PERSONAL WAR DIARY

CAPT. (later Major) A.E.W. (John) HODGES

ADJUTANT 9TH BATTALION ROYAL TANK REGIMENT

Preamble

John Hodges evidently kept a rough diary from the time the Regiment landed in Normandy. The notes for the first few days must have been too rough to reconstruct in a useful fashion, and his formal narrative starts on 10 July 1944, the day of Operation Jupiter or the attack on Hill 112. His entry on 26 September describes the stimulus for the more formal diary: “ Still sitting at Biville and having nothing better to do so decided to write out this diary in full.” The diary ends on 14 April, by which time it was clear that there would be no more action for the 9^th.

10th July, 1944

Attack on Maltot area and Pt 112. In the morning B Squadron attacked Chateau de Fontaine from just south of Verson. Attack was successful and was exploited to the high ground 500 yards beyond. C Squadron then attacked Eterville and all went well. About 1100 hours A Squadron formed up with 7th Dorsets to pass through these positions and capture Maltot. The tanks reached the orchards surrounding the village and the Infantry entered. At this stage every . thing seemed to go wrong. The tanks were caught in a murderous cross fire from beyond the river on their right and from woods and the reverse slope of 112, the latter being the objective of 7 RTR who failed to take it. Very heavy mortar fire came down and the inevitable counter attack with tanks came in. The Dorsets were reduced to company strength and at this stage only four tanks out of eighteen were left to fight. These joined up with B Squadron who succeeded in holding the general line Chateau de Fontaine and Eterville. About 6pm C Squadron attacked Maltot with a fresh set of Infantry ‑ as before the outskirts of the village were reached ‑ but no further progress could be made.

This was a disastrous day for A Squadron. Young George Hendrie was killed early on. An 88mm shell struck the commander’s flap and decapitated him. The crew managed to bring the tank back to the start line and he was buried by the Padre together with an Infantry soldier under an elm tree near Verson at 965646. He was a very popular young officer and his death was a great shock to us all. Major Ballantine also died of wounds on this day. I heard his last message over the wireless saying, quite cheerfully, that his tank had been hit three times and that he was trying to get through the hedge into the orchard. He then dismounted to talk to the CO of the 7th Dorsets and his R0, Ronnie Kirby. While they were talking there was a very heavy bout of mortaring and Douglas was wounded in the head and the chest, both his legs were broken. At this stage tanks were on fire all around and the counter‑attack started to come in. Douglas was in a ditch with two of his crew, Murphy and Quin. Quin says that he was gradually getting weaker and weaker but kept on trying to help his tanks to get back out of it. All this time the place was being swept by MG and mortar fire. Quin went to find the Infantry Medical Officer but he had been killed. Quin managed to get blankets and a ground sheet to make Douglas as comfortable as possible but it was obvious that he could not last long unless help arrived very quickly.

After about an hour of this Douglas sent Quin and Murphy away saying there was nothing they could do for him and that they must save themselves. At this time the counter‑attack was almost on top of them. He was hardly conscious at this stage. Quin made several attempts to move Douglas but it was too painful for him and their position was pretty hopeless. Quin and Murphy managed to get away and joined up with several more de‑horsed crews and crawled back to the start line through the corn.

At this stage about three‑quarters of the Squadron had lost their tanks and were trying to get back one way or another. The Padre and our own ambulances made repeated attempts to get forward to the Squadron and succeeded in picking up about 12 men, but the position was impossible. Later in the day when C Squadron attacked there must have been a good number of our men still about the area who would have come under our own artillery barrage. For days we tried to reach the place to recover the tanks and see what was left but it was not until 8th August that we were finally able to do so. Then we recovered and buried 19 bodies from the burnt out tanks and buried them together with Douglas at Eterville at 987638.

We knew Douglas had died for an Infantry Officer who got back brought in his identity discs and told us that he had died the same day (10th July). When we got there on 8th August, Douglas had been buried by the Infantry but we brought him back with the rest of his Squadron. We found his notebook in his pocket with his name written on it. Later we heard that at least three complete crews had been taken prisoner. Of these Sergeant Quin was taken to hospital in Paris and when the Germans fled, he hid in a cupboard until the Americans found him. After this the old A Squadron ceased to exist and it was completely reorganised under Bert Mockford. That night the Battalion rallied north of the railway line above Verson where we remained for several days. During C Squadron's attack, Alan Chapman was hit by shrapnel and lost an eye ‑ altogether our blackest day so far.

16th July

We moved up at dusk to take over a counter‑attack role from 7 RTR at Gournay just north of Hill 112. Here we remained until 26th July, losing each day three or four men from mortar fire. During the whole of this period the place was mortared and shelled all day long and we lived in holes beneath the tanks. At. night there was always a visit from German bombers and heavy shelling, so one way and another there was little sleep. On the first night we had hardly stopped the engines before the bombers were over dropping flares and bombs. One landed between the CO's tank and mine. He was underneath his with two of the crew. One was killed and the CO badly spattered with shrapnel and was evacuated. Geoff Brewer, who was standing on the top of the CO's tank, was blown off but suffered little more than a severe shaking!

Altogether it was a most unpleasant night and our casualties were four killed and a score injured. I joined forces with Bob Warren who took over command On the 22nd July Berry Veale came back to us as CO from 7 RTR. B Squadron had to go forward as a counter‑attack was reported. A mortar bomb fell on his operator's flaps making a pretty good mess of Sergeant Tito. Bob wasn't too bad but will probably lose a couple of fingers. Mike Reynell, took over B Squadron.

26th July

We moved to Fontenay‑Le‑Pesnel for a couple of days rest. An immediate recce was ordered with Infantry of 59 Division as we were in a counterattack role. During this recce at Brettevillette B Squadron Troop Leaders received a severe set back. They were in a sunken road when some

mortars fell in the next field. Freddie Smart and the rest jumped up on a bank to see the results and stepped on an “S" mine. Dickie Wolskel, Freddie Smart and Sergeant Nicholls were instantly killed. Peter Beale and Jimmy Cargill badly injured. Later Cargill died in hospital. We buried them all near a wood in the British cemetery at Fontenay‑Le‑Pesnel.

8th August

The past week has been employed in moving right around Caen to the east of the Bridgehead for an attack with the Canadians due south to Falaise. The bombing was a wonderful sight at night and we saw one bomber completely disintegrate in the air. We were about 1000 yards from the nearest bomb and the blast was something tremendous. The whole of this area is infested with mosquitos, making it almost impossible to get any sleep. Everyone is covered with a mass of bites. The weather is very hot and the countryside very, very dusty. Dead animals everywhere and movement involving any quantity of dust brings down shells.

10th August

Moved to La Hogue and Secqueville which were bombed yesterday. Complete and utter devastation everywhere and a horrible smell of burning and rubble. Lots of mines about and plenty of odd shells fall. While harboured up on a hill were heavily shelled. Two men in A Squadron killed by shell which fell just behind the half track and four wounded. About 6pm Headquarters must have been spotted for the shells began to land a few feet away. The half track was hit in the radiator and the aerials blown away. Decided it was getting more than a joke and moved Headquarters about half a mile away. Found out later had been riding my bike over a minefield most of the morning.

14th August

Moved to Gouvix and to Estrees‑La‑Campagne in preparation for the big Canadian break through towards Falaise. Something went wrong with the RAF bombing attack. We were about 1000 yards from the nearest positions that were to be bombed. The first wave dropped their bombs plumb on the target but the succeeding waves dropped them well behind us ‑amongst the Canadians and the Poles. It was most unpleasant and one felt pretty hopeless. Gradually the bombs crept closer to where we were and we threw out yellow smoke and waved. Fortunately none landed amongst us but this was a terrifying two hours. Later Headquarters Canadian Armoured Division was shot up in front of us and the Rev. McMahon went forward in an ambulance to try and pick up survivors. An 88mm shell went straight through the ambulance killing the Padre and a stretcher bearer (the latter had been one of my clerks). The driver got back with scratches and severe burns. McMahon was a great little man and it was a great blow to us all.

Started moving forward to Falaise ‑ lots of dead Boche everywhere and burnt out vehicles. B Squadron had quite an exciting trip. We got to within 1 mile of Falaise and were waiting for the Infantry to go into the attack when we got orders to pull right back and start the battle of the Bridges along the coast towards the Seine. B Squadron had a tank burn out when withdrawing. The crew bailed out unharmed.

16th August

Pulled right back to attack Mezidon and work along the coast towards the Seine.

20th August

Geoff Brewer shot through the stomach on a recce. Heard later that he will be O.K. Advancing slowly. Peter Myatt shot himself through the foot. Most unnecessary.

22nd August

Reached river north of Lisieux. B Squadron heavily shelled and about 15 casualties resulted. Frank Drew shot through the head. Heard later that he will lose an eye.

24th August

Crossed the river at Lisieux and advanced nearly to the next one at Cormeilles. Little resistance met. Plenty of movement but little sleep. No casualties these last two days. A Squadron had a tank knocked out from a 15 inch shell from Le Havre batteries. A fluke shot right into the middle of the Town Square. Local fire brigade attended ‑ a most comic effort.

25th August

Crossed the river and advanced to Pont Audemer where we camped on an aerodrome which had been used as a large flying bomb site.

29th August

Crossed the bridge at Pont Audemer and concentrated just south of the Seine. Stuck here for a few days rounding up Boche. Much equipment left behind in the fields and plenty of prisoners brought in. Scene very beautiful as is the surrounding countryside.

4th September

Crossed the Seine at Pont De L'Arche ‑ great moment. Unfortunately they wouldn't let us bring our captured Panther Tank with us ‑ said it was too heavy!

5th September

Passed through Rouen on way to Le Havre. Rouen completely smashed all along the waterfront. Crowds of people out who all seemed quite cheerful. Met Don Rogers who was passing in convoy the other way!

6th September

Arrived about 8 miles from Le Havre. Bags of traffic and lots of mileage on the tanks. Rains continually for most of three days and nights until the whole harbour becomes one vast sea of mud.

10th September

Sun again and on the move. Attack on Le Havre starts at 1745 hours with a large bombing attack which was very accurate for a change.

11th September

A Squadron attack at 0510 hours with Infantry of 49 Division. At first all went wrong but by 1430 hours all objectives had been taken in an all out attack with flame‑throwers and flail tanks. B Squadron then started to work into the town but were held up at dusk by blown bridges and craters.

12th September

B and C Squadrons start to clear the dock area. It was all over by 3pm with bags of loot and prisoners. The whole place was full of very fine concrete and steel pillboxes and if the enemy had really fought hard it would have taken a week to clear them out. Altogether we got over 11,000 prisoners, our total casualties of all occupations was 400!

13th September

Had a look round the Town in a Jeep. Great damage all over the docks and main shopping centres near the waterfront. Moved back to previous harbour near Bolbec.

18th September

Moved another 48 miles by road to Biville La Bainard ‑ about 22 miles from Rouen. Here we were grounded owing to lack of petrol and look like being so for some time. Our first real rest in billets.

24 September

Parade and ceremony at the village war memorial. Band was the high spot of the party ‑ lots of speeches on both sides with vive les allies, vive La France ‑ vive Le Sport!

26th September

Still sitting at Biville and having nothing better to do so decided to write this diary out in full. Wish I had started it right from the day of our landing in Normandy on 21st June.

29th September

Started on journey north to Dunkirk. Reached Transey (43 miles). Night in rather dirty chateau but comfortable bed. Quite an uneventful journey. Tomorrow we shall cross the Somme at St. Valerie.

30th September

Crossed the Somme and harboured at Vron. Distance covered 34 miles. Quite uneventful. House with lavatory and bathroom, the first I've met in all France. Tomorrow the circus travels again to a point about 7 miles due east of Boulogne.

1st October

The circus moves on another 36 miles. Harboured at Benneveux, 8 miles east of Bologne. Passed through Montreuil, where the Battalion won the ‘Qui s’y frotte' in 1918. We had a short halt there while the CO took a photograph of the Battalion. This place is dirty and we are very spread out. We all hope we shall move again tomorrow. Heard yesterday the story of why the 1st Airborne Division had to be withdrawn from Arnhem. A hitherto unreported Panzer SS Division suddenly appeared and started to play ducks and drakes with the corridor. The Guards Armoured Division had to be withdrawn to deal with it, and so could not get on to join up with the 1st Airborne as originally planned.

(Note: the place where the 9^th won the Qui s’y frotte was Moreuil near Amiens, not Montreuil.)

3rd October

Very wet and on the move again. Now harboured in a very delapidated and bombed chateau east of St. Omer. Distance today 34 miles. Started a very heavy cold yesterday, but liberal doses of pills and whiskey have stopped the aches. Handkerchief problem will soon be acute. Not feeling too good. Here we wait for transporters to take us to Holland. have now done 700 miles in my tank since we landed ‑ same engine and no real trouble. I wish I could write to Mr Stokes at Ipswich!

(Note: Stokes was one was of the few MPs who complained, quite rightly, about the quality of British tanks.)

5th October

Left St. Omer for Eindhoven. Reached Brussells, 106 miles, the same evening. The tanks are being lifted on transporters. Interesting drive via Ypres and Menin. Belgian people very enthusiastic. Brussels amazingly full of life and plenty in the shops. Cold very bad and altogether felt pretty lousy. Lost my way back to the hotel and wandered about for three‑quarters of an hour looking for it.

6th October

Left Brussels at 1030 am and eventually arrived at Mol about 5 miles from Dutch border. Covered 80 miles. Very interesting ride but the roads of cobblestones are frightful ‑ especially in a half track! Every bone shakes. Cold very thick still, but feel better. Les Wintle was run over by his tank which was on a transporter while climbing on yesterday near St. Omer.

8th October

Left Mol and harboured at Eindhoven in Holland. 30 miles today. Dutch people very friendly and found billets for Headquarters forward. A and C Squadrons go forward in a watching role. B Squadron not yet arrived. People and kids have been a perfect pest today ‑ by far the worst we've come across. I now know what the lions at the zoo feel like!

10th October

Headquarters moved up into the line at St. Oedenrode, 11 miles from last harbour. Rained solidly all day. Everybody very wet and inclined to be short tempered. Now established in the Town Square. C Squadron had a small party and took 30 prisoners around area of Best.

12 October

Still at St. Oedenrode. B Squadron and recce troop join up with us. Shells fell in town during the evening and the night. Three casualties of ours ‑ 31 civilians.

16th October

Moved back to Eindhoven on our way to take up new positions and spent a night in a wood factory. Very wet.

17th October

Moved to Bergeneinde, 4 miles east of Turnhout. 32 miles back to Belgium again and notice the difference in cleanliness! However we all have billets of sorts and as the weather isn't too good, we must be thankful.

19th October

Moved to St. Leonard in readiness for attack tomorrow morning. Very wet but good shelter in deserted houses. Early start tomorrow calls booked for 0530 hours!

20th October

Crossed start line 0730 hours. C Squadron with two 2nd Gloucesters, A Squadron with Leics. C Squadron went very well and final objective reached about 10am. A Squadron's party was a bit sticky but objective taken by 1150am. Going very bad and weather conditions appalling. Only one tank knocked out and about three casualties. B Squadron pushed on to Leonhout but was too dark to attack. Plenty of mortaring and shellfire and spent a very damp night at the side of the half track. Rained all night.

21st October

Still milling around in the mud. Attack going well. Have a sort of roof over my head tonight! Spent a large part of the day pulling vehicles out of these foul dykes ‑ I never want to see a canal or windmill again!

22nd October

C Squadron did a raid with a platoon of Infantry. Two anti‑tank guns destroyed. One half track burnt out ‑ about 21 killed and two PW. Recce troop lost two Honeys. A set of Teller mines were dragged across the road in front of one tank by the Boche in the ditch. Tank blew up and burnt out. Second tank with Frank Hayden in it came back to see what happened and met the same fate. Only three of crew were detained in hospital, but all were considerably shaken.

23rd October

Moved up and spent a wet and cold night in a field. Seems to be a GNFU over our future move.

24th October

Moved to Wildert just south of the Dutch border. On arrival found some gunners occupying all the houses. At the moment we are camping in a field whilst the argument is settled. Village is badly damaged ‑ the Boche were driven out yesterday. A and B are a bit further north and under mortar and shell fire.

25th October

Unpleasant night under canvas with three heavy "stonks" on village. Two shells landed within 15 yards of the tent. Moved up to De Donck ready for tomorrow's attack. Found a few deserted houses to use for the night. Very noisy here, both sides throwing stuff at each other over our heads. Early start again tomorrow when Tac Headquarters goes forward. Hope it keeps fine!

26th October

Plenty of defensive action on part of Boche today, but attack pressed home and all objectives taken. Casualties, Captains Kidd, Morgan, Lt. Boden, Sgts. Virgo, Tomney and about four OR's all head wounds. Now in Holland again. Lots of shelling and stuff falling all around. Slept under tank ‑ very cold and I had little bedding with me. Three tanks knocked out.

27th October

Our part is more or less over for a day or so. Plenty of shelling still in these parts. B Squadron detached to beat up Reitgoor in the afternoon.

28th October

Moved up to Wouwschil Hil. in preparation for attack on Bulkenaar and Boeink tomorrow. Plan changed several times so that a late night was had by all. Very cold wind.

29th October

A bad day ‑ a second Maltot. A Squadron ran into a screen of SP guns at Boeink and lost seven tanks. C Squadron lost two. One officer and 10 OR's killed and about 15 injured. This means that A Squadron are pretty well cut up once again. Altogether a most uncomfortable day ‑ though we, as usual, put the Infantry on their objectives. Tonight we've only 28 fit tanks in the Battalion and it looks as if we are to be thrown into the slaughter again tomorrow. Lt Clarkson was buried with his tank today. Great pity as he was a nice chap.

The battlefield was a horrible sight ‑ great fires everywhere and burning tanks with the ammunition exploding. Dead cattle everywhere and poor civilians mixed up in all this hell.

30th October

Set off at first light for the assault on Roosendaal but found the Boche had pulled out about two hours before we arrived. The civilians gave us a hysterical welcome and we all concentrated, licked our wounds of the past 10 days, and settled ourselves in two schools. No windows, very cold, but everybody from the General down very satisfied at the results of our encounters,, which means that the whole of the southern part of Holland is now free. Wonder where we shall go next ‑ North Holland or Germany?

4th November

Somebody started a fire in the school we were billetted in. Blazed nicely until the local fire brigade arrived. Four men in hospital as a result of jumping from windows.

18 November

Still at Roosendaal. Started re‑training tradesmen. Fired guns at Willemstad today. Beautiful old town, but very battered. Great floods everywhere, much damage. Looks as if we shall be here for some time.

29th November

The wheels begin to turn again and we set out for 2nd Army Area. Wheels move to Opglabbeek 112 miles. Half-track broke down so had to finish journey on Jeep. Tanks coming by transporter tomorrow. Have just learnt we move on tomorrow night leaving about 10pm!

30th November

Good swift journey after a false start when Stan took us the wrong way. Cross the River Maas and reached Brunssum, South Holland, about one and a half miles from the German border.

6th December

Bed at 4am for 3 hours. The tanks arrive tomorrow night.

8th December

We take over front line from 147 RAC. Thus we crossed into Germany about 9.45am. We are now sitting in a German house with the Boche about three‑quarters of a mile away. Thick mud everywhere and utter devastation on all sides. We are now at Gillrath about 2 miles north east of Geilenkirchen.

17th December

We've now been holding the front line for a week, and until today it has been reasonably quiet. Today, however the Boche started to counter‑attack the Americans and it has caused a fair 'flap'.

19th December

We are due to move to Tilburg tomorrow. Tonight 100 gliders reported approaching our area. 'Stood to' until 2am but nothing seen. Moved back to Brunssum after handing over our sector to the guards. Plans changed at last minute and we now go to Mol in Belgium. This counter‑attack is making things hum, plenty of fighters, flying bombs etc. about and whole front very noisy; fortunately most of this seems to pass over and fall in back areas. Shall be glad to hand over to Guards!!

20th December

What a day this has been. Started off in fog at 0600 and counted 15 lorries ditched ‑ one on fire and two smashed. Took hours and whole Brigade was stopped at Asch. Hung around till dark then told to stay at Asch. One hour later told to move on to Bilzen to counter German thrust towards Liege. So the Americans have to call on the 2nd Army to help them out! Finally got to bed at 2am. 21 hours on my feet today and certainly feel like it! This threat looks serious and is going to take a lot of stopping now.

25th December

Moved very early today to a small village about five miles from Bilzen. We have been laying about at one hour's notice ever since getting here. This is a most delightful chateau and the family shared a meal with us. About 7 courses for dinner with 17 around the table. during the meal got orders to move at 0700 hours tomorrow! Very sorry to leave our most comfortable mess and get out again. It has frozen hard for four days but the weather is very healthy. My cold seems much better.

26th December

Moved to Liege with 51st Highland Division attached to 1st American Army. Very cold and a thick fog over the Meuse. Now on top of a hill overlooking the Town and flying bombers are passing once every 15 minutes or so. No immediate prospect of battle unless the Americans can't hold the thrusts in which case we shall plug the gap until the rest regroup.

28th December

Moved 10 miles due south in an effort to get away from V1's This is certainly better but they still fly over and drop round about ‑ though not in such large numbers. This is a very small village. Villers‑aux‑Tours, but we just manage to fit in. Plenty of Yanks about here and very pleased to see us.

1st January 1945

1945 at last though there's very little to celebrate at the moment. We are still sitting about waiting to go in if the Boche breaks through the Yanks ‑ though quite how we should do it with all this ice and snow I don't quite know. The mails have gone all haywire and we feel very cut off.

24th January

Move to Eindhoven. Roads very difficult and weather very cold. Back in almost the same billets we had last November! 76 miles.

3rd February

Night move to Malden via Nijmegen, 52 miles. Half track broke down completely and was towed in at 0530 hours! Very cold, miserable journey and messy billets at the end.

8th February

Big attack starts. We are working with 160 Brigade ‑ of 53 Div. Set off from Malden at 0800. Attack goes on through mud and rain to the Relchswald Forest. Luck is on our side as we ran across minefield but only lost 1 tank, the 3rd behind mine! Attacking by night through forest not much fun. Vehicles bogged everywhere.

9th February

First light still sees us pushing on. Have now spent 36 hours on wireless in my tank without relief. This combined with trying to find one's way is more than a handful.

10th February

6 hours sleep of sorts but a very noisy night with shells and bombs all around, but none on us! Move on again ‑ now about half way through the forest. My driver shot through knee ‑ bad luck, but he should be all right.

11th February

The Squadrons are still pushing on ‑ thank God for a fine day ‑ going is appalling. We are now due south of Cleve in the forest. This place is stiff with Siegfried line defences, but they are slowly being rolled up. First wash and shave today for four days. Supplies are most difficult and we have to save all water for drinking - no wheeled vehicles can reach us.

12th February

Moved up through forest after dark in most appalling conditions. Slithered about in the mud, rain and trees pushing vehicles which were stuck ‑ took 3 hours to travel one mile and was wet through. Started to snow which didn't help much. Slept (?) in half track with CO in a space 4 x 2 ‑ talk about rabbits. To cap things both wireless set and all lighting in my tank packed up. Both A and B push on today, but opposition increases as we reach NE edge of forest. Mike Reynell got lump of shrapnel in his forehead when mortar hit his tank. Looked in pretty bad way. C Squadron attacked last night with bazooka crew who slipped through infantry, shot Sgt. Mead and fired bazooka at tank. It only made a slight dent! About five casualties today. We have only 50% tanks still running, all the rest are bogged or 'caput'. The chaps are all soaked to the skin as it has rained all day. Easily the most appalling conditions we've met so far, BUT we are giving the Boche HELL and the prisoners look a sorry lot.

13th February

Pushed on to our final objectives and everybody very pleased.

14th February

Spot of bother with an ME 262 which dropped a bomb amongst us. Saw Jagdpanther knocked out by A Squadron.

Flap move back to Groesbeek to refit, arrived about lam after exhausting journey.

15th February

Day of so‑called rest. Orders for a fresh attack ‑ so busy day after all. Had a shower at Nijmegen ‑ first since 19th December!! Heard that Mike Reynell died and is buried at cemetery near Nijmegen. Blast the war, all the nicest people get killed.

16th February

B and C Squadrons attack woods north of Afferden on the Maas. Very tired before we started. The Boche, from 2 Para, fought well and as our infantry didn't seem too good the party didn't go with a swing. However we reached our objectives at a cost. Ronnie Holden's tank went up on a mine field where a lot of infantry were injured. Later C had a tank fired up by bazooka and three of crew were badly burnt and one run over. Eventually we managed to get what was left of both Squadrons back but it was not a happy party.

17th February

Another party laid on today ‑ A Squadron with 155 Battalion, B Squadron with Recce Regt ‑Tank chaps are on their knees, so am I. We didn't get awfully far and spent an uncomfortable night with periodical stonks falling about. Woke up wet and miserable!

18th February

A Squadron attack with their only 6 fit tanks. 1 'Blown up' ‑ 2 knocked out and 1 seized. Seem to have run up against enemy in strength. Everything halts ‑ until Goch is taken, then we shall have another crack. All headquarters are about on their 'knees'.

19th February

Plenty of shelling and mortaring by both sides especially at night. had to dig hole at 11pm!

20th February

147 RAC are relieving us tonight so we shall NOT have to do the attack tomorrow. We go back to Heyen for 48 hours rest in woods. Raining at the moment which doesn't cheer us up much.

21st February

Out at last and nothing much to report.

27th February ‑ 10th March Leave!!!

11th March

Caught up with unit at Issum in a German farm house. No lack of food here. Plenty of civilians about.

12th March

Move back over river Maas at Venlo to Deurne. Very early start where George took wrong turning which didn't help much. However we got in complete to a very dirty school and a few huts.

13th March

Just as well we started to clean up the place early for General Dempsey paid a surprise visit to us. Brigadier's pep talk later proved to be a great flop.

1st April

This, being Easter Sunday, involved a move! Thus we travel back towards the Maas and finish up in a small village called Sevenum just north east of Venlo. The move was good and all vehicles arrived in together. We have two schools, both very dirty ‑ no water, light and little sanitation. It seems as if we shall be here for some little time as most of our transport has been taken away. A light Squadron under Major Holden has been formed consisting of Honey tanks, scout cars and half tracks ‑ they may get some fun and games later. We are all very fed up at being left out of this latest party.

7th April

Another move, this time over River Maas at Venlo ‑ the Rhine at Rees and on to Aalten ‑ a small town in Holland on the German border. The Boche left a week ago ‑ so we spend time taking in vehicles and equipment that they have left behind.

14th April

Another move this time to Bentheim where the Schloss takes in all headquarters. Another larger area to look after ‑ this time Germany. The castle is a lovely old place with lots of antique furniture ‑ hardly the place for troops!

The Germans seem fairly subdued on the whole ‑ though it's not a pleasant atmosphere. Only one incident so far of a woman calling out 'swine' as we pass!