Christmas 1944-1945

The general feeling was that the Rifles would not be required until the spring. On the evening of December 20, 1944, however, the Adjutant had been unceremoniously pulled out of his bath and ordered to report to Brigade Headquarters. There he was informed that the Brigade was to move to the coast within thirty-six hours and go to the Ardennes, where Von Runstedt seemed to be breaking through. After a cold, unpleasant, foggy journey the Battalion arrived at Dinant on Christmas Day-quite the most unpleasant Christmas the Battalion had ever spent.

The task allotted to the Rifles was to guard the bridge over the Meuse which had been unsuccessfully rushed the previous night. On Boxing Day they crossed the Meuse and took up positions northeast of the town, where they stayed until January 1, in the open under arctic conditions, waiting for the attack which never came.

It was during this period that Major Drummond left at short notice to take command of the 2nd Battalion. On New Year's Day the Battalion took up a position on the River Lesse to guard the right flank of the armoured counter offensive, later relieving the 7th Parachute Battalion which was in contact with the enemy at Wavreille. It was clear, however, that the Germans had shot their bolt and were preparing to withdraw in all sectors. The Battalion's job, therefore, was to maintain contact with the enemy by extensive day and night patrolling, during which it had its first experience in the use of snow camouflage.

On January 8, 1945, the Rifles were ordered to patrol into Forrières and if it were lightly held, to take it and the surrounding high ground. The patrol found the enemy just evacuating, so the Battalion, less transport, entered the village. The snow was two or three feet deep. This, coupled with the minefields, roadblocks and demolitions, made it difficult for the transport to get moving. The next village to be taken was Nassogne where twenty-five prisoners were captured. Opposition was so negligible that the Commanding Officer decided to push on to Grune, although all the transport and mortars were far behind. Grune was taken, together with another twenty-five rather dejected Germans.

The Battalion had now completed its task in Belgium and moved to the area of Winnenne where training and a little wild boar hunting was carried on for another week before moving to Holland in far less attractive surroundings at Sevenum on the River Maas. This village was reached after a drive of eighteen hours under appalling conditions.

For the next month most problems were administrative rather than tactical. Thermos flasks were more important than mortar bombs. Soon, however, the dugouts became quite comfortable despite the intense cold. This was ultimately succeeded by a thaw which turned everything into mud and the river into an estuary. To alleviate the boredom of frequent spells of duty in listening posts on the banks of the river, a rest centre was established under the name of the Shamrock Hotel. Here, parties of men were sent back for a rest and were able to sleep in comfort, have baths and enjoy cinema shows, concerts and a canteen. A few lucky people managed to get 48 hours leave in Brussels.

In this area the 1st Battalion once again found itself close to the 2nd Battalion. Several visits were exchanged and busmen's holidays enjoyed.

The Battalion area was held by companies in positions where they could overlook the river. It had been the custom of the enemy to send patrols across with a view to getting prisoners and so a high standard of vigilance was required. One or two suspected attempts by the enemy to send over such patrols were speedily frustrated by mortar fire before they could embark. The listening posts were also able to pick up the sound of movement of enemy columns and spot enemy gun positions firing at night. These were duly silenced in strict rotation by mortar fire.

Finally, a strong fighting patrol set out with the intention of kidnapping a couple of Germans who were believed to be manning a wireless post. Unfortunately, they ran into a minefield but all the casualties were successfully brought back across the river.

Soon afterwards the Rifles handed over to an American Battalion and made tracks for Grammont en route for the United Kingdom and a further airborne operation. They flew home from Nivelles. So ended the campaign which, although it saw no serious fighting, was most useful in "blooding" the many reinforcements and preparing the Battalion as a whole for the difficult task which lay ahead.

The 1st Battalion, however, was already across the Rhine. On its return to England all ranks had been granted a week's leave. Planning for the next airborne operation began immediately afterwards.

On March 20 the Battalion moved to its transit camp, this time in East Anglia. Arrangements were very similar to those before D-Day. During the time spent in the transit camp final preparations were made, and all ranks were fully briefed for the part which the Battalion was to play in the operations covering the Rhine crossing. The plan was as follows:

The assault across the Rhine was due to start at 11.30 p.m. on March 23. Crossings were to be made at several places. A very large airborne force, of which the Battalion formed a part, was to be landed during the morning of March 24 in an area some seven miles north-east of the town of Wesel. The prinicipal task of this force was to prevent the movement of enemy reserves from the east against the Allied bridge-head. It was intended to land the force in as short a time as possible and so to swamp the not inconsiderable enemy opposition which was expected. Intelligence reports had shown that the landing areas were occupied by enemy artillery and infantry units. It was also known that elements of a Panzer Division were being held in reserve some miles to the eastward. As the successful completion of this task would make it impossible for the enemy to hold the river line, he was expected to react most strongly to the airborne landings.

Three tasks were given to the Battalion. The seizing of the bridge over the river Issel east of Hammenkeln, the seizing of the level-crossing and station, and the prevention of penetration into the Divisional area from the south-east. The Battalion plan was that "D" Company (Major A. J. Dyball) should land on L.Z.U1 and should seize the river bridge by a coup-de-main; "A" Company (commanded by Major C. E. Vickery) was given the task of seizing the level-crossing and station area and was due to land on L.Z.U2; the remainder of the Battalion would land on L.Z.U3 and would concentrate on the area marked "X" on the map. Thence they would move across country to a dispersal point marked "Y" and so complete the occupation of the Battalion defensive locality, which would include the objectives already gained by "A" and "D" Companies. The landings on all three L.Zs. were due to start at 10.20 a.m. An American parachute unit was to land at the same time on the right, with the remaining battalions in the Brigade landing to the north and north-west of Hamminkeln. All these landings were to take place simultaneously. Artillery and air support was to be provided on a considerable scale, particular attention being paid to hostile A.A. positions covering the landing zones.

The move to the airfields was made in the early hours of the morning of March 24. The weather was excellent, and the take-off began at 7 a.m. The flight, which was scheduled to last over three hours, was uneventful, until the Rhine was approached. As the aircraft neared the river it was apparent that the smoke from the battle then proceeding, mingled with that from burning buildings and crashed aircraft, was seriously obscuring the landing areas. Once across the river A.A. fire became heavy, and many gliders were hit, causing casualties and damage to equipment. It was extremely difficult to pick up landmarks on the ground owing to the bad visibility, with the result that recognition of the L.Z.s was almost impossible. As was to be expected in the circumstances, the gliders landed over a very wide area, only a small proportion of the aircraft coming down on their correct landing zones. Crash landings were numerous, and several gliders caught fire immediately on landing, this causing considerable losses of vehicles, guns and other equipment.

That the enemy was surprised by the scale of the landing there can be no doubt. Nevertheless, strong opposition was experienced from the A.A. and machine-gun posts, which were scattered throughout the area, whilst some armoured cars and self-propelled guns shot up the L.Zs. and accounted for a considerable proportion of the casualties incurred in the landing.

The events which followed the landing can best be followed by considering each of the three Battalion landing zones separately.

The gliders carrying "D" Company and due to land on L.Z.UL were to be put down as close as possible to the bridge. The first glider, carrying the Company Commander, landed at 10.25 a.m. and crashed one hundred and fifty yards from the bridge as planned. It was the first to hit the deck, but it was only a matter of seconds before two other gliders crashed quite close. Unfortunately, these last two gliders did not contain any of his party. As Major Dyball's glider crashed, all those in the front were thrown out through the nose. Those in the back did manage to get out through the door; during which the glider was being riddled by M.G. bullets from a range of seventy-five yards, though only one man was killed and three wounded. As the man who was killed was the wireless operator, Major Dyball could not get in touch with any of his front platoons, the set having received part of the same burst. One good thing about the crash was that one of the wings had made a small trench in the##158#[ 1945 1st Bn.]#159##ground, into which some seven of the party crawled. In a matter of seconds they had a Bren in action and it silenced the M.G., but another started up some thirty yards to its left. There were still no signs of the other platoons. Major Dyball decided he would make a dash across the open and get into a small wood and see if he could contact anyone there. The Bren covered him across, and he contacted two glider pilots, two men from the 52nd, and a few Royal Engineers. They had got into a good firing position covering the house he wished to assault. He then moved the rest of his H.Q. into the wood and they cleared it, killing two Germans. They then took up a position from where a continuous trench ran up to the house and bridge. The Germans were still holding the house, although the Rifles could see a few retiring. Then a small party of enemy advanced. They were allowed to approach to within twenty yards, when someone threw a 36 grenade. Unfortunately it did not fall into the trench, though it exploded by its side. At once all hands went up. Major Dyball, with two glider pilots and another two, went off down the trench towards the house. As they got to the house 21 Platoon arrived from the other side of the road in fine foini, having cleared the house and captured twenty-five prisoners. About another twenty-five were also rounded up. Major Dyball then went across the bridge and found that 22 Platoon had done their job in clearing the houses. The Platoon Commander had been killed, but the Platoon Serjeant, although wounded in the head, arm, leg and thigh. led the platoon against strong opposition, which was dug in. The bridge was in the Rifles' hands, and an all-round defence was quickly organized, consisting of four groups made up of the two platoons, Company H.Q., some glider pilots, anti-tank gunners without their guns, and a few men from the 52nd.

Although it was originally planned to capture the bridge with four platoons, it was in fact done with two, and a few of Company H.Q., helped by a few glider pilots, Royal Engineers and two or three men from the 52nd.

During the attack five German S.P. guns came down the road. One was hit at twenty-five yards' range by a Piat but though it was not knocked out die enemy showed no fight and retired as quickly as they could. About fifty prisoners were taken, and about twenty Germans were killed.

The highest praise must be given to the. two platoons and their commanders for the work they did that morning. It was team spirit and leadership within those platoons which enabled them to capture their objectives, which were strongly held by a dug-in enemy. It must not be forgotten that the platoons had crashed on landing and had been under fire until their objectives had been taken.

"A" Company, whose task was to seize the level crossing and station, were due to land on L.Z. U2. Unfortunately, only two of the company gliders succeeded in landing in the correct place. These carried platoons commanded by Lieutenant F. D. Laird and Lieutenant J. N. G Stewart. Both platoons moved off to their objectives, but found that there was no organized resistance on the level crossing, although 20 min. guns were shooting up the area from the direction of Hamminkeln. One platoon of the Devons was in position about one hundred yards west of the railway, where they had found fifty-two German soldiers quietly awaiting capture in a large barn.

Lieutenant Laird organized the defence of the level crossing with the three platoons available Shortly afterwards Support Company H.Q., and two machine-guns arrived from the north, but there was still no sign of the other platoons of "A" Company or of the remainder of the Battalion.

As in the case of "D" Company, no counter-attack was launched against the locality. About twenty minutes after the occupation of the area three self-propelled guns emerged from Hamminkeln and, passing over the level crossing, crossed the Issel bridge and disappeared to the east. At this time there were no anti-tank guns available, and "A" Company's Piats were out of action, but apparently the A.F.Vs. were making a getaway, and neither saw nor fired on our troops, who were moving on the road within a few feet of them. One gun was hit by a Piat bomb as it crossed the bridge, but though damaged was not knocked out. The prisoners, who now numbered nearly a hundred, were caged in the railway station, guarded by glider pilots. Contact was made with "D" Company on the bridge, and the realization that both the Battalion objectives had been taken gave great encouragement to all ranks.

Meanwhile, the landing of the remainder of the Battalion was proceeding on L.Z. U3. The party landing on L.Z. U3 was supposed to consist of the whole Battalion less "A" and "D" Companies. When Captain Rigby's glider landed at approximately 10.30 a.m. he found that the houses in the concentration area were occupied by approximately one hundred and fifty Germans, who were probably using them as billets. There was a fair volume of fire in all directions, coming principally from the area of the houses round the moat, and as his glider was within eighty yards of them and fairly badly smashed, he did not attempt to unload the jeep, but got everybody into the ditch on the side of the road. Between them and the houses a "C" Company glider was burning with ammunition exploding. About two minutes later about half a platoon of "C" Company (the occupants of the glider) came across the open ground towards them from the direction of the houses. When questioned, these men said they had crash-landed and the glider had almost immediately caught fire. About two-thirds of the platoon got out alive and had moved towards the houses, but had met considerable opposition and had to come back.

By this time another platoon of "C" Company had come up from the south, and was also in the ditch, firing at the houses. Very shortly after this a third platoon of "C" Company and one platoon of "B" Company arrived with about twelve prisoners from the houses on the west side of the road. One or two of "B" Company Headquarters were also there, but Major Donnelly had been killed. As this appeared to be the sum total of the Battalion which had landed so far on this L.Z., Captain Rigby decided to leave a small fire group in the ditch and move round to the right and attack through the orchard, but just as he was about to move he saw another platoon of "B" Company (Lieutenant O'Hara-Murray's) starting to move through the orchard. He therefore had some 2-inch mortar smoke put down and attacked the houses, going in at right angles to Lieutenant O'Hara-Murray's platoon. Fire was spasmodic only, and a very half-hearted defence was put up, most of the Germans throwing their weapons away when the Rifles got within forty or fifty yards of them. Quite a number of Germans were killed by grenade and Stens in and around the houses and barns and in about fifteen to twenty minutes they had all been rooted out and the whole area appeared to be fairly clear. Captain Rigby therefore sent "B" and "C" Companies to the position laid down in the original plan and put a few glider pilots (about sixteen in all) in charge of the prisoners, who numbered about one hundred. By this time it was 11.15 and he got wireless communication with "D" Company and heard that they were on the bridge. Unable to get in touch with "A" Company he decided to wait until noon in case any more of the Battalion should arrive. Very shortly two six-pounders and some M.M.G. personnel turned up. The M.M.G. men went to "C" Company, and the two six-pounders took up positions to cover the road running south from Hamminkeln. They had been in position about two minutes when two armoured cars came up the road from the south and were promptly knocked out by the six-pounders. The crews were taken prisoner.

As there appeared to be no sign of any more of the Battalion on the L.Z. U3 Captain Rigby decided to move at 12.15 along the original Battalion route to the dispersal point. From there "B" and "C" companies were to go to the positions as given in the original plan. As there was also no sign of the Recce. Platoon, one platoon of "C" Company did left flank guard and one platoon rear guard, with the two anti-tank guns moving in bounds on the left flank. The right was by now safe as American gliders were landing on the immediate right during the move. Lieutenant J. R. Wright joined the column en route, and the party also met about two platoons of the 52nd. On arriving at the railway it found Major Liddle, who had a platoon of "A" Company and the M.M.Gs. on the level-crossing.

Battalion H.Q. was established in the wood southwest of the level-crossing, whilst "B" Company, "C" Company, and the supporting weapons consolidated their positions as planned. The Glider Pilot Squadron, commanded by Major Jackson, took over the task of protecting the station and level-crossing area from "A" Company, who moved to a locality covering the exits from Hamminkeln.

A number of wounded, including the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Carson-whose glider had literally broken in half on landing-had been collected in a house beside the railway, where they were attended to by a captured German doctor. All wounded were eventually evacuated to the M.D.S. which was established later in the Battalion area.

By 2.30 p.m. the fighting had died down, leaving the Battalion firmly established on its objectives. Many parties which had landed out of the Battalion area succeeded in rejoining during the afternoon, amongst them being that of Major G. P. Rickcord, who assumed command of the Battalion. Almost without exception these parties had had to fight their way back to the Battalion, some over considerable distances.

The casualties sustained by the Battalion during the day amounted to sixteen officers and two hundred and forty-three other ranks. But the success of the airborne landings was undoubted, and had a disastrous effect upon the enemy's efforts to prevent the enlargement of the bridgehead on the East bank of the Rhine. Statements by officers of the assault Division all show that the enemy resistance, hitherto considerable, collapsed in dramatic fashion with the arrival over the river of the leading aircraft carrying the airborne force.

During the rest of the day of March 24 there was little enemy artillery activity, but two or three S.P. guns appeared, and Typhoons were called in to assist. Enemy troops were still holding the houses on the East of the bridge, and there were armoured elements moving in Ringenburg and in the nearby woods. Prisoners of war still continued to be collected, and by nightfall there were 650 in the brigade cage-a very large number of these having been taken by the Battalion and handed over to the same glider pilots for safe custody.

There was not a great deal of activity on the Battalion front during the night, but at 2.30 a.m. the enemy attempted to rush the northern bridge from the Ringenburg area, and it was blown by 52nd Light Infantry, who held it, at 2.40 a.m. Approximately one hundred enemy attempted to break into the brigade area from the west, but they suffered severe casualties at the hands of the Devons.

All this time and for another twenty-four hours the wounded lay in the cow-byres and buildings of the M.D.S., which was filled to capacity. Lieutenant-Colonel Carson, wounded on the previous afternoon, Lieutenants Maidment and S. Bryant were all in the same cowshed. The Colonel, although he does not remember it, complained of acute hunger. Fortunately, his batman was able to provide boiled eggs to supplement his diet.

At 7.30 a.m. on March 25, just as breakfast was being brewed up, two Panther tanks with infantry aboard attempted to rush the bridge over the river Issel. They came at full tilt down the road. The first was knocked out and set on fire by a very able six-pounder gun crew of the Support Company, and the second damaged. Morale immediately rose to an even higher level, and breakfast was eaten with zest and in peace.

By 9.30 a.m. it was possible to report that no enemy remained in the perimeter. A cab rank of Typhoons was overhead and at call. During the day tactical reconnaissance aircraft reported only slight enemy movement on roads leading into the area, and at 7.30 p.m. the sound of approaching enemy tanks was heard, but nothing further came of it except that at 8 p.m. an S.P. gun shelled Hamminkeln.

Plans had been made to advance the next day over the river. By 6 a.m. on March 26, the Battalion was relieved by the H.L.I., and at about 9.30 a swift advance began on two routes-Devons on the right and 1 R.U.R. on the left, supported by S.P. anti-tank guns, whose automatic small arms fire did good work.

The Battalion objective was the high ground overlooking Brunen. Opposition was encountered from enemy infantry and a few S.P. guns and mortars on the high ground, the advance to which in the final stage involved crossing a great open field. This was done under cover of smoke in extended formation assisted before the final assault by Typhoons who fired on the rear of the objective, being guided by orange smoke fired by R.A. guns. Few casualties were suffered during the day. One hundred and eighty prisoners was the Brigade score.

That night it rained and was cold in the woods. A patrol sent to Brunen came back and reported that it was battered and deserted, but brought back two prisoners. 7 Armoured Division was now moving up and more or less blocked any immediate further road move forward, so the Battalion became temporarily halted. 17th (U.S.) Airborne Division had, however, moved forward on the right, and were also contacted in the vicinity of Brunen.

On 27th March the Battalion recovered from its soaking on the previous night, and reinforcements arrived. Next day it marched to Rhade, again in wet weather, took up a defensive position and in most cases found good billets in which to spend the off-duty periods of the night. At midnight, orders were given to proceed to Coesfeld the next day.

The Rifles had been selected to work with the 2nd Squadron 4th Armoured Grenadier Guards (Major G. E. Pike). 6' A Y3 Company (Major R. McE. Wilson) was to be mounted on tanks. By the end of the day some casualties had been suffered. To capture the high ground overlooking Coesfeld it was necessary to dismount, heavy opposition being encountered in the form of 5 x 88 mm. guns in the railway station and from airburst light flak which was employed by the enemy in a ground role. Major Wheldon, commanding "C" Company, was wounded in the engagement, but the Battalion was able to move later that night into Coesfeld, having first sent patrols down to have a closer look. The town itself had been reduced to a ruin by R.A.F. Bomber Command. That day two hundred prisoners were taken by the Brigade, and a miscellaneous bag of some one hundred and forty Todt workers-Poles, Russians, French and Yugoslavs, who were sent back. Next day 3rd Parachute Brigade moved through, so the Battalion was able to occupy itself in maintenance and rest, involving promotion and domestic problems.

The 31st March was spent quietly trekking in transport along the road to Greven. 3rd Parachute Brigade had already reached this place, and it was the task of the Rifles to move through them during the night and get further on. The Dortmund Ems canal had been bridged with a class 9 construction, over which they were to cross. This area became the target for 88 m.m. guns, and was subjected to regular concentrations, which made it an unpleasant crossing place.

The Battalion crossed, only without tanks, leaving its transport within the perimeter of the town. "D" Company (Major Dyball) was ahead and nearing the objective when its leading scouts found themselves to be almost on top of an enemy 143 mm. A.A. gun battery of twelve guns. Every gun opened up, until the air was a mass of tracer, shell and airburst. Then a Piat of " D " Company successfully hit the enemy ammunition dump and exploded it. This increased the din and pandemonium. But the Battalion held fast, and it was decided to take up a defensive position in a tight locality for the time being until artillery concentration and mortar fire could be brought to bear on the position. This was not very long in arriving, and very soon it was evident that the enemy were destroying their guns and would no doubt pull out. Patrols confirmed this, and by first light "A"' Company went through and occupied the position, which presented a sorry sight and bore ample evidence of the enemy's quick withdrawal. Normal artillery activity continued.

This night beyond Greven was probably the most hair-raising and unpleasant battle of the advance.

Next day was April 2, and by night the Battalion crossed the Dortmund-Ems canal over the blown enemy bridge to cross which one had to be something of a trapeze artist. Transport came over a bridge which had been erected by the R.E. and by another route. The Battalion was up all night, and had hardly any sleep except by the side of the road during periods of waiting. When morning came it was ordered to push on and take Lengerich. There were conflicting and unconfirmed civilian reports as to the strength in which the town was held, so it was decided to bring all weapons to bear upon it before assaulting. A ten-minute concentration of artillery, anti-tank guns, machine-guns and mortars was laid on. This set a number of houses afire, and with "C" Company (at this time commanded by Major R. W. McD. Crockett) leading against a certain amount of small arms opposition the centre of the town was reached. From there the Rifles fanned out, clearing the houses and streets as they went.

"C" Company, now in the area of the railway station, was determinedly counter-attacked and suffered casualties, but the attack was successfully beaten off. It was discovered that the opposition consisted of N.C.0s. from the training school at Hanover-a hard-fighting and crafty body of men.

On the right, the 52nd Light Infantry had experienced difficulties on the way and were unavoidably delayed in getting up and moving on to a further objective. The Battalion was accordingly ordered to seize their objective, if necessary with two companies. As it was already fairly well occupied in the town this was not an easy task. But the job was, however, very effectively achieved by "B" Company, under Captain O'Hara-Murray, with the assistance of the Grenadier Guards and their tanks who had by this time come on the scene again. Two tanks were knocked out in the engagement, which resulted in some Riflemen being killed and wounded.

To help in consolidating this position, a platoon of anti-tank guns, under Lieutenant L. J. Robillard, was despatched to join "B" Company. On their way they were unfortunately ambushed and the entire platoon with all its vehicles and guns were temporarily lost. It is satisfactory to know that they all eventually escaped or were released as ex-prisoners of war. During the day, Sergeant Shorthouse and Rifleman Wallace were found in a German hospital.

The Devons, who were by now on the high ground beyond the town, were fighting the N.C.O.'s from Hanover. Every precaution was taken to ensure that they did not get into Lengerich again that night. That place undoubtedly was a stronghold of the Nazi party. When things had quietened, the Battalion H.Q. settled down to a meal, only to receive a direct hit through the dining room window which completely upset the entire table and everything on it.

Early on April 3 the Battalion carried out an uneventful move to south-west of Osnabruck, and on the 4th was ordered to move on again, leading the Brigade once more with the tanks of the Grenadier Guards. 6th Airborne Division Armoured Recce. Regiment reported enemy ahead. The troops on the tanks were dismounted, and this was the start of a stiff battle which lasted approximately three hours, during which time thirty casualties were suffered, including eight killed. Major Dyball was wounded in the leg and had to be evacuated, as were also Lieutenants Rycroft, A. E. P. Mills, and R. M. Burke, the I.0.. One of the tanks was knocked out. The attack involved the deployment of the whole Battalion, with two companies up astride the road which was on the axis. "A" Company on the right, " D " Company on the left, with " C " and " B " Companies held centrally and to the rear. The advance entailed a move across open country, supported by artillery, mortars and the fire from the tanks. The enemy were well concealed and dug-in at crossroads, gardens, and in the woods to the flanks. During the advance the Battalion burnt up two villages, and either killed, captured or drove away the enemy.

The word must have been passed back to the enemy, for from then it became an all-powerful, unrestricted advance across the rolling German country bedecked with white flags. Prisoners numbered eighty. The village of Buer was surrendered by the Burgomaster and opposition vanished. In the evening Stalag XI (c) was liberated by the Battalion. It held three thousand French, Russians, Poles, Yugoslavs and Greeks, and a complete camp staff including an Oberst. Their joy at being released was amazing and most gratifying to see. They gave flowers to our officers and troops, and it was difficult at times to keep the tanks and vehicles moving owing to the congestion and the excitement of these Allies. The Battalion stopped at Blasheim for the night.

On April 5 it became reserve Battalion to the Brigade and moved off at 9 a.m., heading for Petershagen on the river Weser. Forward tanks of the Brigade were meeting determined opposition by Jager Panzer troops, armed with bazookas and panzerfausts, at the approaches to the river. On the way to Petershagen-which they had now been ordered to capture-the Rifles were met by a deputation of civilians who said they wished and were empowered to surrender the town. Owing to the uncertainty of such statements and inherent distrust of the enemy, it was decided to take no chance, and a full-scale fire programme was laid on. Artillery fire from 212 Battery of 53 (Worcestershire Yeomanry) Light Regiment R.A. and mortar and machine-gun fire proved effective and the Battalion moved in without difficulty, capturing forty miscellaneous prisoners, and stayed in the town for the night. Buildings on the riverside provided excellent observation posts for the Corps Royal Engineers, whose task it was to get a Class 40 bridge over as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the 52nd Light Infantry and 12th Devons were crossing the river lower down and meeting opposition. The Battalion was ordered to cross by assault boats early on April 6. This was carried out without difficulty and perhaps in rather a regrettable Bank Holiday spirit, but it went to show that everyone was in great form and blood was up. By 1.45 p.m. the whole Battalion was across, but lacked anti-tank guns as no bridge had been yet erected. Tanks were reported in the area-operating on the right. During the early part of the night the bridge was finally completed and guns and vehicles were over, though they experienced difficulty on the east bank owing to unsuspected soft ground.

The orders were now given to extend the bridgehead and spread over a very wide area. "D" Company (commanded temporarily by Captain R. Ellis) was almost on detachment, fighting a minor battle of its own, assisted by a section of Battalion mortars and a platoon of machine guns. Enemy activity continued all night until " D " Company got the better of them. There were alarming reports of large numbers of enemy S.S. troops in the woods, but they did not materialize, and the next day was spent on re-organization, and " B " Echelon transport was got across the river. On April 7, 11th Armoured Division passed through the area. The enemy force which had been opposing the Rifles was identified as Battle Group (L.E.X.), consisting of three companies of one hundred each, five Panthers, three Tigers, and 3 x 75 m.m. anti-tank guns, possibly 3 x 8 1 cm. mortars, and an unknown number of 10.5 cm. guns. Two hundred prisoners of war were in the Brigade cage.

On April 8, a move was made to Munchausen area without much difficulty, and forty prisoners were captured. The next day was spent in cleaning up and resting. On Tuesday the 10th the Battalion again moved off with the Grenadier Guards. Little opposition was met. Three days were spent in the Osterwald area virtually out of the line, and the time was occupied with civil affairs, maintenance and rest.

On the 14th the C.O., Lieutenant-Colonel Rickcord, and the Medical Officer, Captain Rees, motored to Brunswick to find the C.O.'s brother, Captain M. B. Rickcord, Royal West Kent, who was found in Offlag 79, which had been liberated by the Americans on the afternoon of April 11. These unfortunate prisoners, some of whom had been in captivity for five years, were cheered and reinforced with a bottle of champagne, two compo, packs, and all other known comforts.

On April 14 the Rifles moved on the main axis of 15th Scottish Division, passing through Ceele, [Celle?] and remained in a billet area northeast of the town. They moved again at midday on Sunday the 15th over difficult ground off the roads, which had been time-bombed and thus cratered by the enemy, to take over from a Battalion of the Glasgow Highlanders at Standensen. The village was still in flames as a result of a battle earlier in the day. Another move was made on the 16th, and the Battalion was given the task of capturing Lehmke, the Royals assisting in reconnaissance. Lehmke was reported held and enemy movement could be clearly seen. A set-piece two-company attack was put in, in direct co-operation with a troop of Grenadier Guards tanks, and the town and fifty prisoners were taken. It was then late evening, yet further orders came to push on to Hanstedt. " D " Company, leading, encountered tracked vehicles and infantry, but after a show of firepower the Rifles were able to enter and take up night positions. This evidently surprised the enemy, who were still continuing to use the road to UeIzen, but got no further than "C" Company, who were sitting nicely astride that route. 15th (Scottish) Division had not yet taken Uelzen. 3rd Parachute Brigade passed through in the early hours and got on into Ratzlingen. During the night active patrolling was carried out by "A" and " B " Companies, who were in contact with the enemy, and the first identifications of the 39th Panzer Corps and the 18th Panzer Jaeger Abteilung were obtained.

On the 18th the Battalion moved on again and were directed to Rosche, " C " Company leading. Two battles were fought during the morning. Enemy were killed and no casualties suffered by the Battalion. 12th Devons on the left had already reached Rosche, so the Rifles were sent on through to Teyendorf, again being given some tanks to help them. During the advance " D " Company, now again in the lead, encountered S.P. guns or 88 mms., and one tank had a track blown off, the crew baling out. Nebelwerfers opened fire, but a good advance was made and Teyendorf was captured. The Battalion remained in the area from Tuesday the 17th until the 22nd, during which time they were in touch with German Marines, who had been sent down from the Baltic to stem the advance and that of the Americans coming up from the south. Active patrolling and wood clearing was carried out by all Companies, and some very gallant small actions fought.

On 21st April, Lieutenant Stewart leading a patrol ran into considerable trouble in the woods facing the Battalion area. It was the intention to dominate these woods by the employment of fighting patrols carried out during the hours of daylight. On this day a stiff battle was fought by his platoon and it was unfortunate that Cpl. Headland, L/Cpl. Robinson, Rfn. Coombes and Rfn. Drilsmore [Dinsmore?] had give their lives.

Captain Brownlow-Rea, R.A., of the 51st Light Regiment (Worcestershire Yeomanry) accompanied the patrol as Forward Observation Officer. Captain Brownlow-Rea was well-known to the Battalion and had been with it during the Normandy Campaign. He had fought in North Africa and was affectionately known by the bfficers as "Alamein Joe."

On this occasion he displayed great bravery. Although badly wounded in the face, he continued to bring fire to bear on the enemy until his No.68 Wireless Set which he carried on his back was ally shot to pieces by enemy rifle fire. Nothing daunted, he seized a rifle from one of the wounded men of the platoon and continued to play a leading part in directing the platoon and extracting it from a difficult position. For his work on this occasion Captain Brownlow-Rea was awarded the Military Cross.

Next day, a fighting patrol of W Company went out and were able to recover and bury the dead with quiet and impressive ceremony.