National Archives catalogue number WO 177/831.

Abbreviation

2 i/c 982352 AAC A/C ACC AD Adm Admin ADMS ADS AGRA Airfd A/L Amb APTC A/Q Armd Arty Aslt A/Tk Attd Bde Bdy BLA Bldg Bn Br Brit Bty CB CCP CCS Cdn Cdo C-in-C CO Comd Comdr Comn Coy DAA&QMG DADH DADMS DDMS Def Det Div DP DR DZ Equipt Est Excl Fd Fmn FOO FSU Fwd Gen Germ GOC Gp GSW Hghldrs Hosp Hy i/c Incl Indep Infm Instr Int Intercomn Junc L Ldg LO L of C Lt/W MAC M/C MDS Med MO MR MTO OC Offr O Group OO Op OR OS Pl Pro Pt PW PW(X) QM R RA RAChD RAMC RAP RASC Rd RE Regt REME Rgt Rly RMO RV S SB SEAC Sec Sig SMO Sp Sqdrn / Sqn Sup Temp Tk TOS Tp Tpt W WE Wrls W/T X rds

Second-in-Command Map Reference Army Air Corps Aircraft Army Catering Corps Army Dental Corps Administration Administration Assistant Director Medical Services Advanced Dressing Station Army Group Royal Artillery Airfield Airlanding Ambulance Army Physical Training Corps Adjutant and Quartermaster Branch Armoured Artillery Assault Anti-Tank Attached Brigade Boundary British Liberation Army Building Battalion British / Bridge British Battery Counter Battery Casualty Collection Point Casualty Clearing Station Canadian Commando Commander-in-Chief Commanding Officer Command Commander Communication Company Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General Deputy Assistant Director Hygiene Deputy Assistant Director Medical Services Deputy Director Medical Services Defence Detachment Division / Divisional Displaced Person Despatch Rider Drop Zone Equipment Establish Excluding Field Formation Forward Observation Officer Field Surgical Unit Forward General German General Officer Commanding Group Gun Shot Wound Highlanders Hospital Heavy In-Command Including Independent Information Instruction Intelligence Intercommunication Junction Lowland Landing Liaison Officer Line of Communication Lightweight Motor Ambulance Convoy Motorcycle Main Dressing Station Medical / Medium Medical Officer Map Reference Motor Transport Officer Officer Commanding Officer Orders Group Operation Order Operation Other Ranks Ordnance Survey Platoon Provost Point Prisoner of War Ex-Prisoner of War Quartermaster Royal / River Royal Artillery Royal Army Chaplain's Department Royal Army Medical Corps Regimental Aid Post Royal Army Service Corps Road Royal Engineers Regiment Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Regiment Railway Regimental Medical Officer Rendezvous Scottish Stretcher Bearer South-East Asia Command Section Signal Senior Medical Officer Support Squadron Supply Temporary Tank Taken-on-Strength Troop Transport Welsh War Establishment Wireless Wireless Telegraphy Crossroads

Month and year : March 1945

Commanding Officer : Lt. Col. A.D. Young D.S.O. RAMC

1st to 5th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

Unit on block leave.

6th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

2359 - Unit returned from leave.

7th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

0900 - C.O. held an Officers' Conference on future policy.  Training programme is attached.

1500 - The G.O.C. (Major General E.L. BOLS D.S.O.) visited the Unit.

8th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1730 - The Bde. Comdr. spoke to Officers & Sgts in the Bde on future training.

1900 - C.O. received outline plan of future operation (including time & place) from the Bde. Comdr.  Capt. FREEMAN rejoined Unit after leave in Eire.

9th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1400 - C.O. visited A.D.M.S. & discussed operational plan.

10th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1400 - C.O. & 2 i/c briefed on sand table by Bde. Comdr.  Lieut. SCOTT proceeded on 7 days leave.

11th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1430 - C.O. attended an A.D.M.S. Conference at which preliminary details of re-supply programme were discussed.

1500 - Majority of Unit did a training jump on the Divisional D.Z.

1900 - C.O. held a sand table exercise for Bn. medical personnel & Fd. Amb. sections.  Points discussed were clearing D.Z. casualties in daylight & an A.D.S. formed by the Bn. R.A.P. & the attached Fd. Amb. section.

12th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

Training programme for week is attached.

0900 - C.O. saw Bde. Comdr. re glider allotment.  E[?] allotment [? ?] settled.

1145 - C.O. met Comdr. XVIII U.S. Army Corps (Major General RIDGWAY) at Bde. H.Q.

13th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

Briefing material received & briefing room started in officers' quarters.  Only C.O. 2 i/c & Chief Clerk on "X" list.

14th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

0900 - C.O. attended a further briefing at Div H.Q. by the Bde. Comdr.

1530 - C.O. attended the Div. Comdrs. Coordinating Conference.

15th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

2125 - 3 Para. Bde. O.O. No.20 (operation VARSITY-PLUNDER) received.

16th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1530 - Unit O.O. No.2 issued to [?] & 2 i/c only.

17th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1720 - 1 Cdn. Para. Bn. O.O. received.  Rev Kenny joined for duty.

18th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1630 - 9 Para. Bn. O.O. received.  Adv. Parties left for Transit Camps.

1800 - Section officers briefed at Divisional H.Q.

19th March 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

0600 - Unit sea tail left for B.L.A. ([Four?] vehicles & 50 ORs).

1430 - D.D.M.S. 1 Br. Airborne Corps (Brig. A.A. EAGGER C.B.E.) visited the Unit & discussed forthcoming op. with C.O.

1615 - Comdr. 1 Allied Airborne Army (General BRERETON) visited the Unit to wish it good luck.

20th March 1945

Place: Hill Hall (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 107 M.R. 932183)

0655 - Main Party left for Transit camps at HILL HALL & MUSHROOM FARM.

1640 - C.O. Capts. Gray & Anderson, Rev. Kenny & Lt. Scott 1st Line Reinforcement Officer arrived HILL HALL.  Nos. 1 & 2 Sections attached to 1 Cdn. Para. Bn. & 8 Para. Bn. also in this camp.  C.O. appointed O.C. Troops.

21st March 1945

Place: Hill Hall nr. Epping (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 107 M.R. 932183)

1400 - Other ranks briefed for operation VARSITY / PLUNDER.

1700 - Bde. Comdr. spoke to all ranks down to L/Cpl. on forthcoming operation.  D [? ?] W.O. visited camp.

22nd March 1945

Place: Hill Hall nr. Epping (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 107 M.R. 932183)

0900 - Final briefing which lasted all morning.

1445 - Div. Comdr. (Maj. Gen. E.L. BOLS DSO) visited camp & spoke to all ranks on forthcoming operation.

1745 - C.O. visited remainder of Unit at MUSHROOM FARM nr. BRAINTREE.

23rd March 1945

Place: Hill Hall nr. Epping (OS 1" to 1 mile Sheet 107 M.R. 932183)

0745 - Sticks went to ONGAR airfield, drew & fitted parachutes & containers.

1545 - Message received from Div. that D day for operation VARSITY is MARCH 24th.

24th March 1945

Place: Bergen Area (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4205 M.R. 157472)

0723 - The Unit took off from the following airfields:-

Nominal roll of personnel, by sticks, is attached.  The Bde. flew in 3 flights:-

        1. 8 Bn. The Para. Regt. & Bde. H.Q.

        2. 1 Cdn. Para. Bn.

        3. 9 Para. Bn.

0957 - First flight dropped on D.Z. in squares 1548 & 1648 followed by 2nd and 3rd flights at 4 minute intervals.

1020 - The landing was opposed & the Bde. H.Q. & Fd. Amb. R.V. at 158477 was found to be a German Strong Point (71 of the enemy were here).  In approaching this position CAPT. C.A. CHAUNDY AD Corps, the Dental Officer, was shot through the neck & killed instantaneously.  Most of the Unit were accounted for at the R.V. 30 minutes after the drop.  About this time the enemy started to heavily mortar the D.Z.  There were many wounded on the D.Z. & these were cleared, according to plan, to the Bde. H.Q. & Bn R.Vs.

1040 - The Bde. Glider Party started to arrive.  Only 2 out of the 3 Fd. Amb. gliders turned up.

1245 - C.O. went to area 1 Cdn. Para. Bn. & decided to set up a M.D.S. in the ruined church at 157472.  Unit followed except for Capt. GRAY & No.4 Section who were clearing D.Z. casualties.

1440 - M.D.S. open and 1 Surgical Team operating.

1525 - Carriers of 15 (Scottish) Div. were seen approaching 1 Cdn. Para. Bns. positions.

1545 - A.D.M.S. (Col M. MACEWAN D.S.O. O.B.E. D.F.C.) arrived by road from West of the RHINE.

1720 - Evacuation of casualties by 193 Fd. Amb. commenced.  Bn R.A.Ps. located as follows:-

1945 - Clearance of D.Z. casualties completed.  Own Unit casualties as follows:-

Ptes. HALL G. & WRIGHT E.J. R.A.M.C. died of wounds in Unit M.D.S.  L/Cpls. OSBORNE & ROBINSON (remained with Unit), Pte. AYLES, FITZGERALD, OUTRAM, ROWE (D.Z. injury), & STRAW wounded.  Missing:- Cpls. LEVER & NICHOLSON, Ptes. BRAMWELL, DOWNEY, McKINLAY, PETTS, THORNE & WOOD, R.A.M.C. & Dvr. SHELTON R.A.S.C. in addition to the Dvrs. in the missing glider - Dvrs. MOLYNEAUX & PAYNE R.A.S.C.  No. of casualties treated:- British 101, Canadian 41, Enemy 70, Total: 212.  No. of operations performed: 9.  Heavy shelling in vicinity during night & aerial attacks on the bridge at XANTEN.

25th March 1945

Place: Bergen Area (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4205 M.R. 157472)

1015 - D.D.M.S. 1 Br. Airborne Corps (BRIG A.A. EAGGER C.B.E.) visited the Unit.  Major MURRAY was accidentally wounded (slightly) by a Gammon bomb & was not evacuated.  No. of casualties treated:- British 78, Canadian 9, U.S.A. 3, Enemy 7, Civilian 2, Total 99.  No. of operations performed: 15.

26th March 1945

Place: Bergen Area (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4205 M.R. 157472)

0830 - C.O. informed by Bde. Comdr. that Bde. was moving forward across R. ISSEL.  C.O. saw ADMS & received permission to move forward with Bde.  Sections attached to each Bn together with 1 medical jeep each.

Place: Area Isselrot (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4205 M.R. 215461)

1500 - C.O. made a recce of area E. of R. ISSEL on line of Bde. axis of advance.

1600 - Unit moved to rd. junction 215461 & lagered there for the night.

1900 - C.O. attended a Bde. Comdrs. conference & agreed to open a M.D.S. in new area at 0900 hrs. tomorrow.  The following missing personnel were accounted for:- Pte. THORNE refused to jump & returned to England in the a/c.  Cpl LEVER was prevented jumping by the above refusal.  Dvrs. MOLYNEAUX & PAYNE landed in France after the tow rope of their glider had broken.  The last three O.Rs. are now back with the Unit.  No. of cases treated:- British 7, Enemy 11, Civilian 1, Total 19.  No. of operations performed:- 4.

27th March 1945

Place: Elmers (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4205 M.R. 252466)

0600 - Advance Party moved to Farm at ELMERS 252466.

0630 - Main Party left for ELMERS.  M.D.S. opened.

1330 - Bde. advancing very quickly with little opposition.  C.O. made a recce of area LADDER on main BRUNEN-WESEL road.

1520 - C.O. visited ADMS to confirm move.  New M.D.S. site shelled continuous for 90 minutes - untenable as M.D.S.  Move cancelled.  Ptes. Bramwell & Petts rejoined Unit.  Appendix 2.

1910 - C.O. visited 8 Bn. The Para. Regt.  Casualties treated: Canadian 1, Enemy 4, Total 5.  No. of operation performed: 3.

28th March 1945

Place: Schloss Raesfeld (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4206 M.R. 373523)

0825 - C.O. & 2 i/c visited Bde. H.Q.  Bde. moving forward to ERLE.  C.O. visited ADMS.  Unit to move to area ERLE & evacuate all casualties of the Division.  The Division is advancing rapidly with COESFELD as its objective.  During the rapid advance stage only one Fd. Amb. will open & two will be closed on wheels ready to leap frog.

1130 - C.O. Capt. ELMERS for recce of area ERLE.

1300 - Unit moved to R.V. in area ERLE.

1740 - M.D.S. opened at SCHLOSS RAESFELD - this building was vacated by a German Hauptverbandplatz 8 hours before C.O's arrival.  Eight German infantry soldiers gave themselves up to the C.O.

1810 - D.D.M.S. 8 Corps (Brig MELVIN) visited Unit.

2100 - Bde. attack on LEMBECK met with opposition.  Car Pool established by No.2 Section at RHADE.  During the night the Unit evacuated 20 wounded P.O.W. of 6 Airborne Div. from GEMEN & captured 3 ambulance cars.  No. of casualties treated: British 24, Canadian 1, Australian 1, Total 26.  No. of operations performed: 6.

29th March 1945

Place: Schloss Raesfeld (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4206 M.R. 373523)

Casualties coming in all through night of 28/29.  Both Surgical Teams functioning.

1000 - C.O. attended ADMS conference.  Unit to close as soon as possible & to be leap frogged by 225 Para. Fd. Amb. moving at 1600 hrs to GR. REKEN.  Last part of Sea Tail joined Unit.  Land Element of Unit joined main airborne party as follows:-

No. of casualties treated:- British 61, Canadian 1, U.S.A. 2, Enemy 25, Civilian 4, Total 93.  No. of operations performed: 12.

30th March 1945

Place: Schloss Raesfeld (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 4206 M.R. 373523)

0900 - C.O. visited A.D.M.S.  Unit to leap frog 225 Para. Fd. Amb. & 195 Airlanding Fd. Amb. & open between ALTENBERGE & GREVEN tomorrow.

1130 - D.D.M.S. 8 Corps visited Unit.

1330 - 2 i/c & small advance party left to recce & occupy new location.

1500 - Post-operative cases evacuated to 34 C.C.S. at GEMEN.

31st March 1945

Place: Greven (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet P2 M.R. 907887)

0510 - Main Party of Unit left RAESFELD.

0820 - C.O. & 2 i/c met in ALTENBERGE.  2 i/c continued recce for M.D.S.

1540 - Unit moved into factory buildings in GREVEN & opened an M.D.S.

1755 - D.D.M.S. 8 Corps visited the Unit.

1920 - A.D.M.S. 6 Airborne Div. visited the Unit & stopped the night.  No. of cases treated: British 17, Enemy 1, Total 18.  No. of operations performed: 3.

Month and year : April 1945

Commanding Officer : Lt. Col. A.D. Young D.S.O. RAMC

1st April 1945

Place: Greven (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet P2 M.R. 907887)

0930 - Sections 2 & 3 (less 1 N.C.O. & 3 ORs) recalled from 8th. & 9th. Para. Bns. respectively.  Capt. Freeman & No.1 Section opened a Cas Collecting Point W. of the DORTMUMD-EMS CANAL at M.R. 968891.  Unit now open for Priority [?] Surgery.

1755 - D.A.D.M.S. 8 Corps visited Unit.  No. of cases treated 105.  No. of operations performed 18.

2nd April 1945

Place: Greven (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet P2 M.R. 907887)

1115 - C.O. attended an A.D.M.S. conference.  Unit to stop doing surgery & be prepared to move forward.  225 Para. Fd. Amb. to open as soon as possible at NIEDER LENGERICH.  Pte. WOOD rejoined Unit from being a P.O.W. when 6 A/L Bde captured LENGERICH.

1215 - C.O. visited C.C.P. at 968891.

1710 - A.D.M.S. visited Unit.  No. of cases treated 50.  No. of operations performed 5.

3rd April 1945

Place: Greven (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet P2 M.R. 907887)

The graves of Cpl. Nicholson & Dvr. Shelton were found by Rev. [?] of 1st. Canadian Para. Bn.  Whole Unit now accounted for.  Unit now closed ready to move to NIEDER LENGERICH tomorrow prior to going further forward after the fall of OSNABRÜCK.

2100 - Major H.D. JOHNSON R.A.M.C. left unit for attachment as a Surgical Specialist at 96 (Br) General Hospital.  No. of cases treated 27.  No. of operations performed NIL.

4th April 1945

Place: Nieder Lengerich (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet P2 M.R. 052966)

0600 - Capt. Lacey & recce party of 2 O.Rs. left for new staging location.

0645 - Unit left for new location.

0950 - Unit moved into a farm S. of NIEDER LENGERICH & remained closed.

1415 - C.O. went forward to recce new MDS location but congestion on roads made this impossible.

5th April 1945

Place: Lübbecke (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N3 M.R. 600132)

0600 - Unit moved out from NIEDER LENGERICH with orders to move up in support of 3 Para. Bde. & possibly open in LUBBECKE.

0735 - Unit halted in WISSINGEN & C.O. & M.T.O. went ahead to recce.  Hospital accommodation in LÜBBECKE thoroughly investigated.  Only hospital an excellent civilian one of 280 beds.  3 Para. Bde. known to be in MINDEN.  Unit moved forward to DUTZEN & C.O. went ahead & took over a 120-bedded German Feldlazerett in MINDEN.  This had the following staff - 4 MOs (including the C.O. a lieut-colonel) 27 sisters & 24 orderlies.  In it were 75 German sick & wounded.

1210 - Unit moved into MINDEN.  C.O. informed by Brig. 3 Para. Bde. that MINDEN was now an American area & that Unit should move back to LÜBBECKE.

1350 - Unit moved into MITTLESCHULE ZU LÜBBECKE & opened M.D.S.  C.O. confirmed siting of MDS with A.D.M.S.

1405 - D.A.D.M.S. informed C.O. that Unit was now in support of 6 A/L Bde. who were going to attack PETERSHAGEN.  C.C.P. with 2 MOs & 6 ambulance cars established in school at FRIEDEWALDE 765185 (Capt. FREEMAN & LACEY).

1800 - C.O. visited Bde. Comdr. at HARTUM 737136 & the C.C.P.  Casualties treated : British 24, German 8, Total 32.  No operations performed as orders are that no surgery will be done.  D.D.M.S. 8 Corps visited Unit during the afternoon.

6th April 1945

Place: Lübbecke (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N3 M.R. 600132)

Day spent in cleaning (whole Unit bathed) & make & mend.  Casualties treated: British 44, Canadian 3, Enemy 16, Total 63.

7th April 1945

Place: Lübbecke (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N3 M.R. 600132)

1010 - Information received that 3 Para. Bde. moving forward.

1745 - D.A.D.M.S. visited Unit & informed C.O. that Unit would concentrate in new Bde. Area & remain closed.  Casualties treated: British 25, P.O.W. 5, Polish Forced Labour 2, Total 32.

8th April 1945

Place: Wunstorf (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 154267)

0650 - Unit moved from LÜBBECKE & proceeded to LOCCUM (960295) & halted here.  2 i/c went forward to Bde. & C.O. examined a German Feldlazarett.

1530 - Unit moved forward to WUNSTORF & established an MDS in the school there.  RAPs as follows:- 8 Bn. The Para Regt. WUNSTORF, 9 Bn. The Para Regt. WUNSTORF, 1 Cdn. Para. Bn. LUTHE 185275, Bde. H.Q. BOKELOH 118258.  Casualties treated: British 4; Canadian 1; U.S.A. tps 8; P.W. 1; Civilians 1; TOTAL 15.

9th April 1945

Place: Wunstorf (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 154267)

1015 - A.D.M.S. visited Unit.

2050 - Orders received from ADMS to move with 3 Para. Bde. Gp. on morning of April 10th.  Casualties treated: British 21; Canadian 2; U.S.A. tps 18, P.W. 12 (including 2 woman soldiers who had been shot up in an enemy tank); civilians 1; displaced persons 4.  TOTAL 58.  No. of operations performed: 6.

10th April 1945

Place: Wunstorf (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 154267)

1030 - C.O. did a recce with DAA&QMG 3 Para. Bde. & selected an MDS site at NEGENBORN.  Unit to move first light on the 11th.  Casualties treated: British 2; U.S.A. tps 2; displaced persons 1; civilians 1; TOTAL   .  No. of operations performed: 3.

11th April 1945

Place: Negenborn (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 390402)

0630 - Unit moved to new location at NEGENBORN.

0800 - C.O. visited Bde. H.Q. & Bns. located as follows:- Bde. H.Q. WENNEBOSTEL 370395, 1 Cdn. Para Bn. BRELINGEN 322416, 8 Para Bn. MELLENDORF 357407, 9 Para Bn. BISSENDORF 373381.  Only one section of Unit opened.  Capt. FREEMAN & No.1 Section rejoined Unit from Bde. C.C.P.  Unit now brigaded.  Casualties treated: British 18; Canadian 2; P.W. 7; civilian 2; displaced persons 6: TOTAL 35.

12th April 1945

Place: Negenborn (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 390402)

0900 - C.O. visited Bde. HQ & Bns.

1250 - D.A.D.M.S. visited Unit.  Casualties treated British 10; Enemy 1; TOTAL 11.

13th April 1945

Place: Negenborn (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 390402)

0900 - 2 i/c attended an admin. conference at Bde. H.Q. & later visited Bns.

1230 - RMOs 8th. & 9th. Para. Bns. visited Unit.

1800 - C.O. attended a Brigadier's conference for Commanding Officers.  Bde. Group moving to CELLE tomorrow.

2045 - R.M.O. 1 Cdn. Para. Bn. visited Unit.  D.A.D.M.S. visited Unit.  Unit still brigaded.  No. of casualties treated: British 11; Canadians 1; Civilians 3; Displaced Persons 1: TOTAL 16.

14th April 1945

Place: Area Celle (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 545479)

1100 - Marshalling Party of 3 sections & 1 surgical team left for new location.

1445 - Road Party left for new location.

1700 - Unit in CELLE area: No. 4 Section open.  Casualties treated: British 1: TOTAL 1.

15th April 1945

Place: ESCHEDE (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet N4 M.R. 685620)

0800 - Advance Party of Capt. LACEY & No.3 Section left for new location.

0940 - C.O. & Major Miller visited MED 8 Corps & obtained additional tpt. for move.

1710 - Main Party left for new location but stopped at ESCHEDE.

1905 - Shortly after arrival at ESCHEDE 1 Cdn. Para. Bn. area was strafed & bombed by a F.W.:- 2 ORs killed & 1 wounded.  Casualties treated: Canadian 1: TOTAL 1.

16th April 1945

Place: STADENSEN (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 900790)

1005 - Unit moved to new location at STADENSEN.

1150 - Unit arrived new location where Capt. LACEY & No.3 Section were already installed.  M.D.S. opened.

1830 - DADMS visited Unit.  224 only Fd. Amb. open in Division.

1910 - C.O. visited ADMS.  5 MAC ambulance cars attached to Unit.  Casualties treated:- British 29: Canadian 1: P.W. 3: civilians 2: D.P. 1: TOTAL 36.

17th April 1945

Place: STADENSEN (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 900790)

0905 - ADMS visited Unit.

1030 - Capt. O.REAGAIN & No.2 Section to Bde. to form a CCP.  Casualties treated: British 33: Canadian 6: P.W. 25: German civilians 4: D.P. 2: TOTAL 70.

18th April 1945

Place: STADENSEN (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 900790)

1030 - CO visited ADMS.  Unit no longer brigaded & to remain open in present location until UELZEN has been captured & a Corps Medical Unit is established there.  195 A/L Fd. Amb. open at HANSTEDT 970887.  CO visited Unit CCP at RÄTZLINGEN 975907.  Casualties treated: British 31: Canadian 1: P.W. 31: German civilians 5: Displaced persons 3: TOTAL 71.

19th April 1945

Place: STADENSEN (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 900790)

1400 - C.O. visited Bde. & Bn. RAPs located as follows:-

                Bde. H.Q.             }

                8 Para. Bn.            } RÄTZLINGEN 974907

                9 Para. Bn.            STOCKEN 975940

                1 Cdn. Para. Bn.    RIESTEDT 958930

1900 - ADMS visited Unit.  Casualties treated: British 26: Australian 1: P.W. 2: German civilians 1: D.P. 3: TOTAL 33.

20th April 1945

Place: STADENSEN (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 900790)

0930 - C.O. reported to ADMS at Div. Main.  Orders received to send strong Advance Party to Bde. HQ.

1100 - Capt FREEMAN & No.1 Section proceeded to Bde. H.Q. as Advance Party.

1145 - ADMS visited Unit.  Casualties treated: British 2, German civilians 1: TOTAL 3.

21st April 1945

Place: STADENSEN (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 900790)

0915 - C.O. visited Bde. Comdr. & was informed that Unit, with Bde. Group, would move to area S. of LÜNEBERG.

1030 - C.O. informed MED at Rear HQ of proposed move.

1330 - Unit set out for new location & arrived there at 1545.

1645 - C.O. visited Bde. H.Q.  Locations as follows:-

                Bde. H.Q.             EITZEN 807078

                8 Para. Bn.            BARNSTEDT 766076

                9 Para. Bn.            BEVERBECK 800065

                1 Cdn. Para. Bn.    KOLKHAGEN 770102

Casualties treated: British 3: TOTAL 3.

22nd April 1945

Place: Area Eitzen (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 787077)

0900 - 2 i/c attended an admin. conference at Bde. H.Q.

1000 - C.O. appointed S.M.O. MUNSTER (5891) AREA.

1500 - C.O. with D.A.D.H. & Capt. WAILER L. R.A.M.C. (101266) temp. [attd.?] to this Unit from 225 Para. Fd. Amb. visited hospital area in MUNSTER.  Report attached.

23rd April 1945

Place: Area Eitzen (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 787077)

Written orders issued to Oberfeldarzt in MUNSTER & agreement received.

24th April 1945

Place: Area Eitzen (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 787077)

Unit on make & mend.  Small CCS only being run at present.

25th April 1945

Place: Area Eitzen (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 787077)

Capt. S.P.C. O'REAGAIN temp. relieved by Capt. I.F.B. JOHNSTON as R.M.O. 8 Para. Bn.

26th April 1945

Place: Area Eitzen (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 787077)

0900 - C.O. saw Bde. Comdr. & arranged to hold a Bde. Sports Meeting on 29th.

27th April 1945

Place: Area Eitzen (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 787077)

1600 - C.O. attended a D.D.M.S. 8 Corps briefing on operation ENTERPRISE.

28th April 1945

Place: Area Eitzen (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M5 M.R. 787077)

1730 - C.O. attended an A.D.M.S. conference on operation ENTERPRISE.  Capt. GRAY & No.4 Section left as advance party for REINSTORF (8919).

29th April 1945

Place: Reinstorf (Germany 1/100,000 Sh. M5 M.R. 895192)

1030 - Unit left for new location in Bde. Gp. convoy.

1310 - Unit arrived REINSTORF & were rejoined by No.4 Section Advance Party.

1930 - C.O. attended a Bde. Comd's. 'O' Group.  3 Para. Bde. Gp. to cross R ELBE tomorrow.

30th April 1945

Place: Buchshorst (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet L5 M.R. 891357)

1050 - Unit moved with 3 Para. Bde. Gp.

1715 - R. ELBE crossed at LAUENBURG 882346.  Bde. advancing along main axis of road to BOIZENBURG.

1920 - M.D.S. established in saw mill in BUCHSHORST.  Casualties treated: British 2: Canadian 2: enemy 3: TOTAL 7.  Account of Unit operations for period March 24th. - April 20th. & Surgeons' Report for March 1945 are attached.

Month and year : May 1945

Commanding Officer : Lt. Col. A.D. Young D.S.O. RAMC

1st May 1945

Place: Boizenburg (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet L5 M.R. 982352)

0800 - C.O. did a recce of BOIZENBURG & [?] a M.D.S. in the Rathaus.

0900 - No.2 Section moved to new location & opened.

1000 - Unit, less nos. 2 & 4 sections, moved to new location.

1200 - No.4 section closed at BUCHHORST & moved to new location.  Bde locations as follows:-

                Bde. H.Q.              )

                8 Para. Bn.             ) BOIZENBURG

                9 Para. Bn.             High ground, square 9636

                1 Cdn. Para. Bn.    BANLENDORF 0135

1730 - C.O. attended a Bde. Comdr's conference.  Division to move North & link up with Russians & with final objective as WISMAR.

2015 - C.O. received orders to move in support of 3 Para. Bde.  C.O. took over the Reserve Lazarett with 241 enemy patients  & 56 P.W.(X).  See attached report.  Casualties treated, excl. P.W.(X): Brit 11; Germ 1; D.P. 2.  Total 14.

2nd May 1945

Place: Boizenburg (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet L5 M.R. 982352)

1200 - Section 195 Airlanding Fd. Amb. took over from Unit.  No.2 Section had previously gone forward with Bde. Gp. at 0830 hrs.

1400 - C.O. left to join Bde. Gp. & entered WISMAR with them at 1605 hrs.  Decided to open M.D.S. in Luftwaffe Hospital.  See attached report.

3rd May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

Knabenschule in WISMAR taken over as a hospital annexe.  Bde. locations:-

                Bde. H.Q.              )

                8 Para. Bn.             )

                9 Para. Bn.             ) WISMAR - town proper

                1 Cdn. Para. Bn.    )

225 Para. Fd. Amb. joined Unit.

4th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

0930 - C.O. attended a Bde. Comdrs. admin. conference.  Unit commenced unloading a goods train loaded with 700 German casualties which had left ROSTOCK before the entry of the Russians.

5th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

German Wehrmacht Oberfeldarzt instructed to staff Luftwaffe Hospital with a view to taking over from 224 & 225.

6th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

Lazarettzug 638 in WISMAR rly. station taken over with complete staff & 350 wounded.  Decided not to clear but to obtain permission for it to proceed to LÜBECK.

7th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

Arrangements made to transport 200 enemy wounded from Knabenschule to Lazarettzug.  Luftwaffe Hospital now established as a 600 bedded hospital with full surgical facilities & Knabenschule as a 250 bedded hospital for lightly wounded.

8th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

V.E. Day.  Personal message from the C-in-C attached.

1400 - Lazerettzug 638 with 550 enemy wounded left WISMAR for LÜBECK.

1045 - Bde. Comdr. inspected the Luftwaffe Hospital.

9th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

1100 - Colonel [?] M.C. U.S. Army, Chief Surgeon 18 U.S. Corps, visited the Hospital.

10th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

Luftwaffe Hospital now being run by Germans but with major assistance on the surgical side being given by 225 Para. Fd. Amb.  Knabenschule being completely run by Germans.

11th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

Capt. D.E. FREEMAN R.A.M.C. posted from this Unit to HQ 3 Para. Bde.  Capt. S.P.C. O'REAGAIN R.A.M.C. posted from this Unit to 8 Para. Bn.  Capt. D.J.C. CUNNINGHAM R.A.M.C. T.O.S. this Unit from HQ 3 Para. Bde.  Capt. I.F.B. JOHNSTON R.A.M.C. T.O.S. this Unit from 8 Para. Bn.

12th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

0900 - D.D.M.S. 1 (Br) Airborne Corps inspected the Unit (Brig A.A. EAGGER C.B.E.) & was accompanied by A.D.M.S. 6 Airborne Div. (Colonel M. MACEWAN. D.S.O. O.B.E. D.F.C. T.D.)

13th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

1430 - Unit Thanksgiving and Memorial church service held & conducted by the Rev. [?] 1 Cdn. Para. Bn.

14th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

0845 - C.O. informed by A.D.M.S. that Div. were being relieved by 5 (Br) Div. & would be returning to U.K.

1420 - D.A.D.M.S. 5 (Br) Div. visited Unit to make arrangements for take over.

2050 - Warning order received from A.D.M.S. that Unit would fly back to U.K. between May 17th - 20th., less vehicle party which would go back by sea via OSTENDE.

15th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

1200 - Major B.S. QUINN R.A.M.C. (133602) reported with advance party of 164 Fd. Amb. (5 Br. Div.) - the [?] Unit.

2120 - 3 Para. Bde. Adm. Instr. No.88 received.  Unit to move to U.K. by sea route leaving WISMAR 21 MAY.

16th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

2135 - 3 Para. Bde. Adm. Instr. No.89 received.  Plan changed.  Unit now moving to U.K. in two parties - air & vehicle.

17th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

0700 - 2 i/c & 3 O.Rs. left present location to fly back to U.K.

1430 - 2 small a[?] parties of 4 O.Rs. each joined Bde. H.Q.

1800 - C.O. attended Bde. Comdrs. conference.  Highly probable that acc/relieve groups will NOT be [? ?] of 1-26.  Luftwaffe Hospital & Knabenschule handed over to Major QUINN.  Major N.A. MILLER rejoined Unit from attachment to 81 Gen. Hosp.

18th May 1945

Place: Wismar (Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034 M.R. 453938)

1005 - Unit left by road for LÜNEBURG (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet L.5 M.R. 788208) & lagered the night there.

19th May 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (o.s. 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1255 - Air Party of 5 Offrs & 80 O.Rs. left in Dakotas for England.

1900 - Air Party arrives Carter Barracks.  Sea Party of 2 Offrs & 53 O.Rs. left for port of embarkation.

20th to 23rd May 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (o.s. 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

Days spent in Medical examinations, kit & equipment checks.  Unit sorted out into ELIGIBLES & INELIGBLES for S.E.A.C.  Only 53% of Unit which took part in operation VARSITY/PLUNDER available for SEAC.

24th May 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (o.s. 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

0600 - All ranks of Air Party eligible for S.E.A.C. proceeded on 28 days leave.

25th May 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (o.s. 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

1815 - Sea Party arrived at Carter Barracks less two dvrs i/c [?].

26th to 31st May 1945

Place: Carter Barracks, Bulford, Wilts (o.s. 1" to 1 mile Sheet 122 M.R. 622648)

Unit, less small rear party of personnel ineligible for S.E.A.C. on block leave.

Appendix 1 to March 1945 War Diary

Stick No.1

Stick No.2

Stick No.3

Stick No.4

Section No.1

Section No.2

Section No.3

Section No. (GLIDER PARTY)

Appendix 2 to March 1945 War Diary of 224 (Parachute) Field Ambulance

Ptes Bramwell and Petts were taken prisoner by a German patrol at the N.E. corner of the D.Z. while awaiting transport to evacuate some casualties whom they had located in two farms in the neighbourhood; they were captured at 1700 hrs.

They were taken to one of these farms where they had already attended to a wounded Canadian (Pte Forge); with him they found another unwounded POW, a Pte in the 8th Bn.  They carried the Canadian about 500 yds to the dugout of a German platoon position where they found Pte Outram, of 224, suffering from a fractured tibia (caused by a grenade) and three bullet wounds.  In a nearby farm they attended a German with a penetrating wound of the abdomen and another who rushed in with arterial bleeding from a wound in the arm.  They returned to the platoon position and dressed another wounded Canadian lying in a second dugout at the other end of the long trench which the Germans were defending.  Then they splinted Outrams leg; shortly after dark they were called out again to attend to a wounded Oberleutnant.

At 2300 hrs they were transported by jeep and trailer to a German RAP in a school at the crossroads NW of the DZ.  There they were relieved of all their medical equipment and picked up two more wounded POWs Pte Davies (8th Btn) and Spr Gordon RE (3rd Para Brigade).  With them were Ptes Downey and Wood of 224.  They continued the journey to an RAP at Mehrhoog (Hoffmanshoch farm).  As soon as they arrived Pte Bramwell was taken in to the house and interrogated by the Stabsarzt and officers of the Para Coy whose HQ appeared to be in the same building.  He was asked a number of questions about the organization and extent of the parachute drop that morning; they seemed particularly anxious to confirm or deny that the Dakotas had taken off from an airfield in France.  When the replies proved unsatisfactory they delivered a political diatribe mainly about the dangers of Bolshevism and International Jewry.  Meanwhile the casualties and the other orderlies remained outside.  After much discussion the original plan to take the whole party to a Field Hospital was dropped and they were taken into the RAP where they spent the night confined in a small room on the ground floor together with three more POWs who had been captured during the afternoon - a Cpl of the 1st Cdn Para Bn, a L/ac RAP Regt, a Glider pilot, and a Pte in the A/L RA.

Early next morning a bombardment started and the orderlies asked to have the wounded taken to the cellar, where the German wounded were.  Their request was granted and they were crowded together in a straw-strewn larder.  They were told by the Stabsarzt to prepare for evacuation.  Meanwhile they made the wounded and themselves as comfortable as possible; but this was not very successful because of overcrowding and the stuffy atmosphere (it was almost impossible for the orderlies to attend to patients without stepping on the others.  At their request the Germans gave the wounded ATS and the Stabsarzt expressed his willingness to do anything for the British wounded; but in fact he did not even examine them, explaining, when asked to, that they were to be evacuated shortly.  Whenever transport arrived, it was used to evacuate German wounded, most of whom were walking cases.  During the day and Sunday night the condition of Outram, Davies and Gordon worsened, 2 gave cause for anxiety.  On Sunday afternoon the orderlies were called to a nearby farm to fetch a wounded American radio operator who had baled out of burning Dakota at 200 ft and fractured his spine - S/Sgt Swartz, 36 Troop Carrier Sqdrn USAC.  He was carried in on a ladder and since his condition made it impossible to carry him down the steep steps into the cellar he was left in a room in the ground floor with a table placed over him and barricaded to afford as much protection as possible.

At dawn next morning (26th) British guns bombarded the house for half an hour scoring a number of direct hits and destroying the top storey.  Shortly after this the Para Coy pulled out taking with them all the unwounded and lightly wounded POWs, including Downey and Wood.  Petts and Bramwell were left behind to look after the serious casualties, and the Cdn Corporal somehow managed to slip back and rejoin them.  The Germans left an officer and four men to defend the house.  They replied to British MG fire from a wood 200 yards away and brought another salvo of shells upon the house.  When it was suggested that their continuous use of the RAP as a strong point was seriously affecting the wounded they appeared sympathetic but continued to fire from the windows and from outbuildings.  Later, when it was firmly pointed out to them that no red cross could be displayed while armed men remained in the house, they left, and a flag which had been made with the help of the civilians who owned the farm was hoisted through a shell hole in the roof.  It was discovered later that this was just in time (though it was mistaken for a white flag) for all the neighbourhood farms were being systematically destroyed by flame-throwing tanks and piats.  But in spite of the flag the house was once more shelled - about an hour after the last Germans had departed.  This time a shell burst right in the room where the American was lying burying him under a pile of bricks and rubble.  Shells were still falling and it became imperative to remove him.  Though seriously shocked the table had saved him.  They found him unhurt and dragged him still on the ladder to the head of the cellar steps.  He was hurriedly anaethetised with some chloroform left behind by the Germans and carried down to comparative safety.  Five hours later a British patrol from the Seaforth Hghldrs arrived at the house and were astonished to find that it was still occupied; they were even more surprised to find that it held British wounded.

Five German soldiers who had earlier declared their intention of surrender and had remained hidden in a cellar under the outbuildings were handed over to the patrol, with four alien civilians who said they had been employed on the farm; they consisted of an Italian, a Pole and two Dutchmen.  A Russian girl who had lived for some years with the farmers family was allowed to remain.  All this time the German family had treated the British prisoners with great consideration, secretly giving the wounded eggs and fresh milk which they withheld from their own troops.

Before dark an MO and a stretcher party arrived from the Seaforths RAP and all the wounded except Schwartz were evacuated.  Throughout the time spent in the cellar Pte Outram made light of the trying conditions and his own wounds, keeping up the morale of the other patients with his high spirits and good humour.  Schwartz was evacuated next morning (Tuesday 27th) with Bramwell and Petts and a German parachutist who had surrendered to them at the farm that morning.  Bramwell and Petts rejoined their unit that night.

Appendix 3 to March 1945 War Diary

OPERATION VARSITY PLUNDER

TOP SECRET

TS/224/G

15 Mar 45

NOT TO BE TAKEN IN THE AIR ON D DAY

3 PARA BDE OO No 20

Ref Maps: GSGS GERMANY: 1/250000 Sheets 2A, 3A, K52.  1/100000 Sheets R1, Q1.  1/25000 Sheets 4204, 4205, 4206, 4304, 4305, 4306.

D Day - is the day of the op.

H hr - is the time for the assault of 12 Corps.

P hr - is the time of first drop on DZ.

INFM

Enemy

1.  See latest Int Summaries.  Additional infm will be sent out as it becomes available.

Own Tps

2.  12 Corps

        (a) 15 (S) Div is aslting on a two bde front in the gen areas BISLICH 1442 and MEHR 1248 - HAFFEN 1149 at H hr on D Day.  Subsequently 15 (S) Div will capture the brs over the ISSEL WEST of DINGDEN 2253 and relieve 6 Brit Airborne Div in area HAMMINKELN 2048.

        (b) 1 Cdo Bde is to aslt in the area of GRAV INSEL 1841 H - 2 hrs D Day and capture WESEL 2240.

3.  30 Corps  30 Corps is aslting in the vicinity of REES 0752.

4.  NINTH US Army  NINTH US Army is co-operating SOUTH of WESEL 2240 especially as regards fire sp.

5.  Air and Arty  Detailed plan will be notified as Appx A as soon as known.

6.  XVIII US Corps  XVIII US Corps with under comd:- 6 Brit Airborne Div, 17 US Div (Airborne) is to land at P hr D Day EAST of the R RHINE on 12 Corps front.

7.  6 Brit Airborne Div  6 Brit Airborne Div is to land in the area of SCHNEPPENBERG feature 1646 and the village of HAMMINKELN 2048 with task of seizing the SCHNEPPENBERG feature, the village of HAMMINKELN and brs over the R ISSEL.

8.  5 Para Bde  5 Para Bde are to clear and hold the area rd junc 197499 - rd junc 197496 - rd junc 201492 - bldgs at 187493 - rd junc 187497 and to be prepared to hold area rd junc 169493 - bldgs 177488 - rd and rly crossing 174486 - bldgs 170486 - rd junc 167490.

9.  6 Airldg Bde  6 Airldg Bde area to seize and hold the following areas in order of priority:-

        (a) Brs over R ISSEL at

                (i) rly br 216500

                (ii) rd br 217497

                (iii) rd br 223485.

        (b) To clear the area required for Div HQ vicinity 189479.

        (c) Rd junc 212495 - rd and rly crossing 217486.

        (d) HAMMINKELN 2048.

10.  Tks  One Sqn 44 R Tks equipped with DD tks is operating under comd of Div.

Additional Tps

11.  The following additional tps are att 3 Para Bde:-

        (a) Under comd -

                Eight FOO dets

                Two Counter mortar dets

                One 6 pr tp 3 Airldg A tk Bty RA

                One tp 3 Para Sqn RE

                Det REME

                One sec 6 Airborne Div Pro Coy

                Two dets 22 Indep Para Coy.

        (b) In sp -

                Three fd regts - 52 (L) Div arty gp.

        (c) On call -

                One med regt

                One hy regt

                US 155 mm gun gp (36 x 155mm)

                4.2 mortar pl 6 Airborne Armd Recce Regt.

Briefing Material

12.  Details of briefing material available for units is given in Appx B.

INTENTION

13.  3 Para Bde will clear and hold area SCHNEPPENBERG feature as under:- Rd junc 154478 - rd junc 168473 - rd junc 169462 - feature 157461 - rd junc 158465 - br 154470.

METHOD

14.  Policy

        (a) SPEED and INITIATIVE on part of all ranks is the order of the day.

        (b) RISKS will be taken.

        (c) The enemy will be attacked and destroyed wherever he is found.

15.  Allocation of aircraft and gliders

        Gliders and aircraft are allotted as follows:-

Air Plan

16.  Routing  To be notified.

17.  DZ and LZ  The DZ and LZ are the same and will be known as DZ 'A'.  Exact area is given below:-  Map refs - 158488 - 161485 - 163485 - 165480 - 155477 - 152485.

18.  Jettison Drop  Jettison drop will take place in area map ref 140480 - 153480 - 153470 - 140470.

19.  Run In  Run in will be from WEST to EAST.

20.  Height of Drop  Height of drop will be 500 ft.  Height of DZ is 75 ft.

21.  Order of Drop  Units will drop in the following order:-

        8 Para Bn

        HQ 3 Para Bde

        1 Cdn Para Bn

        9 Para Bn

        Tp 3 Para Sqn RE

        224 Para Fd Amb

        Glider Element.

                For detailed timings see Appx C att.

8 Para Bn

22.  Att Tps  The following tps will be under comd 8 Para Bn:-

        Two dets FOO - each one offr and 3 ORs.

        One det counter mortar - one offr and 3 ORs.

        Tp 3 Airldg A tk Bty.

        Sec 224 Para Fd Amb.

23.  Tasks

        (a) Secure the DZ and est Bde rallying pt (codeword PIP) area wood 163480.

        (b) On completion of glider ldg will come into Bde res in area rd junc 168473 (codeword SQUEAK).

9 Para Bn

24.  Att Tps  The following tps will be under comd 9 Para Bn:-

        One det FOO - one offr and 3 ORs.

        One det tp 3 Para Sqn RE

        Sec 224 Para Fd Amb.

25.  RV  NORTH of wood from 161478 to 163479.

26.  Tasks  9 Para Bn will carry out tasks in order of priority -

        (a) Clear and hold feature area 163468.  Codename DICK.

        (b) Clear and hold feature area 157461.  Codename HARRY.

1 Cdn Para Bn

27.  Att Tps

        One det FOO - one offr and 3 ORs

        One det 3 Para Sqn RE

        Sec 224 Para Fd Amb.

28.  RV  NORTH edge of woods from 158477 to the WEST.

29.  Tasks  To clear and hold area rd junc 154478 - corner of wood 155477 - area houses 156472 - track junc 158471.  Area houses 156472 will be codeword TOM.

Bde HQ and 224 Para Fd Amb

30.  Bde HQ and 224 Para Fd Amb will RV NORTH edge of wood from 158477 to 161478 between 9 Para Bn and 1 Cdn Para Bn.

22 Indep Para Coy

31.  Det 22 Indep Para Coy will RV and move with BDE HQ.

ARTY

32.  Allotment of FOO and Counter Mortar dets:-

        CRAs rep and one FOO det with Bde HQ will glide.  Remaining dets will parachute.

33.  Tasks  Details of fire plan are given in Appx D.

A Tk

34.  One tp 3 Airldg A Tk Bty will come under comd 8 Para Bn on arrival DZ A.

35.  Task  Immediate engagement of opportunity targets.

RE

36.  One tp 3 Para Sqn RE will be employed as under:-

        (a) Tp less two dets will RV and move with Bde HQ.

        (b) One det will come under comd 9 Para Bn on arrival DZ.

        (c) One det will come under comd 1 Cdn Para Bn on arrival DZ.

Glider Pilots

37.  Glider pilots will come under comd 8 Para Bn and will RV Bde rallying pt 163480.  They will be formed into a sub-unit and given a role which except in an emergency does NOT involve anything more than static def.

38.  Bdys

        (a) Between 3 Para Bde and 17 US (Airborne) - excl rly crossing 196468 - track junc 182465 - incl x rds 169462 - excl rd to bldgs 155458 - thence line of water ditch to br 144447.

        (b) Between 3 Para Bde and 5 Para Bde - incl to 3 Para Bde junc of LANGERENNE and BISLICHETL LEY at 138478 to line of LEY to 154477 - excl edge of wood to rd junc 167479 - excl rd to cross track 173481 - br over rly 177483 - excl rly br 183478.

        (c) Between 3 Para Bde and 6 Airldg Bde - incl to 3 Para Bde - br over rly 183478 - line of rly to 196468.

Patrolling

39.  Capt TROWBRIDGE Parties  Parties will be despatched by bns immediately on ldg to ascertain whether their objectives are held.

40.  Local Patrols

        (a) Energetic steps will be taken to make contact with 15 (S) Div and 17 US Div (Airborne) at earliest possible moment.

        (b) Bns will carry out intensive local patrolling for their own protection in thickly wooded country.

41.  Standing Patrols  Standing patrols will be est as under:-

        8 Para Bn - track and rly junc 196467 on completion task (c).

        9 Para Bn - x rds 169462 codeword WILFRED.

        1 Cdn Para Bn - corner of wood 164479 on 8 Para Bn moving for task (c).  Corner of wood 167474 on 8 Para Bn moving for task (c).

42.  Junc Pts

        (a) 8 Para Bn and 5 Para Bde - rd junc 167479, x rds 172481.

        (b) 8 Para Bn and Div Def Pl - br over rly 186476.

        (c) 9 Para Bn and 513 RGT - x rds 159458, x rds 169462.

        (d) 9 Para Bn and 17 US Div (Airborne) - track junc 155454.

        (e) 1 Cdn Para Bn and 15 (S) Div - corner of wood 155477.

43.  Pyrotechnics

        (a) 8 Para Bn will indicate Bde rallying pt by use of BLUE smoke.

        (b) 1 Cdn Para Bn will indicate EAST end of their RV by YELLOW smoke.

44.  Demolitions  Rd leading into Bde area through corner of wood 155477 will be blocked.  The block will be capable of removal at short notice.

45.  Mines

        (a) No mines will be laid without permission from this HQ.

        (b) Only necklaces of mines will be used for blocking rds and tracks.

46.  Recognition

        (a) Recognition signs between airtps and ground forces will be the displaying of yellow celanese triangles.  These will be carried by all tps.

        (b) Ground to air - fluorescent panels.

        (c) Red berets will only be worn for minimum periods if required as urgent aid to recognition.

47.  Postponement  In the event of postponement when tps are on airfds infm will be passed through airforce channels and NOT through normal chain of comd.

48.  Stand To

        Morning 0540 hrs.  Evening 1915 hrs.

ADM

49.  Med  Cas on DZ will make their way to:-

        (a) unit RVs.

        (b) wood 159481.

        (c) Main rd WEST of DZ.

50.  224 Para Fd Amb will be responsible for clearing DZ cas.

51.  ADS  Bns will be responsible for est ADS on capture of their objectives.

52.  MDS  OC 224 Para Fd Amb will recce suitable site for MDS which will open on orders from this HQ.

53.  Morphia and Small Dressings  Two tubes of morphia will be carried by all offrs and full rank NCOs.  Two shell dressings each will be carried by all ranks.

Sups

54.  Stores and sups dropped or landed on DZ 'A' will be cleared by 8 Para Bn to dump at 163483.

55.  Jettison drop will be cleared by 9 Para Bn and 1 Cdn Para Bn.  Stores and sups will be dumped in area track junc 156474.

56.  Div Re-Supply Programme and Sup Pt  See Appx E.

57.  Bde Res Amn, RE Stores and Med Egpt  See Appx F.

58.  Rations  Each man will carry:-

        One 24 hr pack - to last 48 hrs.

        Two bars chocolate.

        4 ozs sweets.

        One packet chewing gum.

59.  Water

        (a) No water will be drunk which has not previously been boiled or sterilised.  All ranks will carry sterilizing tablets.

        (b) OC 224 Para Fd Amb will arrange routing of glided water trailer as situation permits.

60.  Tpt  All glider tpt will RV WEST edge of wood area Bde rallying pt where unit guides and escort will meet it.  Tpt will move under orders of comd offrs.

61.  Details of food-in of tpt - see Appx G.

62.  PW  PW will be held by bns until capture of Bde objectives.  Cage will then be est in area of Bde HQ.

INTERCOMN

63.  Location of HQs

        HQ 6 Airborne Div - Bldgs 189479

        HQ 5 Para Bde - 195495

        HQ 6 Airldg Bde - 204486

        HQ 3 Para Bde - Will initially be est at approx pt 160478.  On completion of the glider ldg will move to area 8 Para Bn 168473.  On completion of Bde task will move into 1 Cdn Para Bn area.

64.  Liaison  LOs from Bns will report to Bde HQ at pt 160478 not later than P plus 45 mins.

65.  Wrls

        (a) Wrls comns are shown in Appx H att.

        (b) Listening watch will be kept on SCR 300 down to bn level as soon as practicable.

        (c) All operators will carry full particulars of every link which can be operated by their type of set.  These particulars can be rolled up or concealed in the largest rod of the F type aerial.

66.  Sig Time  Official time will be BST (designated by letter A).  Time will be checked from BBC broadcast.

67.  Codes and Sig Security

        (a) Codes carried by air will be strictly limited to those for D to D plus 2.  Detailed security instrs for the carrying of codes and frequency lists will be issued through sig channels.

        (b) All codes will be carried in a destructor.

        (c) Slidex cursors will NOT be made out before ldg.

68.  Passwords  17 US Div (Airborne) will be using passwords.  These will be notified later and must be known by all concerned.  Pending further instrs no other pass words will be used.

ACK

Time of signature... 1500 hrs

Method of Despatch... DR

[Signed]

Maj, BM 3 Para Bde.

APPENDIX 'A' to 3 PARA BDE OO No 20

AIR and ARTY

Air

1.  Details of Air Bombing plan are not likely to be known until after arrival in transit camps.

Arty

2.  A comprehensive preliminary bombardment has been arranged which will be fired prior to P hr.  The following fmns will be taking part:-

3.  Details and timings are given below:-

6 AIRBORNE DIVISION INTELLIGENCE NOTES NO 15

ORGANISATION OF A WEHRMACHTKOMMANDANTUR

1.  A Wehrmachtkommandantur (Wehrm Kdtr) is the HQ of a Garrison District of sufficient importance to warrant a permanent Garrison commander and staff.  It is an interservice HQ, its name having been changed recently from Standortkommandantur (Garrison HQ) in order to emphasise its authority within its area over all arms.  The Waffen SS does not come under its control.  The Commander may be a Naval or Air Officer.  His rank (up to Major-General or equivalent) depends on the size of the area.  In less important areas the duties of Garrison Commander are carried out by the senior officer stationed in the area (Standortaltester).

2.  Wehrmachtkommandanturen control a Garrison District known as Standortbereich or a Standortbezirk.  A Standortbereich has an area of two to four Landkreise, and its boundaries follow the civil administrative boundaries.  A Standortbezirk is an area which had a Garrison HQ in peacetime, and is usually somewhat smaller.  The whole territory not covered by Standortbezirke has since the war been divided into Standortbereiche; but only a few of the latter have Wehrmachtkommandanturen at their head.

3.  Wehrmachtkommandanturen are directly subordinate to the Wehrkreis Kommando.  They have no permanent subordinate HQ, though they can set up Ortskommandanturen (Garrison Sub-Area HQ) if necessary.  All units (incl Field Army units) of less than divisional size come under their control while in their area for the purposes given below.

4.  Wehrmachtkommandanturen are responsible in their area for:-

        (a) Discipline and Welfare.

        (b) Quartering, allocation of training areas, etc.

        (c) Emergency local defence.

        (d) Registration of all Wehrmacht officers and ORs in their area on duty, leave or sick.

They are NOT responsible for administration and supply, except for their permanent troops.  Supply of troops in the area, maintenance of barrack buildings, hospitals, etc is done by the Heeres-Standortverwaltung (Garrison Administrative HQ).  This HQ, staffed by Wehrmacht officials, is parallel to and independent of the Garrison HQ, and works directly under the Wehrkreis Verwaltung.

5.  Wehrmachtkommandanturen are known to exist in Wkr VI in the following towns: ARNSBERG, BIELEFELD, DORTMUND, DUESSELDORF, ESSEN, (KOELN), MUENSTER, PADERBORN, WUPPERTAL.

6.  Standortaelteste are known in the following towns:

16 Mar 45.

APPENDIX "C" to 3 PARA BDE OO N0.20

AIR PLAN

Priorities

1.  Priority reforms are not required.  Lowest priority loads will be loaded in the highest numbered aircraft of each serial.

2.  It is suggested that comds travel in the leading aircraft of the serial which is usually flown by the air comd concerned.  52 Wing has been requested to do second runs if practicable and the load remaining of sufficient importance.

Timings

3.  Extracts from Forms 'A' have already been fwd to units concerned.

4.  Detailed timings are given below:-

        Time of take off and time of drop will be notified later.  A tk gliders will probably land before unit gliders.

Loading

5.  Liaison Offrs  The following offrs will act as loading liaison offrs for the Bde airfds:-

        (a) CHIPPING ONGAR - Capt CLEMENTS HQ 3 Para Bde.

        (b) SHEPHERDS GROVE - Capt ROBERTS HQ 3 Para Bde.

        (c) WETHERSFIELD - Offr detailed by OC 9 Para Bn.

                They will report to GSO 1 38 Gp at MUSHROOM FM Transit Camp at 1500 hrs 20 Mar 45 to meet the ACOs of their airfds to arrange a staggered loading programme.  [IPT?] will be in possession of a copy of all the necessary FORM AA and/or AB.

6.  Rehearsals  Stick Comds will carry out a rehearsal with the air crew of emplaning, jumping drill, signals and release of eqpt at airfd loading.

7.  Parachutes  All chutes are being placed in aircraft on D - 1 before tps arrive for container loading.  Names will be checked on chutes and they will be left on seats in aircraft away from door.

8.  Emergency Release Gear  An emergency release gear is being placed in each para aircraft with chutes.  ACO at stations are instructing the crew chief in its use, who in turn will instr sticks on arrival at aircraft.

9.  Form B  Form B will be prepared in quadruplicate by units prior to proceeding to airfds from transit camp.  Stick comds will handover all copies to the ACO who will collect them prior to take off.

10.  Stick comds or senior passengers in gliders will have one of the copies of Form B available at aircraft or glider loading in order that the load may be checked by Glider P.

Drop

11.  Para Despatching Signals  The following warnings will be given:-

        20 min verbal

        5 min verbal

        4 min RED

        Drop GREEN

12.  Eqpt will be released as follows:-

        (a) Jettison containers - 2 secs prior to GREEN.

        (b) Unit containers and eqpt - container switch will be released by No.7.

        (c) Push bicycles - after lastman by crew chief.  Bicycles will be wrapped in sacking or blanket to prevent catching on door.

13.  ALOs have been instructed to brief aircrews on release of eqpt and despatching signals and to ensure that the Capt of the aircraft allows no deviation from these arrangements.

14.  Premature Ldgs  If gliders land prematurely in UK senior passengers will contact GSO 1 (Air) 38 Gp, MONKS HALL, EARLS COLNE Airfd for instrs.  If on the continent personnel will proceed to HQ 12 Corps.

15.  Record of Ldg Posns  Units will eventually be asked to produce a trace (1/25000 map) of the ldg posns of all gliders and sticks.  When circumstances permit units will complete these details.

Appendix 4 to March 1945 War Diary

OPERATION VARSITY - PLUNDER

NOT TO BE TAKEN IN THE AIR ON D DAY

Ref. TS/224/ADY/1.

16 March 1945

224 PARACHUTE FIELD AMBULANCE O.O. No.2

Ref Maps:- GSGS GERMANY: 1/250,000 Sheets 2A, 3A, K52.  1/100,000 Sheets R1, Q1.  1/25,000 Sheets 4204, 4205, 4206, 4304, 4305, 4306.

D Day is the day of the op.

H Hour is the time for the assault of 12 Corps.

P Hour is the time of first drop on DZ.

INFM.

Enemy

1.  Will be provided by Int Summaries when they become available.

Own Tps

2.  12 Corps

        (a) 15 (S) Div is assaulting on a two Bde front in the general areas BISLICH 1442 and MEHR 1248 - HAFFEN 1149 at H Hour on D Day.  Subsequently 15 (S) Div will capture the brs over the R ISSEL WEST of DINGDEN 2253 and relieve 6 (Br) Airborne Div in area HAMMINKELN 2048.

        (b) 1 Commando Bde is to assault in the area of GRAV INSEL 1841 H minus 2 hrs D Day and capture WESEL 2240.

3.  30 Corps  30 Corps is assaulting in the vicinity of REES 0752.

4.  Ninth US Army  Ninth US Army is co-operating SOUTH of WESEL especially as regards fire sp.

5.  XVIII US Corps  XVIII US Corps with under Comd:-

        6 (Br) Airborne Div

        17 (US) Div (Airborne)

                is to land at P Hour D Day EAST of the R. RHEIN on 12 Corps front.

6.  6 (Br) Airborne Div  6 (Br) Airborne Div is to land in the area of SCHNEPPENBERG feature 1646 and the village of HAMMINKELN 2048 with the task of seizing the SCHNEPPENBERG feature, the village of HAMMINKELN and brs over the R. ISSEL.

7.  3 Para Bde.  3 Para Bde is to clear and hold area SCHNEPPENBERG feature as under: Rd junct 154478 - rd junct 168473 - rd junct 169462 - feature 157461 - rd junct 158465 - rd junct 154470.

8.  8 Para Bn - Tasks

        (a) Secure the DZ and est Bde rallying pt area wood 163480.

        (b) On completion of glider landing will come into bde reserve in area of rd junct 168473.

        (c) On completion of bde task on orders from Bde Comdr to clear and hold area rd and rly crossing 185476 - rd and rly crossing 189474 - rd and track junct 182467 - X rds 179473.

9.  9 Para Bn - Tasks in order of priority

        (a) Clear and hold feature area 163468.

        (b) Clear and hold feature area 157461.

10.  1 Cdn Para Bn - Tasks

        To clear and hold area rd junct 154478 - corner of wood 155477 - area houses 156472 - track junct 158471.

11.  Additional tps  Under comd 3 Para Bde are:-

        Eight FOO dets.

        Two counter mortar dets.

        One 6 pdr tp 3 Airlanding A tk Bty RA.

        One tp 3 Para Sqn RE.

        Det REME.

        One sec 6 Airborne Pro Coy.

        Two dets 22 Indep Para Coy.

INTENTION.

12.  224 Para Fd Amb will collect, treat and hold all cas of 3 Para Bde Gp, and those of other Allied Fmns and of the enemy in 3 Para Bde area, until evacuation is possible by ADMS 15 (S) Div.

METHOD.

13.   (a) No.2 Sec will be att to 8 Para Bn        )

        (b) No.3 Sec will be att to 9 Para Bn        ) Time and date to be notified later.

        (c) No.1 Sec will be at to 1 Cdn Para Bn  )

14.  DZ and LZ.  The DZ and the LZ are the same and will be known as DZ "A".  Exact area is given below:

        Map Refs:- 158488 - 161485 - 163485 - 165480 - 155477 - 152485.

15.  Jettison Drop.  Jettison drop will take place in area map refs:- 140480 - 153480 - 153470 - 140470.

16.  Run In.  Run In will be from WEST to EAST.

17.  Height of Drop.  Height of drop will be 500 feet.  Height of DZ is 75 feet.

18.  Order of Drop.

        8 Para Bn

        HQ 3 Para Bde

        1 Cdn Para Bn

        9 Para Bn

        Tp 3 Para Sqn RE

        224 Para Fd Amb less three secs.

        Glider element.

                Detailed timings will be given later.

19.  RVs.

20.  Collection of Casualties.  - 3 phases.

        (a) On the DZ.

                (i) Secs att to Bns will carry in as many wounded as possible to their Bn RVs.  They will move on orders from their respective Bn Comdrs.  HQ and No.4 Sec will clear cas to unit RV.  On orders from 2 i/c they will collect cas left at Bn RVs and, if necessary and practicable, will sweep the DZ for further cas.

                (ii) Walking wounded will make their way to:-

                        Unit RV.

                        Wood 159481.

                        Main rd WEST of DZ.

        (b) Initial Battle.  Secs att to Bns will set up ADSs in conjunction Bn RAPs on orders from their Bn Comdrs.  Fd Amb less three secs will proceed to Bde reserve area, where cas will also be moved, and No.4 Sec will be prepared to open an ADS there.  Bde MO may be called upon to assist at this ADS.  A recce for a suitable MDS will be done from this area.

        (c) Opening of the MDS.  MDS will be opened on orders from Bde Comdr.  As soon as is practicable all ADSs will be evacuated and in due course each ADS will revert to a RAP reinforced by Fd Amb SBs only.

21.  Evacuation of Cas from MDS.

        (a) This is being carried out by 15 (S) Div.  A medical liaison offr of Fd rk (expected to be a Major L. MacCallum RAMC 153 Fd Amb) is to contact the unit when the situation permits.

        (b) A Casualty Embarkation pt (C.E.P.) is to be est at approx H plus 3 hours by 15 (S) Div in area 135420.

ADMIN.

Sups.

22.  Stores and sups dropped or landed on DZ "A" are being cleared by 8 Para Bn to dump at 163483.

23.  Jettison drop is being cleared by 9 Para Bn and 1 Cdn Para Bn.  Stores and sups will be dumped in area track junct 156474.

24.  Rations  Each man will carry 2 24 hour ration packs - one of these to last him for 48 hrs.  The other to be called in for the use of patients.

25.  Water.

        (a) NO water will be drunk which has not been previously sterilised.

        (b) Water from the trailer, water airborne 100 gal, will only be used on the instruction of an offr.

26.  Plasma.  The secs att to 8 Para Bn and 9 Para Bn will have thirty pints of plasma each which will be preloaded on jeeps coming in by glider.

27.  Penicillin.  The secs att to 8 Para Bn and 9 Para Bn will each carry two million units of Penicillin.

28.  Tpt.

        (a) All glider tpt will RV WEST edge of wood area Bde Rallying pt.

        (b) Capt Chaundy with 3 o/rs RASC will collect:-

                One jeep and trailer GS.

                One jeep and trailer, water airborne 100 gal.

                Three lightweight m/cs.

        (c) At the glider RV two jeeps will be available for the 8th and 9th Para Bns respectively.  Offrs i/c No.2 and 3 Secs will arrange for their collection.

INTERCOMN.

29.  Locations

        HQ 6 Airborne Div (DADMS) - Bldgs 189479.

        HQ 3 Para Bde - will initially be est at approx pt 160478.  On completion of the glider ldg will move to area 8 Para Bn 168473.  On completion of Bde Task will move into 1 Cdn Para Bn area.

        MDS 225 Para Fd Amb - Area 188494.

        MDS 195 Airlanding Fd Amb - Area 216484.

30.  Sig Time  Official time will be BST (Designated by letter A).

31.  Passwords.  17 US Div (Airborne) will be using pass words.  These will be notified later and must be known by all concerned.  Pending further instructions NO other passwords will be used.

[Signed Young]

Lieut Colonel, RAMC.

Commanding 224 Parachute Field Ambulance.

Time of Signature 1500 A.

Appendix 1 to April 1945 War Diary

Report on German Military Hospital Area at MUNSTER (Germany 1/100,000 Sheet M4 Map Ref 590907)

1.  In MUNSTER, and in the surrounding area within a radius of approximately 3 miles, there is a German Medical Area and also a PW Camp.

2.  German military medical installations are scattered in buildings throughout the area of which the two main ones are the Reservelazarett and the Hauptlazarett.  In addition there is a Feldlazarett.  Nominal rolls in triplicate of the staffs of these hospitals are forwarded in accordance with ADMS 6 Airborne Division letter MED/9 of 21 Apr 45.

3.  The total number of hospital beds in the area is 3,410 of which 2,350 are occupied.  A nominal roll of Allied wounded who are NOT fit to be moved is attached.  In all, there are approximately 700 severely wounded Germans.  There is an isolation block in which there are 40 cases diphtheria, 8 cases scarlet fever, 1 case typhoid fever and one active tuberculosis.  There is a large variety of medical cases each segregated according to the anatomical regions of the body affected.

4.  In the area there is a large hot-air disinfestation centre which is in good working order.

5.  The hospitals are self supporting in the way of drugs, dressings, medical equipment, and food for approximately two or three months although the following items are likely to be in short supply within about one week - anaesthetic ether and plaster of paris.

6.  Although over crowding in the hospital buildings is very obvious everything is very well organised and, in my opinion, could not be improved upon under the circumstances.  The overcrowding will decrease daily as patients fit for duty are moved to PW camps.

ACTION SO FAR TAKEN

1.  I have issued orders in respect of the medical installations, two copies of which orders are attached.

2.  I have contacted the senior British officer in MUNSTER (Major RIDDLE), of 338 Bty 75 A/Tk Regt RA with regard to control of the PW camp.  In this camp there are the following:-

The a/n personnel have practically no food and have no soap whatsoever.  They are still being controlled by their own officers, but they, in turn, feel that owing to the lack of an armed guard they are liable to break out.  Major RIDDLE is taking this matter up with 8 Corps.

3.  A board of RAMC Officers from this unit will visit the camp daily in order to examine patients fit for discharge to duty and hospital rolls of these will be forwarded to 8 Corps daily.

4.  Major KA MILLER RAMC Surgical Specialist attached to this unit, has visited the Allied wounded and is satisfied with their treatment.  A supply of penicillin, tinned milk and soap has been left for them.

5.  Major DH CLARK RAMC, DADH 6 Airborne Division, has made a hygiene inspection of the area and his report will be forwarded in due course.

6.  The German Area Commander, Major General BECKER, is at present a patient in the hospital, having been wounded by low flying aircraft.  He is still ill so I took the liberty of presenting the compliments of the General to him and wishing him a speedy recovery.  He, in turn, thanked the General for his sympathetic interest.

[Signed A.D. Young]

Lieut Colonel, RAMC.

Commanding 224 Parachute Field Ambulance.

BLA

23 April 1945

Appendix 2 to April 1945 War Diary

NARRATIVE

Ref. Maps Germany 1/25,000 Sheets 4205 4206.  Germany 1/100,000 Sheets P2, N3, N4, [?]

Preface.

(i) The Air Lift of the unit for Operation VARSITY/PLUNDER was as follows:-

        (a) By parachute.  7 sticks of 19 all ranks each.

        (b) By glider.  3 gliders were allotted and utilised as follows:-

                No.1 Glider.  2 Dvrs i/c 2 Jeeps.

                No.2 Glider.  2 Drvs i/c 1 Electrician, 1 Jeep and Trailer GS, 1 Lt/W M/C

                No.3 Glider.  2 Dvrs i/c 1 Jeep and Trailer, Water, Airborne, [?] Gal.  1 Lt/W M/C.

(ii) Only the narrative for D Day is done in detail in this report.  The salient features of the remaining days are given in tabular form.

D DAY 24th MARCH 1945.

        The Unit took off with 3 Para Bde Gp from airfields at CHIPPING ONGAR and WETHERSFIELD shortly after 0700 hrs.  In order of flight the unit was sub-divided as follows:-

                First wave: Sticks 1 (COs stick) and 6 (No.2 Section) with 8 Bn Para Regt and 3 Para Bde HQ.

                Second wave: Sticks 4 and 5 (No.1 Section) with 1 Cdn Para Bn.

                Third wave: Sticks 2 (2ICs stick), 3 and 7 (No.3 Section) with 9 Bn Para Regt.

        In sticks 2 and 3 there were both Surgical Teams.

        The flight over the CHANNEL, FRANCE and BELGIUM was uneventful and on crossing the river RHINE hardly any flak was encountered.

        The tow rope of No.1 Glider snapped over FRANCE but the Glider landed safely and the glider party rejoined the unit 2 days later.

        The first wave dropped at 0957 hrs and was followed by the second and third wave at 4 minute intervals.  The remaining 2 gliders arrived safely at 1040 hrs.

        There was one REFUSAL in No.7 stick and he prevented another man from jumping.  The latter was flown out again from UK and rejoined the unit 2 days later.

        The DZ area in squares 1549 and 154[?] (GERMANY 1/25,000 Sheet 4205) was held by the enemy and there were immediate casualties to the Bde Gp.  The [?] of wood running out from the Bde HQ and Field Ambulance RV at 158477 (GERMANY 1/25,000 Sheet 4205) was strongly held by the enemy.  In approaching this position Capt CA CHAUNDY AD Corps was shot through the neck and killed instantaneously.  Many members of the unit landed in the high trees and three were killed while they were still hung up in their parachutes; Rev. J.W. KENNY, Cpl NICHOLSON LF RAMC and Dvr. SHELTON A RASC.  Twenty minutes after the drop most of the unit had been accounted for.

        Shortly after the arrival the enemy began to mortar the DZ and this made the task of clearing the DZ casualties a more difficult one than had been anticipated.  It was, however, carried out according to plan i.e. the sections attached to Bns cleared to their Bn RVs and these [?] of casualties were, in turn, cleared to the Field Ambulance RV by No.4 Section, and thence to the MDS.  All known casualties had been brought into the MDS by 1945 hrs.  This task would have taken twice the time had it not been for the PW labour that was available.

        At 1200 hrs the Bde Commander ordered the Field Ambulance to move to the 1 Cdn Para Bn area.  The CO accordingly did a recce and the unit moved into the church at 157472.  At 1440 hrs the MDS was open and one surgical team was operating.

        At 1535 hrs carriers of 15 (Scottish) Division approached 1 Cdn Para Bn positions and at 1545 hrs ADMS 6 Airborne Division arrived by road from WEST of the RHINE to make arrangements for evacuation of casualties.  193 Field Ambulance had commenced clearing casualties from the MDS by 1720 hrs.

        Bn RAPs were located as follows:

                8 Bn Para Regt - In wood at 153473.

                9 Bn Para Regt - In wood at 163463.

                1 Cdn Para Bn & Bde HQ - With MDS in Church at 157472

        Own unit Coy casualties:

                (a) KILLED IN ACTION or DIED of WOUNDS.

                        (i) Capt CA CHAUNDY AD Corps.

                        (ii) Rev JH KENNY RAChD.

                        (iii) Cpl NICHOLSON LF RAMC.

                        (iv) Pte HALL G RAMC.

                        (v) Pte WRIGHT E RAMC.

                        (vi) Dvr SHELTON A RASC.

                (b) WOUNDED.

                        (i) Capt (QM) EDM ANDERSON RAMC.

                        (ii) L/Cpl OBSORNE RAMC.

                        (iii) L/Cpl ROBINSON RAMC.

                        (iv) Pte AYLES RAMC.

                        (v) Pte FITZGERALD RAMC.

                        (vi) Pte OUTRAM RAMC.

                        (vii) Pte ROWE RAMC.

                        (viii) Pte STRAW RAMC.

                (c) MISSING.

                        (i) Cpl LEVER RAMC (Preventing jumping by Pte's THORNE'S refusal.)

                        (ii) Pte BRAMWELL RAMC (Taken PW and liberated 3 days later)

                        (iii) Pte DOWNEY RAMC (Taken PW)

                        (iv) Pte McKINLAY RAMC (Taken PW)
                        (v) Pte PETTS RAMC (Taken PW and liberated 3 days later)

                        (vi) Pte THORNE RAMC (Refused to jump)

                        (vii) Pte WOOD RAMC (Taken PW and liberated 10 days later)

        In all 212 casualties were dealt with by the unit on D Day and nine surgical operations were performed.

                                                                                       Number of casualties treated

CASUALTIES ADMITTED TO 224 PARACHUTE FIELD AMBULANCE FROM 24 March 45 to 23 April 45.

For every 100 Airborne personnel wounded admitted there were also admitted: Sick 26.6, Accidents 9.7, Exhaustion 3.1

For every 100 Other British wounded admitted the figures are: Sick 49.5, Accidents 24.2, Exhaustion 10.5

PERCENTAGES

ANALYSIS OF SURGICAL OPERATIONS PERFORMED by 224 PARACHUTE FIELD AMBULANCE from 24th March 1945 to 20th April 1945

OWN UNIT CASUALTIES.

(i) KILLED IN ACTION or DIED of WOUNDS.

        Capt CA CHAUNDY AD Corps.

        Rev JH KENNY RAChD.

        Cpl NICHOLSON LF RAMC.

        Pte HALL G RAMC.

        Pte WRIGHT E RAMC.

        Dvr SHELTON A RASC.

(ii) WOUNDED.

        Major F MURRAY RAMC. (Remains with unit)

        Capt (QM) EDM ANDERSON RAMC.

        Cpl LAWRENCE J RAMC.

        L/Cpl OBSORNE FD RAMC.

        L/Cpl ROBINSON K RAMC. (Remains with unit)

        Pte AYLES RS RAMC.

        Pte FITZGERALD JF RAMC.

        Pte OUTRAM JL RAMC.

        Pte ROWE [?] RAMC.

        Pte STRAW H RAMC.

(iii) MISSING presumed PW.

        Pte DOWNEY I RAMC

        Pte McKINLAY TC RAMC

(iv) SICK

        Pte BREDDA C RAMC

        Pte BROWN TR RAMC

        L/C HARRIS NH RAMC

        Pte McCAUSLAND RJ RAMC

        Pte WHITE A RAMC

REPORT ON NEW EQUIPMENT.

Only two new items of equipment were used on this operation.

        (a) Night signs for Dressing Stations.  These have proved very useful for drawing attention to a larger illuminated sign close by, but should prove very successful by themselves once personnel become more familiar with them and therefore keep a look out for them.  The batteries last for fourteen hours continuous running.

        (b) Canadian Charging Set 17 volt 320 watt Mk 1 (Brit) [?]/395/5.  As stated in the report previously submitted in UK this charging set is an improvement upon the Tiny Tim set at present held on the WE.  It has, however, been found that it is inclined to piston seizure due to the angle of the cylinder.  This can be obviated by overfilling the sump.  The following information is also submitted in respect of the Tiny Tim set L/123:-

                (i) It requires decarbonizing every 72 hours use.

                (ii) The exhaust valve becomes sticky after 72 hours continuous use.

                (iii) The coil burns out within 280 hours.

CONCLUSIONS.

(i) Clearance of DZ Casualties.

The method [?]rated in the narrative appears to be the best so far evolved, but it must be admitted that the time factor in clearing such casualties is always going to be longer than in the case of ordinary battle casualties.

(ii) Deployment of Parachute Field Ambulance when only one Field Ambulance in the Division is open in a rapid advance.

It is suggested that, with each Bde Gp, there is a small ADS attached from the corresponding Field Ambulance.  This ADS will not normally be more than one Section strong.  The Officer i/c this ADS will be responsible for contacting whichever of the divisional Field Ambulances is open at the time and of passing on this information to the Bde RMOs.  The system of sending Fd Amb locations to formation MOs via the A/Q Branch has, to say the least of it, been unsuccessful.  It is not considered practicable to attach a section to each Bn as such personnel are required in the one ADS which is dealing with all the divisional casualties.

(iii) Transport at the RAP.

It is highly desirable to attach an ambulance car to each RAP but, if this is done and the parent Fd Amb has to move, these Amb cars are required as troop carrying vehicles.

(iv) Surgery.

In the recent advance Corps surgical units have, on many occasions, been located far behind on the L of C e.g. when this unit GREVEN casualties had to be evacuated 64 miles to 34 CCS at GEMEN.  There can be little doubt that, under such circumstances, surgery must be done at the Fd Amb level.  There would therefore appear to be no justification for taking surgeons away from the Fd Amb until the advance slows down sufficiently to allow Corps surgical units to catch up or until the division becomes static altogether.

(v) In spite of having 5 additional 3 ton lorries surplus to WE the transport is still inadequate.  Ambulance cars have to be used for carrying personnel, including MAC cars in order to move the unit.  It is hoped that the new WE for the unit will not be long in appearing.

(vi) Wireless.

The inclusion of W/T in the unit is long overdue.  During a rapid advance such valuable time is wasted seeking information by the personal contact method and it is impossible to maintain an accurate location list since the picture is changing so rapidly.  Time and time again the [?] of "order, counter-order, disorder" could have been avoided if wireless communication between the unit, ADMS, and Bde HQ had existed.  At times the orders were being received direct from Corps and it was impossible to inform ADMS of what these orders were, although every attempt was made to pass on this information.

Appendix 3 to April 1945 War Diary

224 PARACHUTE FIELD AMBULANCE.  SURGEONS REPORT FOR MONTH OF MARCH 1945

        The unit parachuted into GERMANY at 1000 hrs 24 MAR 45.  A MDS was set up and one surgical team had started operating by 1430 hrs.  Nine major cases were done before midnight and nineteen more during the next 24 hrs.  The unit then moved to a farm at ELMERS, Germany 1/25,000 Map Ref 252466.  Four wounded PW were operated upon here.  On 28 Mar 45 we moved up to a castle at RAESFELD, Germany 1/25,000 Map Ref 373523.  Twenty-six major cases were operated upon.  On the 30 Mar 45 we closed and on the 31 Mar 45 opened at GREVEN, Germany 1/100,000 Map Ref 907887, shortly after its capture a further eleven cases being done up to 2400 hrs 31 Mar 45, making a total of sixty-eight cases for the seven and a half days of March following and including D Day.

ANALYSIS.

        The majority of cases were GSW, mortar and SW being fewer than previously.  Eighteen of the sixty-eight cases were German.  There were fourteen compound fractures of femur and nineteen of other bones, five traumatic amputations, seven 'abdomens' and twenty-three other wounds.  Evacuation started on 25 Mar 45 but was intermittent.  Cases selected for operation were mainly those too desperately bad to be able to make a further journey.  Four hundred and sixty cases were admitted to the MDS during this period.  Of the sixty eight operated upon by us nine died in our hands, 5 out of 18 German and 4 out of 50 British.  It has NOT been possible to keep notes on special cases.  It has seldom been possible even to look at them again before evacuation.

        The 'abdomens' were left behind on leaving each location.  Only two of the seven died in our care.  All cases have had Penicillin intramuscularly and many also locally.  No special report on their progress is possible.

PERSONNEL.

        For most of the period the staff of the MDS has consisted of the CO 2i/c two surgeons, one other medical officer and 50 other ranks; (the other three section officers being out at Bns and the Dental Offr - Anaesthetist - having been killed) this was insufficient for the work in hand.

        Anaesthetics have been given largely by orderlies with the help of the surgeons.

EQUIPMENT.

        The unit is still working with what equipment was dropped on the men on D Day.  Expendables have been made up but we are still doing, for instance, amputations with Bard Parker knives, having lost our large scalpels on the DZ.

        Blood was NOT available until D plus 1, is constantly in short supply and often lacking.

COMMENT.

        Men wounded so severely that they would never reach any but a very forward unit alive can often be saved only with blood.  Their response to plasma is poor or nil.

        Airborne Field Transfusion Units were overdue.

        The surgical teams would undoubtedly work better as independent Airborne FSUs with equipment on FSU scale to be brought up with the sea tail as soon as possible after dropping.

        The Airborne FSU should be used just like other FSUs once their Airborne role is finished.

        The almost complete failure to make use of the six surgeons of the Division when we were in a land role in BELGIUM and HOLLAND was galling for us.

        A unit with two surgeons but no specialist anaesthetist seems to me an anachronism.

Signed.  H. Daintree Johnson, Major RAMC.

Surgical Specialist.

Appendix 2 to May 1945 War Diary

MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS - WISMAR.

Ref. Map Germany 1/25,000 Sheet 2034

This account of medical arrangements in WISMAR is not an account of arrangements that existed before the British occupation of WISMAR, but is rather the story of arrangements which were produced to meet with the emergencies of the situation at that time.

On 2nd May 1945 3 Para Bde entered WISMAR.  A recce was done shortly after 1600 hours of the Luftwaffe Hospital situated on the western outskirts of the town at MR 453938.  This hospital had been completely evacuated to LUBECK on 1 May 1945 because it was anticipated that the Russians would enter WISMAR before the British.  Some 200 wounded had been evacuated together with almost the entire staff, practically all the medical supplies that were transportable, and all food.  In fact, when we entered the hospital there were no wounded in it but a small staff of 2 officers and 21 other ranks (including Red Cross helpers) had remained behind.  One of the officers was an Oberfeldarzt (Lt Col) in the Luftwaffe medical services and who had been posted to the hospital the previous day but who had not arrived in time to catch the train for LUBECK.  The other officer was the quartermaster and he had only served in the hospital for 8 weeks.  It is of interest to note that the other ranks, with the exception of 2 Norwegian girls who were voluntary German Red Cross workers, were all Austrians.

ADMS 6 Airborne Division visited the hospital shortly after the COs arrival and decided to put 2 Field Ambulances in it and run it as a hospital for the Division.  Within an hour of this decision being made German wounded started pouring in from all over the countryside and No.2 Section was worked extremely hard attending to them until the arrival of the main body of the unit shortly before midnight.  From then on, and for the next four days, the unit was kept hard at it and in all some 1400 wounded enemy personnel were catered for.

On 3rd May 1945 it was reported that the German Medical Services had set up a hospital in the KNABENSCHULE in WISMAR (MR 452948).  This was visited and was found to be an annex of the Luftwaffe Hospital itself.  It was equipt with 200 beds but on 3rd May 45 it was crowded out with more than 600 casualties.  It was therefore decided to keep it as a hospital for light cases and not to exceed 250.

The transfer of excess patients from the school to the hospital was almost complete when information was received that there was a hospital train just outside WISMAR with 700 German wounded on it.  The OC this train, an Oberfeldarzt in the army, was informed that his wounded would be gradually cleared to the Luftwaffe Hospital but that this job would take some time.  The same night all the walking wounded left the train on their account, as did most of the medical staff and the sisters, and made their way across fields to the Luftwaffe Hospital.

At this time the difficulties at the hospital were quite considerable.  There were approximately 800 enemy wounded in it, a German medical staff had appeared but wasn't taking a very active part in running the hospital, there was not water except that which could be brought in the water-cart of the two Field Ambulances (225 Para Fd Amb and ourselves) and the electric lighting system was only working spasmodically.

On 5th May 1945 the Oberfeldarzt from the hospital train was informed that would regroup all German medical personnel in the hospital, put them to work immediately, and in the course of a few days take over from the British Military Medical Services.

On 6th May 1945 a further hospital train was discovered sitting in the railway station WISMAR and on it were 350 enemy wounded.  By 1800 hours on the same day all wounded from the first train had been brought in to the Luftwaffe Hospital.  This train was not an ambulance train but was a series of horse boxes attached to a flak train and the conditions in which the wounded were found were completely unsanitary to say the least of it.  They, and their medical staff with them, had come from the German Kriegslazarett in ROSTOCK which they had just left before the entry of the Russians.  With them were approximately 2 days supply of food and drugs and dressings sufficient for about one month.

No attempt was made to clear the wounded from the hospital train in WISMAR station and, in fact, a further 200 wounded were put on the train and permission was received for it to proceed to LUBECK on 8th May 1945.

The position as it now stands is that there were now 591 enemy wounded in the Luftwaffe Hospital and 202 in the annex in the KNABENSCHULE.  The latter has the following German staff:- 3 Doctors, 2 Medical Students, 6 Nursing Orderlies, 18 German Red Cross Sisters, 16 Cooks, Charwomen etc.

The German staff of the Luftwaffe Hospital is as follows: 8 Doctors, 1 Quartermaster, 2 Apothecaries, 1 Chaplain, 47 Wehrmacht Nursing Orderlies, 1 Matron (Oberschwester), 17 Sisters, 73 German Red Cross Nurses.  And approximately 80 civilian workers viz. Cooks, electricians, charwomen, joiners, plumbers, etc.

Nominal rolls of all military personnel in the Luftwaffe Hospital, the Knabenschule and in the No.638 Hospital Train are attached.

Personnel are being discharged fit to PW Cages at the rate of approximately 25 per day.  It is hoped ultimately to clear the remaining wounded from the school to the hospital and therefore close down the former.  A complete take-over by the Germans from ourselves has not practically been effected as it is considered that the services of the RAMC in the hospital could be dispensed with any time from now on.

The following is a description of the Luftwaffe Hospital itself:

Situation.  It stands on the high ground, by itself, in the western outskirts of WISMAR.

Accommodation.  When it was constructed in 1940 it was intended for use as a 200 bedded hospital, but the war situation has necessitated its expansion to 900 beds (including the 200 in the Knabenschule.)  It is lavishly appointed, has two complete operating theatres, a small but good laboratory, complete X-ray plant which is undamaged and is thought to be in working order and an excellent Electro-Therapeutic department which is in working order.  There are also four electric lifts which greatly facilitate the transport of patients.  It is considered that the ideal capacity of the hospital is 600 beds.

Water Supply.  Water is supplied from the WISMAR [?] to a tank in the grounds of the hospital.  This arrangement is not in good working order and seldom have we had the water laid on in the building for more than one hour in any 24 hours since we have been here.

Lighting.  Electric current is supplied from WISMAR from 0600 hrs till 1100 hrs & 2100 hrs to 2359 hrs daily.  In addition there is a diesel auxiliary lighting system which is brought into use between the hours of midnight and 0600 hrs.  Unfortunately it apt to get overheated and break down.

Hygiene.  The lack of water has produced two problems, one of personal cleanliness and the other of conservancy.  To date all the German wounded have not yet had their complete bodies washed but all of them have been treated with DDT.  Deep trench latrines have been constructed for all personnel.  When the water is on the water carriage system works excellently.  There is a laundry in the hospital but again lack of water has prevented this from being used.  There are two permanent incinerators in the grounds of the hospital.  There are NO cases of infectious diseases at present.

Garage Accommodation.  There are four garages including a fitters shop and good hard standings for about 40 vehicles.  The following vehicles were taken over with the hospital; 3 Ambulance cars, 2 small 4 seater cars, 1 diesel wireless truck and one fire engine.

Cooking Facilities.  There is a large modern kitchen with gas cookers in addition to ordinary fires and which is easily capable of cooking for 1,000 prisoners.

[Signed Young]

Lieut Colonel RAMC.

Commanding 224 Parachute Field Ambulance.

BLA.

9 May 1945

Appendix 3

21 Army Group

PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE C-IN-C

(To be read out to all Troops)

1.  On this day of victory in Europe I feel I would like to speak to all who have served and fought with me during the last few years.  What I have to say is very simple, and quite short.

2.  I would ask you all to remember those of our comrades who fell in the struggle.  They gave their lives that others might have freedom, and no man can do more than that.  I believe that He would say to each one of them: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

3.  And we who remain have seen the thing through to the end; we all have a feeling of great joy and thankfulness that we have been preserved to see this day.  We must remember to give the praise and thankfulness where it is due: "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

4.  In the early days of this war the British Empire stood alone against the combined might of the axis powers.  And during those days were suffered some great disasters; but we stood firm: on the defensive, but striking blows where we could.  Later we were joined by Russia and America; and from then onwards the end was in no doubt.  Let us never forget what we owe to our Russian and American allies; this great allied team has achieved much in war; may it achieve even more in peace.

5.  Without doubt, great problems lie ahead; the world will not recover quickly from the upheaval that has taken place; there is much work for each one of us.  I would say that we must face up to that work with the same fortitude that we faced up to the worst days of this war.  It may be that some difficult times lie ahead for our country, and for each one of us personally.  If it happens thus, then our discipline will pull us through; but we must remember that the best discipline implies subordination or [?] for the benefit of the community.

6.  It has been a privilege and an honour to command this great British Empire team in western Europe.  Few commanders can have had such loyal service as you have given me.  I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart.

7.  And so let us embark on what lies ahead full of joy and optimism.  We have won the German war.  Let us now win the peace.

8.  Good luck to you all, wherever you may be.

[Signed B.L. Montgomery]

Field-Marshal,

C.-in-C.,

21 Army Group.

Germany,

May, 1945.