Sec left for 15 S Div.
2000 - O.C. visited TAC for general information.
18th April 1945
Place: Altenhagen
1130 - Sgt Taylor and L/Bdr Hall arrived from No.2 Sec at Troop HQ. Accident with Jeep en route entailing replacement.
1400 - Lt. Tuck on recce for hide near UELZEN.
19th April 1945
Place: Altenhagen
0830 - Tp moved to new hide at BAHNSEN near UELZEN.
1200 - Tp arrived at location.
1400 - CMO 5 Div called at Tp HQ to discuss 4 Pen.
1530 - Contacted TAC HQ.
20th April 1945
Place: Bahnsen
0830 - OC left to visit No.2 Sec with 11 Amd Div.
1030 - Contacted CMO 11 Amd Div.
1200 - OC located No.2 Sec at WINSEN. Deployment in progress.
21st April 1945
Place: Bahnsen
0830 - OC left to visit No.3 Sec at 15 S Div.
0945 - Arrived at Scharnebeck and contacted 15 S Div CMO and BMRA but no knowledge of No.3 Sec location.
1600 - Returned to Troop having failed to locate No.3 Sec.
22nd April 1945
Place: Bahnsen
0900 - OC left on recce of LUNEBURG area.
1000 - Troop moved from BAHNSEN to hide at ODEME.
1230 - Tp arrived at new hide.
1400 - OC contacted CO and received orders to withdraw No.3 Sec from 15 S Div.
1930 - OC contacted 15 S Div finally located No.3 Sec and gave orders for No.3 Sec to return to Tp on 23rd at 0900.
23rd April 1945
Place: Odeme
0900 - No.3 Sec returned to Tp.
1400 - With Lt. Howell-Everson, OC visited HQ.RA 15 S Div. CMO & ACBO requested double base near KOHLINGEN.
1630 - OC on recce for base.
1830 - Base recced, HQ sited and Survey put in picture. Permission to visit AP areas refused until cleared on following morning.
24th April 1945
Place: Odeme
0830 - OC with No.1 & No.3 Sections left Tp HQ to deploy with 5 Div.
1100 - Line parties out, Tp Cmdrs recce of AP's. HQ established.
1800 - Base wired but awaited Survey data. X Survey Troop report only 4 mics data available. Remainder to be completed on 25th. Base in action on 4 mics surveyed and 3 map spots.
25th April 1945
Place: Odeme
0900 - OC visited KOHLINGEN base.
1200 - Visited CMO and ACBO at 5 Div. Survey data still not available.
26th April 1945
Place: Odeme
0900 - Lt Tuck left to visit KOHLINGEN base. OC to visit No.2 Sec at EICHOLTZ near NIEDERMARSCHAT on R. ELBE.
1200 - OC contacted CMO 11 Amd Div and Lt. Evans.
1800 - OC reported to CO at TAC HQ.
27th April 1945
Place: Odeme
1000 - Tp informed by CO to be on 24 hrs notice to move.
1200 - Lt. Evans arrived at Troop to report Sgt Taylor and Bdr Judd as missing since 2100 hrs the previous day.
1300 - Reported to CO and OC left to contact infantry units in area of No.2 Sec.
2130 - OC contacted 15 S Div and learned that 2 boat loads of enemy had crossed the ELBE the previous night. Therefore reported the two NCOs as MISSING BELIEVED PRISONER.
28th April 1945
Place: Odeme
0900 - OC visited No.1 & No.3 Secs at KOHLINGEN. Spent day at APs.
2030 - Americans taking over KOHLINGEN area from 5 Div. OC therefore left to contact 5 Div and Regt for information.
29th April 1945
Place: Odeme
0900 - Lt Tuck to visit No.2 Sec at EICHOLTZ. 5 Div out of the line and into reserve.
1200 - Orders from CO for No.3 Sec to come out of action and report to 5 Div for move over R ELBE. Message despatch to No.3 Sec. No.1 Sec ordered to remain at KOHLINGEN to reel in wire.
1800 - CMO 5 Div visited Tp HQ re siting of No.2 Sec pending deployment. Decided they would travel with the Survey Sec from X Troop.
30th April 1945
Place: Odeme
1000 - Orders from CO for No.1 Sec to come out of action and proceed to 15 S Div.
1010 - D.R. dispatched with orders to Lt. Drummond.
1245 - OC left to contact No.1 Sec and ascertain progress.
1400 - No.1 Sec contacted on the move.
1530 - OC visited No.3 Sec at 5 Div.
1620 - No.1 Sec arrived at SCHARNEBECK. 15 S Div gone and no orders left for them.
1630 - OC saw CO at 100 Radar Bty, C Tp HQ. Informed him of situation and received orders to try to contact 15 S Div by line or R/T. Failing that No.1 Sec to cross river at first light on 1 May.
2030 - No contact with 15 S Div possible. OC gave orders to Lt Drummond to cross R ELBE at 0630 hrs on 1 May.
Month and year : May 1945
Commanding Officer : Capt W. Clayton, R.A.
1st May 1945
Place: Oedeme (near Luneburg)
No.1 Section moved over Elbe with 15 Sc. Div.
2nd May 1945
Place: Oedeme
Troop left OEDEME in Regtl. convoy to cross River ELBE.
3rd May 1945
0600 - Arrived at SCHRETSTAKEN.
4th May 1945
Place: Schretstaken
0900 - T.C. and Lt. Tuck fwd on recce near Lubecke.
1000 - Troop moved.
1200 - Troop arrived at WESENBERG. Informed all fighting ceased.
5th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
No.1 Section and No.2 Sections ordered to return to Troop.
6th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
No.2 Section returned to Troop.
7th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
No.1 Section returned to Troop.
8th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
0630 - Capt. Clayton with Adj. on recce of KIEL area.
9th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
1030 - Holding party, Lt. Tuck i/c left for RUSSEE.
10th May 1945
Place: Wesenberg
0855 - Troop left WESENBERG in Regtl. column.
1500 - Arrived at new location in Russee.
11th May 1945
Place: Russee
Troop commenced guard duties on German P.W.'s arriving at Kiel docks.
16th May 1945
Place: Russee
Troop engaged on guarding Stores in KIEL.
28th May 1945
Place: Russee
Warned to prepare for recce. in 30 Corps Area, 105 BDE.
29th May 1945
Place: Russee
0645 - T.C. away on recce, with Major Jamieson and Capt. Moody.
30th May 1945
Place: Russee
2400 - T.C. returned from recce.
