5 Feb 44
Left Indiantown Gap Military Reservation,
10 Feb 44
Left Camp Kilmer by train for New York Port of Embarkation.
Transferred to ferry for trip to the pier.
Bn received coffee and do-nuts from the Red Cross at shipside. Boarded the U.S.Army Transport Edmund B. Alexander. This
ship was taken from the Germans after WW I and renamed the
11 Feb 44
At 2030 our ship joined the remainder of
the convoy in NY harbor. At 2115 the convoy sailed for the ETO.
23 Feb 44
Arrived in harbor at Liverpool, England
24 Feb 44
Disembarked from ship, marched to the train shed at Central Depot
where the Bn again received coffee and do-nuts from the American Red Cross.
Loaded aboard trains for trip to Perham Downs Camp, Tidsworth, Hants.
25 Feb 44
Detrained at Lugershaw, Hants; entrucked and transported by the
3rd Armored Div. to Perham Downs Camp. The 3rd AD had cleaned and prepared this
camp for our entry.
1 Mar 44
Received all our vehicles and equipment except our 18 105mm M-7
Howitzers.
2 Mar. to 11 Apr. 44
This period spent in cleaning up, breaking in and modifying our
motor vehicles; conditioning the troops
physically, and small arms firing; inspection and check of clothing and
equipment.
11 Apr 44
Departed by truck from Perham Downs for
12 Apr. to 23 May 44
This period was spent mainly in establishing and organizing one
base Camp (Camp Blairick) and 21 smaller camps; 7 in K area and 14 in J area.
This was quite a job as there were many small details to
attend to in the
organization of each camp. Major Atkinson, the S-3, was in command of J area
with Capt. Smithers, A Btry CO, and Capt. Blackburn, C
Btry CO, as sub commanders. Capt. Crowell, B Btry CO, commanded K area
and Capt Wilcox, Hq Btry CO, commanded the base camp.
24 May to 3 Jun 44
The D-Day assault troops arrived in the Camps. This unit was to
get them fed, supplied and equipped with all of their shortages. Units of the
1st and 29th Inf. Divs were marshalled by this unit.
4 Jun 44
Assault troops left the camps for their embarkation areas.
6 Jun 44
D-Day, the great sea and air assault of the Nazi has begun.
Initial landings were quite successful
7 Jun to 15 Jun 44
This period was spent in turning over the
property and custodianship of such, and the camps, to another American unit.
15 Jun 44
Unit departed by truck from
16 Jun to 22 July 44
Bn is bivouacked on the Salsbury Plain. This time was spent in
thorough training of the unit in its primary weapon. Bn conducted service
practice on the range with an ample amount of ammo. The remainder of the
time was spent in classes on languages, customs, intelligence, aircraft and
vehicle identification, physical conditioning, inspection of personnel and
equipment and additional modifications of vehicles.
22 Jul 44
At 1640 the Bn moved out of bivouac area
l mile East of West Downs Camp, Tiltshead, Wilts and arrived at Camp C-3 SE in
the marshalling area near Southhammpton, Wilts. at
2045
23 Jul 44
Made final preparations for Short Sea Voyage. Buzz bombs passed
over and landed near our area.
24 Jul 44
Departed Camp C-3 at 0645 and arrived at the Southhampton docks at
0750. The remainder of the day was spent loading ship.
26 Jul 44
After a lot of trouble with the booms and blocks, the Bn. was finally loaded onto 2 1/2
27 Jul 44
Sailed on Short Sea Voyage at 0715 and arrived at anchorage on
28 Jul 44
Started unloading Bn. at 0730. Bn.
arrived complete in bivouac area 5 miles N.W. of
St. Saviour Le Vecompte; S.E. of Cherbourg, France.
29 Jul 44
Maj. Gen. Lunsford E. Oliver, the Div. Commander visited the Bn
and spoke to the troops at 1515.
30 Jul to 1 Aug 44
1 Aug 44
Bn moved out at 1945 in the order A, Hq,
B, C, and Svc. At 2330 closed in position 2 miles S.W. of Periers. We are now
in the 3rd Army which is commanded by Lt. Gen Patton.
2 Aug 44
Btry B, 387 AAAW attached to the Bn. This unit consists of 6
officers and 140 EM. It is organized into two platoons of 4 sections each. Each
section consists of 2 armored half-tracks; one armed with two 50
3 Aug 44
Bn Closed in position area at St. Hilair Du Harcourt at 0615. The march
was made under extremely trying conditions as the road was in a bad state of
repair and we were floodlighted by aircraft flares that were dropped by 14
JU88's as they bombed Avranches and St Hilair. Div. now in XV
Corps, 3rd Army. 22 German FW190's passed over the position area at
1600. They strafed as they passed but caused no casualties in our Bn.
Our attached AAAW fired at them and probably damaged 4 as they were smoking
badly as they passed
out of our sight. At 2020 A Btry took the Bn's first prisoner, a paratrooper.
4 Aug 44
Our position area was strafed by six
FW190's at 0945 but caused no casualties or damage. Our AA damaged one and at
1300 our AA fired on two P-51's.
5 Aug 44
At 0100 the Germans bombed our
general area but it is believed that they were again attempting to bomb
Avranches. We had no damage but Pvt Bolen, of Sv Btry was hit in the knee by a
spent 37mm AA shell as he lay in his slit
trench. At 1720 our position area was strafed by two ME109s and 14 FW190s. They
caused no damage to us and our AA probably
damaged 9 of them with 4 of them smoking badly. Bn moved out at 1900 in the
order A,Hq,B,C,Sv and closed in a temporary bivouac 1
mile S. of Lecousse,
6 Aug 44
At 0600 the Bn moved out in the order B,Hq,C,A,Sv
and at 0845 closed in a temporary position 2 miles N. of Entremmes to await
orders. This Bn is to support CCB which is now organized into 2 task forces. We
are to follow TF Wintermute. Bn moved out at 1330 in the order of C,Hq,A,B, Sv and closed in bivouac 2 miles N.E. of St.
Saviour and supporting CCB's road blocks.
7 Aug 44
C Btry fired our first fire mission in combat at 0230 hrs.
They fired 9 rounds of WP; neutralized one SP 88mm gun,
destroyed one 88mm SP gun and two unarmored vehicles. Lt Martin adjusted the
Btry, Lt Page was the Exec and Capt Roueche, our FDC officer, computed the
initial data. This was excellent shooting as the only maps available were
1/250,000 scale road maps.
Bn moved out at 0800 in the order A,B,Hq,C,Sv.
We follow TF Wintermute and the probable route is
Chemere, Ballee, Epineaux, Poille, Chatenay, Maigne, Chemere, and St. Georges. The objective of the Div.is Le Mans.
At 1730 Hq and C Btrys were fired on by snipers on both
sides of the road just short of Maigne. At 1945
the Bn cleared Maigne which held many snipers and bazooka-men. Four men were
injured (M/Sgt Leiten,
Cpl Mahoney, Pvt Lanham,________) by snipers. Our
tanks were well able to cope with the horse drawn
Arty and scattered Infantry that we encountered.
8 Aug 44
Bn closed in position 2 miles E. of Spay at 0030. Lt Martin,
our Ln Off to CCB missed our CP and drove into
of A, Hq,B;C,Sv. Bn closed in position near St Georges, S.E. of Le mans at
1530, supporting CCB's attack on
9 Aug 44
Bn in position supporting CCB's attack on
captured 6 in a woods near their position area.
10 Aug 44
Bn moved out at 0030 in the order C,Hq,B,A,Sv;
to follow TF Wintermute. Arrived in position
3 miles N.W. of Bonnetable at 0745. Btrys took 4 prisoners as they went
into position. Bn registered
by Air OP and expended 16 rounds. Sv Btry fuel and lube section captured 9
prisoners on their return trip
from the gas dump 142 miles behind us.
11 Aug 44
Bn relieved from direct support of CCB and ordered to
reinforce the 95th AFA Bn which is in direct
support of CCR. We are now under XII Corps Control. Bn moved out at 1850 in the
order A,Hq,B,C,Sv and followed the 95th AFA.
Column was fired on by snipers and auto-weapons 4 miles S. of Lamele Ser Sarthe
and also in the town. This town was badly shot up and damaged by our column and
approximately 1/3 of it was afire when the Bn went thru.
12 Aug 44
Bn in position at 0415, 3 miles N.W. of Lamele Ser Sarthe.
After daylight a large woods on our right flank was found to contain approx 40
abandoned German supply vehicles which were fully loaded
with equipment and supplies. Bn moved out at 1210 in the order of B,Hq,C,A, Sv. We were to move forward by bounds
leap-frogging the 95th AFA Bn.
The Bn CO went forward with the Surv O and BC parties and
got tied up in a traffic jam in Sees. The town was rejoicing its liberation by
the unit on our left - the French 2nd Armd Div. Bn Closed in position 2 miles N
of Marmouille and 3 miles S. of Nonet Le Pin at 1715 about this time a radio
report stated that the French
Armd Div. had fallen back and that we were in eminent danger of a tank attack
on our left flank.
Bn sent out 3 bazooka teams to block the roads from the West that ran near our
position area.
observed targets.
13 Aug 44
CCR's mission is to gain and control the CR on the S. edge
of Gace which is also the objective of the British and Canadians, who are
coming from the North. The 10th Tank Bn established a road-block at this CR
with our B22, Lt Harrison (our forward observer).
Bn shelled at 0930 by 75mm roving gun. Approx. 45 rds fell
in our area. B Btry, commanded by Capt Crowell, smoked the ridge 2000 yards to
our front. This enabled the Bn to displace to its alternate out too much
difficulty. B Btry's RO, Lt Al Davies, was injured in the leg as was Sgt
Holland of A Btry. We lost A Btry's kitchen truck and trailer in this shelling.
At 1010 Bn was complete in its alternate position about l mile S.W. of our
original position. In this position we received sporadic harassing fire during
the night and expended 355 rounds for the day.
14 Aug 44
Lt Harrison, B22, lost his tank Cmdr, Sgt Dickey, to enemy
mortar fire. Direct hit with a mortar round. Bn
expended 494 rounds and the Bn received 40 rounds of incoming 105mm How. shelling.
15 Aug 44
Bn Co left at 1415 for a unit commander's meeting at CCB and
returned at 1510. The 5th Armd Div is being relieved by the 3rd Armd Div and
the 5th Armd is ordered to attack Druex, 62 miles to the S.E., tomorrow morning.
The 71st is in direct support of CCB. Bn moved out, under the Exec at 15l0 in
the order C,Hq,A,B,Sv and halted for refueling at 2200
near Les Chatelets. Now in XX Corps.
16 Aug 44
Bn in position at 0745 near Imbernais and 5 1/4 miles S.E.
of Druex.The 400th Armd FA Bn is to reinforce our fires. At 1010 CCB attacked
Druex in two columns and the town was liberated at 1615. Our A Btry was strafed
at 1630 by a single ME109 which was shot down in flames by our AA. This plane
crashed in the middle of A Btry's position. Bn expended 61 rounds for the day.
17 Aug 44
At 1225 Bn moved out in order A,Hq,B,C,Sv
and at 1425 was closed in position l mile West of Florenville and La
Chapelle. Bn expended 23 rounds for the day.
18 Aug 44
At 0930 Bn received a Warning March Order from Div Arty and
at 1200 moved out under Exec in order
B,Hq,C,A,Sv. At 1235 Bn closed in position 1 mile W. of Champagne near Brone.
At 1500 Bn Co, Surv O and BC parties left on reconnaissance. Bn moved out at
1530 in the order C,Hq,B,A,Sv. The 400th Armd FA Bn
was to reinforce our fires and to leap-frog on the march. At 2045 Bn closed in position l mile N. of Lammoye and 3/4 mile S.E. of
Chaufeur. Bn bypassed leading elements of CCB and liberated Chaufeur. Cpl
Hardesty fired 3 rounds from the MG on his Peep and took one prisoner in Chaufeur, the
remainder went East towards Bonnaires using any available transportation. At
this point the 81st Tank Bn interrupted their flight and slaughtered Nazis and
horses like flies. Bn expended 169 rounds and CCB completed the
19 Aug 44
Lt Nicol cracked up his L4 during take-off on a small rough
fenced in field. Bn fired on tank,infantry and vehicle concentrations. Bn expended 521
rounds.
20 Aug 44
At 1100 the Bn CO left for a CCB unit commanders meeting and returned at 1345. The
79th to cross the
21 Aug 44
Bn Co, Surv O and BC Parties went forward on reconnaisance
at 0840 to select new positions as we are
nearly outranged. They returned at 0930 Bn moved out at 1400 in order
A,Hq,B,C,Sv and closed in position at1510 1 mile SE of Douains; astride old RR
tracks. Bn expended 332 rounds.
22 Aug 44
Bn Co, Surv O and BC parties left on reconnaissance at 0755.
At 0920 the Bn moved out under the Exec in the order B,Hq,C,A,Sv and closed in
position 1/2 mile NW of La Heuniere in a field covered with destroyed
German Panther and Tiger tanks. These belonged to the 130 Panzer Lehr Div and
were knocked out by our tanks and the AF on the 21st of Aug.
Bn Co, Surv O and BC parties left on reconnaissance at 1325.
Bn moved out at 1340 in order C,Hq,A,B,Sv and closed
in position l mile SW of St. Pierre De Baellen at 1515. At 1500 we were bombed
and strafed by 9 FW190s as we were going into position. Our attached AAAW
downed one and damaged two. Bn suffered 8 casualties: T/5 Fitzgerald in C
Btry and 7 of the attached AAAW Btry. Three vehicles were damaged, including
the Bn 10 ton M1 wrecker. Bn expended 483 rounds during the day and broke up a
large tank and infantry
counter-attack by the 130 Panzer Lehr and Hitler Jugend Divisions.
23 Aug 44
Bn moved out at 1615 in the order parties, A,Hq,,B,C,Sv and
closed in position one mile N of Les Noes
at 1900. The weather was rainy and mud was everywhere. The Bn expended 149
rounds on infantry
concentrations and marking targets for our supporting P47 fighter bombers.
24 Aug 44
At 1300 the Bn Co left for a
meeting at CCB and returned at 1530. CCB to march to vicinity of
Exec in the order A,Hq,B,C,Sv and closed in position 3 miles S. of Mantes and
1/2 mile S of Guerville
at 0715 hours 25 Aug 44. This was a march of 72 miles under adverse road and
weather conditions.
There was practically no enemy resistance.
26 Aug 44
Bn registered N of the
27 Aug 44
Between 0001 and 0445 this Bn fired in 4 Corps Serenades to
help break up an enemy counter-attack against the XIX Corps which was N
of the Seine River. At 1300 the Bn Co, Surv O and BC parties went
forward on reconnaissance at 1330 to pick some positions. Bn displaced by Btry
starting at 1500 and completely in position at 1610 and registered by Air OP by
1640. Div now in V Corps, 1st
28 Aug 44
At 0210 CCB called to say that movement and parade were
delayed for 24 hours and that same details as
yesterday would pertain. Bn performing necessary maintenance
of vehicles and equipment.
29 Aug 44
Move to and parade in
Divisions will parade. At 1750 Gen Oliver, the Division Commander, made
presentations of the Bronze Star medal for
gallantry in action to Capt Rowlands and Lt Frazer. He also read the order
awarding same to
Lt Davies, who was absent in hospital, WIA.
All maintenance services have been completed and the Bn is
now capable of another extended operation with few vehicular casualties caused
by maintenance. Bn is carrying a 20% basic overload of combat
ammunition.
At 2050 Bn Co left for unit commanders meeting at CCB and returned at 2230. The 5th AD to move at 0600 30 Aug; to
relieve the 28th Inf Div and the French 2nd Armd which
are N of Paris and then to spearhead
the drive to the Corps objective (the
TF Anderson and leave here at 0800; will pass thru
30 Aug 44
At 0745 the Bn moved out under the exec in the order B,Hq,A,C,Sv and passed thru
At 1645 Bn went into position 1/2 mile N of Luzarches and
the head of the Bn
column received 7 rounds of 88mm AP fire. The roads were jam packed with
vehicles as the CC had started to bypass elements of the 28th Inf Div. At 1710 Lt Harrison, B22, adjusted A Btry and
fired a Btry 5 rounds for effect. This was a time
concentration on dug-in Infantry and AT guns. The fire burned 4 ammo vehicles,
killed many infantry,
the AT guns withdrew and the column passed. The Bn Co, Surv O and BC parties
went forward at 1910 and the Bn followed at 1945. Bn closed in position at 2050
in a famous race track within the city limits of
31 AUG 44
Division to complete passing thru 28th Inf Div. and to
continue on to Conde
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1 SEPT 44
Bn Co, Surv O and BC parties left at 0930 with the Bn moving
at 0945 in the order C,Hq,B,A,Sv and closed in an assembly area S of the RR
tracks and 1/2 mile N of Verberil. Bn moved out at 1130 and
closed in position 300 yards NE of Royallieu on the edge of the
the forest in which the Armistice was signed thus ending WW I. Bn registered by
air OP at 1250 and fired 3 concentrations on dug in Inf. N. of Compiegne. Capt
Wilcox (Hq Btry CO) and Col Cole (Commander CCB) were
slightly injured by shell fragments.
Bn Co left at 1420 for unit commanders meeting at CCB and
returned at 1505 with our Ln Officers and FOs.
Our mission has been changed. The 71st is to support TF Gilson and march to the Corps objective (Conde
2 SEPT 44
Remainder of Bn closed in vicinity of B Btry's position at 0020. Bn marched 14 miles. Bn registered and night
survey complete at 0137. Bn fired several time concentrations on dug in Inf and on Noyon. During this
action the 81st Tank Bn lost 3 tanks and Lts McWain, Martin, Frazer and
Henschell received silver star medals for the
adjustment of our fires. They were out ahead of our leading elements and were
silhouetted by the light from the 3 burning tanks.
At 0745 the Bn Co, Surv O, BC parties and A Btry moved out
followed by the Bn at 0825 in the order
C,Hq,B,Sv. The column was held up by two blown bridges in Ham. Bn went into
position on city limits of Ham at 0950. Travelled 16 miles. The 22nd
Eng Bn (5th AD) put up two bridges across the canals. At 1217 the Bn
moved out in order B,A,Hq,C Sv. The Bn Co and BC
parties are preceding the Bn by one mile.
After CCB crossed the bridges in Ham the German columns
running E used them to good advantage. Bn closed
in position area 1 mile N of Conde and 1 1/2 mile from the
3 SEPT 44
At 0830 a German column of 14
vehicles with three towed 105mm guns passed 200 yards in the rear of our
position area. This column was firing all available small arms at us. They over
ran the 22nd Eng road block
and killed two machine gunners. Cpl Delap and Pvt Brown, in Hq
Btry, were injured by small arms fire. Capt Wilcox, Hq Btry Co, had a bullet go through the seat of his pants. Our Ln
planes arrived in the area
at 1240. Bn had a field day firing on retreating German units.
We destroyed 3 88mm towed guns and seven vehicles. These
missions were all observed by air OP. At 1710 Bn displaced forward 2000 yards
to a better position and fired interdiction and harassing fires throughout the
night.
4 SEPT 44
At 0455 135 mixed German foot troops ran into Hq Btry area
and all were taken prisoner. At the same time Sv
Btry took 18 prisoners. CCB's PW cage was overflowing with prisoners with
more coming in every hour.
At 101 Bn moved out in the order A,B,C,Hq,Sv. This unit to support CCB in an attack to the South - vicinity of
5 SEPT 44
Received march order and overlay from CCB. We are to support CCR's crossing of the
6 SEPT 44
In position all day awaiting the
arrival of our trains. Gasoline supply exhausted - only enough for 20 miles. Unit performing necessary maintenance and care of equipment.
7 SEPT 44
Trains arrived at noon with gasoline for 150 miles. At 1545
orders arrived from Div Arty directing this unit to move in order to reinforce the
95th Armd FA Bn. At 1645 Bn moved out under exec in order A,B,C,Hq, Sv
and crossed the Meuse River on the engineer pontoon bridge in Sedan and
closed in position 300 yds E of
Givonne at 1920. Bn marched 27 miles. So far have marched 711.4 miles in combat.
8 SEPT 44
CCR column moved out at 1100 but made slow progress on
account of demolitions, obstacles, mined areas and road blocks. 71st to
leap-frog with 95th AFA Bn. Bn moved out at 1555 in the order C,B,A,Hq,Sv. The FDC was on ahead with the Bn Co and BC
parties. Bn entered
between Messincourt and
the
concentrations.
9 SEPT 44
Bn Co, BC Parties and FDC moved out at 0855 followed by the
Bn at 0900 in the order C,B,A,Hq,Sv. At
1035 the Bn closed in position 1500 yds E of Tintigny - marched 8 miles. Survey
complete and Bn registered by Air OP at 1150. The column was held up by a blown
bridge and mined bridge approaches. Bn Co, BC parties and FDC moved out
at 1400 followed at 1410 by the Bn in order A,B,C,Hq,Sv and closed in position
at 1605 400 yds SW of Habay La Neuve. Marched 8 miles.
Bn moved out at 1745 in order C,B,A,HQ,Sv. Bn Co, BC
parties and FDC left at 1645. Bn crossed border into Luxemburg at 1912 and
closed in position 400 yds S. of Huttange Luxemburg at 1950. Bn marched 4
miles. Bn registered at 1947 and fired interdiction and harassing fires
throughout the night. All roads to the N, S, and E were interdicted. Bn
expended 154 rounds.
10 SEPT 44
A Btry moved out at 0820 as part of the advance guard of
CCR. They followed married B. Bn Co, BC
parties and FDC moved out at 0900 followed by the Bn under the Exec in the
order B,C,Hq,Sv. At 1100 A Btry in position 1/2 mile N
of Mersch and Bn closed in same area at 1130 after marching 10 miles. The
bridge across the
Bn moved out by Btry at 1537 and crossed the newly planked
RR bridge in Mersch. Bn closed in temporary bivouac
area 400 yds N of Beringen at 1755. Marched 3 miles.
At 1820 the Bn moved out in the order BC
parties, A,B,C,Hq,Sv and closed in position 2000 yds SW of Stegan and 1500 yds
NW of Schrondweiler at 1937. Marched 5 miles.
11 SEPT 44
Bn relieved from reinforcing 95th AFA and now to support
CCB. At 1245 the Bn Co, Surv O, Bc Parties and FDC moved out followed by
Exec with the Bn. Bn departed at 1310 moved cross country to Stegan and closed
in position 1000 yds S of Hoscheid at 1502. Bn marched 16 miles,
went by the
German soil. Bn fired interdiction and harassing missions throughout the night
and expended 230 rounds.
12 SEPT 44
On Sept 10th Col John T Cole, Commander of CCB, and a group
of officers from his staff, along with Capt R A
Rowlands, our Ln Officer to CCB walked through and examined most of the
Siegfried line pill boxes in our area. Bn fired 60 rounds on harassing
and interdiction missions.
13 SEPT 44
From 0925 to 1800 Bn fired
concentrations on German border positions and local strong points. Expended 462 rounds. At1355 Bn Co and BC parties went
forward on reconnaissance and returned at 1520.
Bn displaced by Btry and B moved out at 1900. At 2000, Bn less Sv Btry was
closed in position 1500 yds W of Walsdorf. Marched 8 miles.
14 SEPT 44
Bn Co left at 0830 for unit Commander's meeting at CCB and
returned at 1000. CCB and CCR attached to Corps
and will attack E at once. CCB on a 2 hour march
alert. Fired concentrations on enemy counterattack in the
vicinity of Stoltzenburg and Kleppenhousen. Expended
520 rounds. Weather rainy and foggy.
15 SEPT 44
Performing normal bivouac duties of
maintenance and care of equipment. Three Bn FOs are
out keeping German installations of the Seigfreid line under surveilance. Fired
a few missions on call for Div Arty and
expended 133 rounds. We are still on a Corps 2 hour alert. Weather
rainy and foggy.
16 SEPT 44
Bn Co left at 0945 for CCB unit Commanders meeting and
returned at 1050. CCB now released from Corps reserve and will reinforce CCR of
the 5th AD which is now in
1315 - fire mission - Exec ordered C Btry into position 1
mile SE of Bastendorf and at the same time A & B occupied positions
600 yds N of Reisdorf. No rounds were fired from these positions and the Bn
immediately displaced under the Exec to positions l mile N of Mostroff and
closed at 1400. Unit marched 9 miles. Unit was served coffee and do-nuts in
this position by a Red Cross Club Mobile.
At 1625 Bn Co, Surv O, BC Parties, and FDC moved out
followed by the Bn at 1645 in the order A,B,C,Hq. At
1730 Bn crossed a pontoon bridge into
Report from CCB indicated that this Bn has inflicted the
following confirmed losses on the enemy during
the period 6 Aug 44 - 15 Sept 44. Six 88mm AAAT guns, 2 SP 88mm AT guns, 41
unarmored vehicles, 3 ammunition carriers, l armored
half track, 3 MK V tanks, l Company of personnel and 7 machine guns. Bn
expended 7270 rounds of 105mm ammunition during the same period.
17 SEPT 44
At 0300 hours, time was set back
one hour by the British. Bn Was shelled throughout the
day and night by 150mm howitzers and multiple rocket launchers (called
Nebelwerfers). Approximately 200 rounds landed in
the Bn CP area (150 x 150 yds). Unit and CC were cut off several times at
Neidersgegen and Wallendorf.
Bn fired in 4 different directions at once and
many times 4 missions were going thru our FDC at the same time. Lt Henschell, A
Btry RO, was wounded and evacuated. Bn expended 845 rounds.
18 SEPT 44
Bn in same position area. Have 5 FOs out. Visibility
unsuitable for Air OP operations. The Bn area
was shelled throughout the day and night by 150mm and Nebelwerfers. Weather rainy and foggy. Bn expended 1534 rounds on
observed, interdiction and harassing fires.
19 SEPT 44
From 0545 - 0600 Bn received 30 rounds of 150mm How
shelling from the SE and at 0730 18 rounds of 150mm shelling from the NW.
CCR withdrawing and CCB is to remain and cover their withdrawal. Our
area is receiving almost a continuous shelling from 150mm How.
The air is overcast and making it extremely difficult to observe anything from
the air. At 1015 Lts Nicol and Francies in their planes with Lts Sorensen and
Martin as observers took off from the Bn area and were subjected to a large
concentration of 20mm anti-aircraft fire as soon as they were 200 feet in the
air. The enemy was closing in quite fast. Our Bn was left with only a married
Inf/Tank Co for protection. At 1210 three tanks of B Co, 81st Tank Bn were hit
by 88mm direct fire and burned. These tanks were 350-400 yds from our position
area.
At 1415 the Bn Exec took 10 men and 3 bazookas to clean the
enemy out of the woods to our right front. One SP 88mm, 1 SP 20mm AA and
approx. 32-40 infantrymen were driven out and retired approximately 1000 yds
from the Bn area. At this time another of B Co 81st Tanks was knocked out. At
1500 the Bn Co directed A Btry to displace 1200 yds to the rear of the Bn where
they had a better field of fire against a tank attack. At this time the Bn Exec
took RO parties to select positions to the rear
and they were shelled by direct fire weapons from woods on the South.
Service Btry had received an intense shelling around 1200.
This shelling killed Sgt Nicolson and wounded
3 men. T/5 Behrens was evacuated. The Bn ammo platoon, after three attempts,
could not get forward to the Bn position. They could not get past Biesdorf or
Krutchten which were only 800-1200 yds from the Bn area.
Automatic weapons fire kept them from making it.
Sgt Florio, Asst Bn Ammo NCO, was killed at his truck mounted machine gun
during one of these attempts. B22, Lt Harrison, was wounded by an 88mm HE shell
400 yds from our CP while adjusting fire on a SP 88mm AT gun, 20mm SP AAAT gun
and some Infantry. He was rescued by Lt Francies, Pvt Sneed, S/Sgt Mylertz and
the Bn Exec.
At 1900 the Bn began to displace to the rear into Luxemburg.
This movement was made in excellent order even though the Btrys were under
heavy direct shell fire from tanks and SP guns during a good
share of the way. The ford at Neidersgeggen and the bridge at Wallendorf
were under interdiction fire by 150mm but the unit passed
these points without injury to men or vehicles. Capt Smithers, A Btry
Co, lost his half track and a peep in Biesdorf to an AT gun. An AP round
took the brake and clutch pedal out from under PFC Remur Pope's (half track
driver) feet. The Bn Exec crew fought their way through successfully. Cpl
Loomis, in the Exec Section, was wounded. The remainder of
the Bn by-passed this town. Bn closed in position at 2350 400 yds E of
Bettendorf, Luxemburg.
Marched 14 miles. Expended 1562 rounds. Weather rainy and
foggy. Bn suffered 21 casualties that had to be evacuated and 3
vehicles were lost. Cpl Lucre, T/5 Rameriz, PFC
Barbara and 2 men from the attached AAAW Btry were also killed. The mission of
CCB is to retain a bridgehead in
Today was the Bn's worst day in combat. At times it was a
mortal hell for everyone concerned. S/Sgt Kinsall, of our Medic Det, went out
of his head and was evacuated for battle exhaustion.
20 SEPT 44
There was sporadic enemy shelling in adjacent areas throughout
the day and night. No rounds landed in our area.
The weather cleared up at 1015 so that our Air OPs could observe
satisfactorily. Bn expended 1266 rounds. Air Corps P47s and P38s had a field
day at 1522 on tank and Infantry concentrations. T/Sgt Meeker, our S-2 intelligence Sgt, was evacuated for combat
exhaustion. Pvt Stinger wounded by shell fragments on one of the Bns road
blocks.
21 SEPT 44
Bn in same position. Weather cleared up at 1122 and
both our Air OPs became operational. Bn expended 1888 rounds. Our P47s and P38s
were around during all clear periods during the day. Beisdorf and Neidersgeggen
received a good working over by the Air Corps; they also gave some close in
support to
CCBs tanks and Infantry.
22 SEPT 44
At 0415 all troops retired W of the
river at Wallendorf into Luxemburg. The Div accomplished its mission - to draw
all the mobile reserves from the major portion of the 1st US Army front. The
casualty rate in the Div. was fairly high but low in proportion to what damage was
caused to personnel and vehicles of the enemy. CCR now outposting the line
Ammildingen - Dillingen on the W bank of
the river. The 71st to organize and man the static OPs.
Bn displaced at 14l0 to positions one mile SE of Gilsdorf. Marched
3 miles. Bn registered by Air OP at 1535. Bn expended 560 rounds during
the day.
23 SEPT 44
Weather rainy and foggy. Expended
208 rounds.
24 SEPT 44
Weather rainy and foggy. Expended
230 rounds.
25 SEPT 44
Weather rainy and foggy. Expended 310 rounds and
neutralized two 105mm How Btrys.
26 SEPT 44
Weather rainy and foggy. Div Spec Svcs Off provided a
movie film for the Bn. The movie was Casanova
Brown with Gary Cooper and Jennifer Jones. Bn expended 636 rounds.
27 SEPT 44
Bn displaced at 1400; moved in order A,B,Hq,C and closed in
position 400 yds NE of Meternach at 1510. Bn marched 4 miles. At 1625 Bn
registered by Air OP. At 1630 an American Red Cross Club Mobile served coffee
and do-nuts to the Bn except for Sv Btry which was in Stegan 4 miles away. The
Div SSO provided a
re-showing of Casanova Brown. Weather was rainy
and foggy most of the day. Bn expended 535 rounds.
28 SEPT 44
Day was clear and sunny. Air OPs up all day and Bn expended
449 rounds on observed tgts. Bn has 2 ground OPs that are manned 24 hrs
daily.
The 5th Armd Div will be relieved soon by the 8th and 83rd
Inf. Divs which are now a part of 3rd Army but soon to be a part of the new US
9th Army. Sent truck convoy for the stored duffle bags.
German JU88 bombers have flown very low over our position nightly for the past
several days. They are apparently searching for our guns as we are the only
ones firing from around this area.
29 SEPT 44
Rained during the night. The day was clear and sunny. Our Air
Corps P47s were out in strength. Bn expended 267 rds.
30 SEPT 44
Weather foggy, cold and rainy. Expended
225 rds.
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1 OCT 44
Weather cold and foggy. Bn expended 16 rds of smoke
marking targets for the P47s.
2 OCT 44
Bn now in a semi-rest period performing maintenance and care
of equipment. At 0830 billeting parties left for new position area SW of Aachen
in the VII Corps area. Weather clear and sunny. German Recon aircraft still flies over our area at night
even though our unit is not firing. Our fires have been taken over by the 95th
AFA.
4 OCT 44
Bn moved out of bivouac area at 0915 in order Hq,A,B,C,. This is an administrative move to confuse the
enemy intelligence prior to our moving to the North. Closed
in bivouac area 1 mile NE of Moesdorf at 1050. Marched
12 miles. Bn received our duffle bags and removed our overcoats. Bags
will now be stored in
5 OCT 44
Bn moved out at 0715 in order B,Hq,C,A.
Sv Btry to move with CCB trains. Bn closed in position 1 mile
NE of Faymonville,
6 OCT 44
Bn in bivouac performing necessary maintenance on equipment
and material. Weather was warm with plenty of sunshine. At 1550 a
formation was held for the presentation of awards by Gen Oliver, the Div Commander. Silver Stars to Lts Martin, Henschel
(absent, wounded in hospital in UK), and Frazer; Bronze Stars to
Capt Wilcox, Lt Harrison (absent, wounded in hospital in UK), S/Sgt Porter,
S/Sgt Clark, Cpl Dodge and
Sgt Wisnower; Air Medals to Lts Francies, Nicol, and Sorensen.
7 OCT 44
Usual camp duties of maintenance and care of equipment.
Mobile clothing store was in the Div area during the day. At 1400 the Div SSO
provided a movie for the Bn. The show was, "Three Men in White". The
day was warm and sunny. Lt R A Smith, 754th FA Bn, brother of the Exec visited
the CP.
8 OCT 44
Bn started receiving a B ration. We are now using our
kitchen trucks for the first time since this unit entered combat. It is quite a
change from cooking by individuals and sections. Day warm and
sunny.
9 OCT 44
Bn started a regular weekly training schedule. 2nd Lts
Martin and McNeese received battle field promotions to lst Lts. Day rainy, cold
and foggy.
11 OCT 44
At 0830 CCB was placed on a 6 hr alert for possible move
North to the vicinity of
possible German Armored counter-attack from the SE. CCB on l hr alert status at
1945. Weather was cold, cloudy and rainy.
12 OCT 44
On 6 hour alert since 0800. Day cold,
cloudy and rainy.
13 OCT 44
Submitted recommendations for award
of the French Croix de Guarre: Capt. Roueche, Lt Weems, and
T/Sgt Haunschild. At 1400 Bn saw the SSO provided movie, Gas Light with Ingrid
Bergman and Charles Boyer. Bn turned in two FO tanks for replacement. Received one new with Wright power and one new with Ford Power.
Day cold with intermittant sunny spells.
15 OCT 44
CC went on one hour alert at 0930. At 1230 alerted for
immediate movement. RO parties left at 1345 and Bn moved out at 1535 in order C,Hq,B,A, and Sv with CCB trains. At 1730 Bn recrossed the
border into
of Oberforstbach and 500 yds NW of Schleckheim,
16 OCT 44
Bn in position. Batteries are jammed close together
and in a small restricted area. There is very
little
vehicular movement off of the roads as the ground is extremely soft and mushy
from the rains this past month. This unit is
completely surrounded by all kinds and types of Arty; more Arty than any of our
personnel have ever seen concentrated in one combat area. All calibers are
represented, including 4.5" guns, 8" guns,
8" howitzers; also some 240mm howitzers. The Bn CP is located in a
building for the first time since this unit entered combat. 5th
AD still in Corps Reserve and to be committed only on Army order. Our
Div. is split up with a CC in each of three Corps: CCA with XIX Corps on the
North, CCB with VII Corps in the middle and CCR with V Corps on the South or Rt flank. CCs to be used only to counter-
attack an enemy armored counter attack. Day cold,
cloudy and rainy.
17 OCT 44
Bn now occupying better firing positions and btrys are
fairly well dispersed. Nearly all vehicles had
to be winched out of and into position even though chains were used. Hq Btry completely in billets. Day rainy
with intermittant sunshine.
18 OCT 44
Bn registered by ground observer from 32nd FA Bn of the lst
Inf. Div at 1100. Day cold, windy and rainy. Expended 18 rds.
20 OCT 44
Day cold, rainy and cloudy. Very little maintenance accomplished on account
of the weather. At 2300 the area was bombed and strafed by an unknown number of
JU88s and FW190s.
21 OCT 44
At 1110 approx. 30 rds of 105 and 150mm How landed 1000-1500
yds SE of the Bn area. German Recon bombers over the area at
2030 and again at 2230. Day cold with intermittant sunny spells.
22 OCT 44
At 0230 16 rds of 170 and 210mm landed
2000 yds SE of the Bn area. The Germans are apparently trying to
counter-battery a neighbor M-12 SP 155mm gun Bn. Day cold with intermittant
periods of sunshine.
23 OCT 44
At 1640 two ME109s flew over the
area - all kinds and sizes of AA fire went up but the planes escaped into the
clouds. At 2110 four British Lancaster heavy bombers were shot down by enemy
night fighters and crashed in the immediate vicinity.
24 OCT 44
By 1500 the position area had been organized against enemy
airborne landings - gliders and paratroops. Plan
coordinated throughout the entire XIX, VII, and V Corps sectors. A 24 hr air watch to begin at 1800. Day
cold and cloudy with a few short sunny periods.
25 OCT 44
Flying bombs passed over Bn area during afternoon and early
evening.
27 OCT 44
28 OCT 44
Bn moved out at 1200 in order C,Hq,A,B,Sv
and crossed the border back into
29 OCT 44
At 1310 the Bn CO, Surv O and BC
parties left on reconn. for positions in the vicinity
of Kalterherberg and
30 OCT 44
At 1000 the Bn moved out by Btry at 30 min. intervals in the
order B,Hq,C,A,Sv and at 1300 closed in
position 2 miles NW of Kalterherberg, Germany. Bn marched 17 miles. This is the
third time that this unit has entered
31 OCT 44
Lt. Nicol, Ln Pilot 141, promoted to lst Lt.. At 1200 one Off. and 15 EM left for 48 hr pass in
Lt. Weems was the lucky Off.
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1 NOV 44
At 1100 CCB relieved CCR from it's
holding mission. B Bty registered at 1650. Expended 15 rds.
Day cold with scattered clouds and visibility from the air was very limited.
2 NOV 44
At 0830 the 28th Inf. Div attack
jumped off from the vicinity of Roetgen. They were given the limited
objectives of Schmidt and Vossenack. CCA 5th AD to follow in trace, pass thru
and take the towns of
Stockenborn, Lammersdorf, Kesternick and Simmerath to the South.
This Bn is in general support of CCA and reinforcing the
fires of the 47th AFA. Flying bombs pass
low over this area intermittantly. Enemy night fighters knocked down 7
British Lancaster heavy bombers over CCB area. Day was clear and cold. Bn
Expended 215 rds on tgts of opportunity and interdiction fires.
3 NOV 44
Day clear and cold with rain in the early part of the
evening. Expended 120 rds on counter btry fires.
4 NOV 44
Lt Beaupre, Bn Ammo Officer, promoted to lst Lt.. CCA's attack tomorrow
morning is called off. Our Btrys will not displace to their forward positions. Visibility from OPs very poor. There was little enemy
activity in our zone. The Bn expended 111 rds on interdiction and harassing
fires.
5 NOV 44
Our three FOs are still out even
though CCAs attack has been called off. The Howitzer Btry
Commanders are still occupying OPs in the vicinity of Mutzenich. Day was cold
and unusually clear. Our fighter bombers were out in force bombing and strafing
to the East of our lines. Bn expended 218 rds on tgts of opportunity and
harassing fires.
6 NOV 44
A Red Cross Club Mobile was in the Bn area most of the day
serving coffee and donuts to our men.
At 1500 Gen Oliver, the Div CO, presented the Bronze
Star award to Lt Francies, Lt McWain, S/Sgt Mylertz and Pvt Smith; all for
gallantry in action. Btry COs still occupying OPs and our 3 FOs are still with
CCA SE of Roetgen. Day was clear and our fighter bombers were out in force most
of the day. There was very little enemy activity in our sector. The Bn expended
253 rds on tgts of opportunity and harassing fires.
7 NOV 44
Fired one concentration on an enemy
vehicle park and numerous harassing and interdiction fires. Expended
219 rds. Flying bombs still go over our area.
8 NOV 44
At 0930 Ln#3 arrived from CCB with word that the Supreme
Commander Gen Eisenhauer would be in the Division Area today. At 1100, one Off. and 12 EM left
for a 48 hour pass in
officer chosen. Lt Henry, a replacement officer,
arrived at 1735 and was assigned to A Btry. Our first snow started to fall at 1800. Bn expended 203 rds on interdiction missions.
9 NOV 44
Still snowing. Expended
243 rds.
10 NOV 44
CCB 5th AD relieved by 99th Inf. Div at 0830. 5th AD on 6 hr alert. CCR attached to VII Corps. CCA and CCB to move N and attack NE thru the dike area of the
11 NOV 44
Experienced combat divisions being
relieved and replaced by new inexperienced units. Veteran units are to be
grouped for an extensive push into the heart of the
12 NOV 44
As our OPs are at a distance,
telephone communications are quite a problem because of the lack of sufficient
WD110 wire, telephones and switch boards. Maintenance of lines is constant and they are mostly overhead where possible. Weather clear with a few snowy periods. Expended 217 rds on
interdiction and harassing fires.
13 NOV 44
At 1400 Div Arty SSO showed the movie, "Thousands
Cheer" to the Bn. Fired on two Kraut working
parties and one suspected enemy OP, in addition to interdiction,
harassing and close in defensive fires. Expended 283 rds.
Snowed a couple or three times during the day, otherwise the weather was cold
and clear.
14 NOV 44
At 0944 Bn fired on several work parties laying
and activating mines. There was a marked
increase in enemy activity on our front, especially in the Hofen area. Expended 365 rds.
15 NOV 44
Expended 172 rds on interdiction fires.
16 NOV 44
From VOW (Div Arty) at 1000. Prairie Dog Day (D Day) at 1115 today. Aerial
preparation to last for 65 minutes. All men to take adequate cover from
bomb fragments and aerial MG fire. Ln O #3 (Lt Frazer) came from VOTIVE (CCB)
at 1810. VII Corps mission to take
reserve for counter and heavy punch.
Bomber attacks to take place daily. 3500 to 4000 heavy bombers used in this mornings preparation. 7lst AFA to move
out with CCB at 1000 tomorrow, to clear Eupen at 1115. Bn expended
336 rds.
17 NOV 44
From CCB at 0845. Voyage (7lst AFA)
not to move prior to 1300. Bn moved out at 1310 under Exec in order C,Hq,A,B,Sv and at 1335 crossed the German border into
18 NOV 44
At 1515 B Btry registered by ground OP. Visibility was very
poor at times although it was sunny most
of the day. Our fighter bombers were very active on our front. Buzz bombs over
this area also. Bn expended 11 rds on registration.
19 NOV 44
Rained most of the day. 7lst now
reinforcing the fires of the 47th AFA Bn. Expended 150 rds on interdiction
fires - this fire destroyed one enemy truck by burning.
20 NOV 44
Still raining. Expended 148 rds on
interdiction and harassing fires. At 0900 two Off. and 28 EM left on pass for 48 hrs in
21 NOV 44
No change in the weather. Expended
108 rds on counterbattery and interdiction fires.
22 NOV 44
0830 moved Bn CP and Hq Btry into
houses in Roetgen. CP now in
interdiction fires.
23 NOV 44
Thanksgiving Day. Our dinner was excellent; complete
with turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. Day was rainy and very cold.
Expended 150 rds on interdiction and harassing fires.
24 NOV 44
0948, Capt Lynn Fredrickson, MC assigned and joined the Bn.
Capt Bickel transferred to 203rd Gen. Hosp in
25 NOV 44
Expended 109 rds on interdiction fires.
26 NOV 44
Weather clear and cold. Expended 179 rds on counterbattery and interdiction fires.
27 NOV 44
At 0830 Capt Bickel departed for 203rd Gen Hosp in
28 NOV 44
At 0830 four Off and 32 EM left for
48 hr pass in
29 NOV 84
Major Wills assigned and joined the Bn at 1115. Lt Chavaux,
French Tactical Ln Off, speaks German and had been a PW in
30 NOV 44
At 1030 Btry billeting parties left for CCB to move to
Venwegan. Bn expended 151 rds on interdiction and harassing fires. Bn has
expended 23,116 rds since entering combat on 6 Aug 44. At 1530 CCB called and cancelled the 7lst movement for today -
later they postponed it indefinitely.
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1 DEC 44
Expended 97 rds on interdiction fires.
2 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires.
3 DEC 44
At 1500 nine ME109s strafed our
Btry positions. Three were destroyed by the combined Mg fire of our Bn and
attached AAAW. No damage or casualties. Lt Mahoney's AAAW platoon, attached to
A Btry, shot their CP tent full of 50 cal. mg holes. Bn expended 99 rds on
interdiction fires.
4 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires.
5 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires.
6 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires.
8 DEC 44
Bn moved out at 1330 under the Exec in the order Hq,A,B,C,Sv and closed in bivouac at 1430 at Walheim. All personnel in billets for the first time.
9 DEC 44
At 1000
reinforce the fires of the 83rd Div Arty and in direct support of CCB.
10 DEC 44
Bn moved out at 1245 in order C,A,B,Hq.
Sv to remain in present location. Bn closed in position 1000 yds W of Grosshau
in the
11 DEC 44
At 0700 CCB jumped off in attk on hill 253. We have 3
observers and 3 Ln Officers out. CCB attk bogged down in the mud, artillery and
mortar fire. Forward elements are squatting in woods on nose of the hill.
Bn expended 848 rds in support of this attk.
12 DEC 44
All men are now living in log huts
dug into the ground. The huts are fairly
comfortable, warm, and splinter proof. At 1115 Votive (CCB) called for all
possible fire on Bogheim. Fired a Corps TOT at 1135
- no town left. Expended 769 rds on tgts of opportunity.
At 1910 six ME109s bombed and strafed the CC area. Our attached AAAW knocked one down and damaged two others. One bomb hit
13 DEC 44
Bn expended 438 rds on tgts of opportunity.
14 DEC 44
At 1115 B22 (Lt Barry FO#2) returned to the CP with his tank
and crew. His tank had been hit with 6 rds
of 76mm AT fire. The hatch cover and AA MG had been blown off. Lt Barry had
shell fragments in his leg and T/5 Bucci had
been seriously wounded in the chest by mortar fragments. The tank was still
serviceable. Bn expended 1190 rds on tgts of opportunity.
15 DEC 44
Lt LaFons, A Btry RO, injured by shell fragments at 1320 and
was evacuated. Bn expended 966 rds on tgts of opportunity.
16 DEC 44
At 0815 CCB captured their objective, hill 253. During this
present action this Bn has knocked out
one AT gun and 17 man crew, damaged two MK V Panther tanks, knocked out two
88mm AA AT guns,
one MK VI Tiger and a SP 76mm gun. The number of Infantry personnel
killed and wounded is very high but it is impossible to obtain the actual
number. At 1630 we received notification from Votive (CCB) of the start of a
large scale German attk in the South with plenty of air support. Bn expended
863 rds.
17 DEC 44
Our Inf (15th AIB) taking it from weapons across the river.
Approx 60 ME109s, JU88s, and FW190s over our
area at 1100 bombing and strafing everywhere. They caused no damage up forward
but Pvts Davenport and Smith in SV Btry were injured by bomb fragments. Bn Exec
evacuated at 0915 with ruptured appendix. Bn expended 1113 rds on counter battery and tgts of opportunity.
18 DEC 44
At 0715 the Bn took over the 400th
AFA Bn missions. They are relieved from attatchment to the 5th AD and are
pulling to the South in the vicinity of the German attack. This
Bn now supporting Jacket, Jibe, Devildog, and Vox in addition to our normal
support of the 81st T Bn and 15th AIB. This is too much for a light Arty
Bn. Bn Expended 1226 rds on counter battery and tgts of opportunity.
19 DEC 44
Bn expended 949 rds.
20 DEC 44
CCB and attachments is attacking Bogheim and Untermaubach.
Vox last night established a road block
under a steep hillside East of Untermaubach. They boxed out a lot and knocked
out plenty with the assistance of a lot of Arty. Bn expended 1473 rds on
counter Battery and close in support fires.
21 DEC 44
Bn expended 959 rds.
22 DEC 44
81st Tank Bn went in at 0700. Part of the 4th Cav Gp
replaced by elements of the 8th Inf Div last night.
CCB accomplished its mission at 1613. Bn expended 684 rds.
23 DEC 44
Bn FOs and Btry ROs returned at
0210. Bn expended 271 rds.
24 DEC 44
CCB pulled out of line at 1000. At 1300 Bn moved out in
order Hq,C,B,A as a part of CCB and at 1535 closed in
bivouac in
problem. We are now in 21st Army GP reserve.
25 DEC 44
Made the dinner OK. The
Quartermaster does OK by the troops; turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and
fruit cake.
26 DEC 44
Now on 4 hr alert status. The German attk is slowing.
31 DEC 44
At 0645 a JU87 Stuka dropped a 500#
bomb 150 yds from the CP. No casualties. Fragments cut up a few tents and were
also found as far away as 400 yds in the How Btry positions. To date the Bn has
expended 40,879 rds since 6 Aug 44.
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1 JAN 45
At 0912 7 ME109s strafed our Bn
area. They caused no casualties or damages. Our attached AAAW shot down 5 of
them.
2 JAN 45
Ln #3, Lt Alexander Frazer and Sgt Harold Freeman were
killed on 28 Dec in
8 JAN 45
Bn Exec returned to duty from 15th Gen Hosp in
appointment.
19 JAN 45
Major Wills released from assignment to 71st and ordered to
3rd Armd Div. Lts Francies, Sorensen and McWain promoted to lst Lts.
20 JAN 45
Lt Ray Smith 754th FA Bn, brother of the Exec, visited
overnight. Lt Barry promoted to lst Lt.
25 JAN 45
At 0600 Bn received orders to join CCA on projected move to
vicinity of Roetgen. Bn now in XIX CORPS.
26 JAN 45
At 0900
27 JAN 45
At 1300 Btrys of the 903rd FA Bn had cleared and our Btrys
were closed in position. Bn CP in a German Concrete pillbox. B Btry registered
at 1410. Three observers were sent out at 1800 to OPs in the vicinity of
Simmerath and Kesternach.
28 JAN 45
Bn expended 101 rds on harassing and interdiction fires.
30 JAN 45
Expended 90 rds.
31 JAN 45
The 78th Div and CCA 5th AD took
their objectives at 1100. Bn expended 701 rds. Bn has now expended a total of
41,800 rds in combat.
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1 FEB 45
Received phone call from 78th Div Arty at 0714 which relieved
us from reinforcing their fires. We now revert
to support of CCB. At 1000 Bn moved out in order Hq,A,B,C,Sv
and at 1245 closed in position at
5 FEB 45
At 1830 Bn moved out in order Hq,A,B,C,Sv
under the Exec and as a part of CCB. Bn closed in position
in Kunrade,
We are now in XVI Corps of the 9th US Army.
7 FEB 45
As of 1300 today we are now in XIII
Corps, 9th Army, 21st Army Group.
8 FEB 45
At 1000
difficult without MP road markers and guides. Artificial moonlight created by
focusing AA searchlights on low cloud formations made seeing the road and
obstacles easy. This is our 7th entry into
9 FEB 45
Bn registered at 1700 by 927th FA Bn which we are to reinforce. All Div Arty of 5th AD, including attached
695th FA Bn is attached to and under the control of 102nd Inf. Div Arty.
Expended 14 rds on registration.
10 FEB 45
Btry positions are on terrain nearly as flat as a table top.
C Btry has their M-7s completely dug in but it isn't too satisfactory on
account of the large amount of rain that we have received recently. All Btrys
have
established a rear area in Baesweiler for the comfort and safety of personnel
not actually manning the guns.
Rechecked registration and expended 7 rds.
11 FEB 45
At 1700 Div Arty called on us to fire 64 rds on interdictions.
Bn Exec placed one gun in a rear defiladed
position for this firing and any other missions that we might receive. The
47th, 95th and 695th FA Bns are in vulnerable positions and cannot fire prior
to D Day without disclosing their locations. Expended 64 rds.
12 FEB 45
At 0830 Bn was bombed with anti-pesonnel bombs and all
surrounding roads were strafed by German planes.
Bn and attached AAAW had 3 casualties; two from the AAAW were evacuated and Pvt
Hankner, Hq Btry not evacuated. Expended 64 rds.
15 FEB 45
Bn expended 52 rds. American Red Cross Clubmobile in Bn area
most of the day serving coffee and do-nuts to
our men.
16 FEB 45
Fired one sound adjustment. Expended 21 rds.
17 FEB 45
Expended 46 rds.
18 FEB 45
Expended 18 rds.
19 FEB 45
Expended 54 rds.
20 FEB 45
AT 1418 approx 14 rds of 75mm arty landed in A and B Btry
areas. Bn expended 54 rds.
22 FEB 45
At 1050 the FDC was moved forward
to a dug in position in the rear of A Btry. At 1420 B Btry was again shelled by
approx 30 rds of 105mm which landed just outside the perimeter of their guns.
No casualties; however some of their telecom
were disrupted. D Day is to be tomorrow. This area is one gigantic
concentration of all sizes and types of Artillery.
23 FEB 45
At 0245 the preparation fires started for the 0330 H hour
attack to cross the rain swollen
24 FEB 45
At 1115 Bn relieved of reinforcing mission and was
completely outranged at 1200. Expended 396 rds.
25 FEB 45
At 1130 Bn Exec, Surv O, and BC parties crossed the Roer on
reconn.
26 FEB 45
At 0330 Bn directed by Div Arty to displace to positions
just South of line Lovenich - Katzem after
daylight. This area is 800-1000 yds behind our lines. The 7lst with 695th FA Bn
attached to support CCB attack at noon. At 0800
At 1200 CCB attack jumped off on schedule taking the towns
of Wockerath, Kauthausen, Tehereg and Mennekrath
but did not get Venrath. The 102nd Inf. Div took Erklenz. Fired missions with
both Bns all day without a registration by either Bn. Observers report all OK.
At 2000 Col. Cole, CO CCB, called. Big doings tomorrow.
27 FEB 45
At 0700 CCB attack jumped off on
schedule. Our accompanying fires going properly
without registration. At 0930
28 FEB 45
The 102nd Inf. Div passed thru CCB
last night and they say that with us out of the way they are going on N today. Bn in position all day and troubled by no-fire lines on and off.
CCBs mission now to protect the exposed Rt flank
of the Corps. Hq Btry had 3 non-battle casualties all from falling down; one
broken leg, one broken arm and one sprained
ankle. At 1650 two FW 190s were over the area and driven off by our AAAW but
not
before one of them dropped two 500# bombs 400 yds S of C Btry. Bn expended 665
rds.
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1 MAR 45
Bn has orders to join and reinforce the 95th AFA but we are
still supporting CCB. The 102nd Inf Div claimed
that they were going to go great things yesterday but they didn't go as far
(5500 yds) with 9 Arty Bns as CCB made (11,600 yds) with 2 Arty Bns. Rejoicing
by all in CCB.
2 MAR 45
Bn got ready to move as CCB has completed their mission and
further operations have been called off. Ln O
#3, Lt Paige, returned from the 95th AFA saying that they aren't going any
place and all movement is called off. CCA reported to have been stopped to
allow the 2nd Armd Div to catch and pass them to continue last few thousand yds
to the
3 MAR 45
At 1715 CCB called for billeting parties and Bn alerted for
movement at about 2200. Movement order
finally arrived at 1930. Bn moved out under S-3 in order A,Hq,B,C,
(Sv to move in the morning) at 2130 and joined CCB column at Rheindahlen.
Bn closed in bivouac at Kempen, 18,000 yds from the
4 MAR 45
All day spent getting settled and
moving German civilians out of our billets. CCB to take over
government of some small neighboring towns.
5 MAR 45
Div Hq moved adjacent to A Btry at
0800 with the Div Rear Ech moving into Kempen at 1310. This makes the mail run
much easier.
6 MAR 45
Bn sitting in comfort and ease. Our 190 cases of captured
wine have now been completely consumed at the
expense of many headaches and sore stomachs. CCB is doing the management of
many small German towns until the Military Govt Teams can get completely settled
to take over. We are not under the command of CCB and have been given no new
assignment.
9 MAR 45
At 1500 received telephone order
from Div Arty to move forward.
position area reconn NE of Retfort 2500 yds from the
10 MAR 45
At 0830 the 75th Inf Div is moving
up to concentrate near the
11 MAR 45
From Div Arty at 1330; move to new positions cancelled for
24 hours. Movement order with routes, time of movement and convoy number
arrived at 2010.
12 MAR 45
At 0730
at 1400 13 Mar.
13 MAR 45
Bn occupied position and ready to fire at 1430. Lt Martin, C
Btry RO, occupied OP in steel mill at
Oberlorick. Factory mfg 88mm AAAT guns. Bn did not get
registered as ground haze made visibility very limited. Ln has been established
with the 44th Cav Rgt, who are now in the process of
taking over the OPs from the 2nd Armd Div. We are now under Div Arty control.
14 MAR 45
Bn remained in position for the entire period. No change in
status. Normal interdiction and harassing fires fired during the night. Bn
expended 186 rds. Fired one TOT on an enemy gun position that
was located by sound; also fired 6 interdiction missions. Visibility was
very poor. Lt Tipton and 3 EM left at 0700 for 48 hour pass
in
15 MAR 45
Bn remained in same position under Div Arty control.
Visibility was very poor, however the Bn
registered and fired interdictions. Still have 44th Cav Rgt assault gun Troop
under our control. Bn prepared defensive fires for tonights Cavalry patrols
over the river. Fired 4 Bn concentrations and expended 269 rds. Two EM left at
0700 for 7 day furlough in
16 MAR 45
Bn remained in same position under Div Arty control. The
44th Cav Rgt assault guns were relieved from
attachment. At 1300 Bn rechecked registration and survey as visibility was
fair. Fired 5 Bn concentrations
and 3 close support missions for the Cavalry patrol covering their return
across the river. The patrol ran into considerable small arms fire. No
interdiction missions were fired. Bn expended 348 rds. At 2035 four British
heavy bombers were knocked down on our front by enemy night fighters. Bn
received a few sporadic rds of 105mm Arty fire. No casualties or damage.
17 MAR 45
Bn remained in present position under Div Arty control.
Visibility was fair. No interdiction fires were fired during the night. Bn was
prepared to fire close in defensive fires for Cavalry patrols but these fires
were not needed. Bn expended 33 rds on observed fires. Bn received a quota of l
Off and l EM for 30 day leave and
furlough in the
18 MAR 45
At 0700, Col Washburn, the Bn CO
left on 3 day leave to
19 MAR 45
Bn in same position under Div Arty Control. Fired 30 rds of propaganda news leaflets over a scattered
area from Dusseldorf North. Prepared protective fires to cover Cavalry
patrol but because of a large fir the
operation could not be completed. Visibility during the day was fair. Bn fired
3 battery concentrations of a
harassing nature and one adjusted time concentration on an enemy MG position.
No other fires were called for. Bn expended 75 rds. At 1700 Bn received approx
l45 rds of 150mm and 105mm how. fire. There were two
casualties; one in B Btry and one in the attached AAAW Btry. 12 EM attended a Lily Pons concert in Rheydt. Bn has
expended 49,388 rds to date.
20 MAR 45
Bn still in same position area and in direct support of the
11th Cavalry Group. Their patrol ran into a great deal of difficulty last
night. The Bn fired supporting fires and covered their withdrawal.
One boat and patrol are still missing. At 0600 approx 12 rds
of 150mm How landed in the Bn area,
bracketing the CP. At 1400, Col Kenewig, Bn CO of the 387 AAAW Bn arrived at
the CP with newly attached 573 AAAW Bn CO. The 387th being relieved from 5th AD
on a top secret mission for 9th Army. 1730 eight EM returned from pass in
21 MAR 45
Bn shelled intermittantly throughout the day and night by
105 and 150mm arty. At 1000 the Bn Motor
Officer arrived at the CP with a captured 122mm How and 200 rds of HE ammo.
This gun was placed in firing position and fired
on observed targets. One ammo dump near
22 MAR 45
Bn in same position in support of 11th Cav Group.
Observation was good but OPs were unable to observe any enemy activity. At 1300
the Army Engineer presented a demonstration on enemy sabotage methods and expl.
Very interesting.
23 MAR 45
No activity. Bn remained in position and prepared protective
fire coverage of Cavalry patrols but we were not called upon to fire.
24 MAR 45
Bn Exec left at 0700 for 7 days leave in
damage. Bn fired one observed tank mission with 4 direct hits reported and one
time mission was fired on
enemy personnel in the open. Observer reported 5 killed and several wounded. Bn
expended 362 rds.
25 MAR 45
Bn in the same position and received scattered enemy
shelling throughout the period. At 1120 Bn
received Co A, 81st Tank Bn for reinforcing our fires.
Observation was good and the Bn fired propaganda leaflet shells over a large
area; also fired 6 concentrations on personnel in the open, 1 destruction, 3
counter-battery
and l3 interdiction missions Expending 689 rds.
26 MAR 45
At 0800 Sgt Bolen, C Btry, left for 30 day furlough in the
States. Bn now has B, 81st Tank Bn attached. A Co fired 583 rds of 75mm and 314
rds of 76mm while attached to us yesterday. Bn fired interdiction,
counter-battery, anti-pesonnel and small arms missions. Bn expended 545 rds. At
1300 Gen Oliver and Col Cole visited the CP. Bn shelled sporadically during the
day and night by 105 and 150mm with approx 33 rds in Hq
Btry area.
27 MAR 45
At 1130 Bn received 5 EM replacements. At
1330 Col Farand, Div C/S, visited the CP. At 2230 Bn area was shelled by
210mm gun and rocket fire. Approx 25 rds landed in our area. Recon planes were
over at 2230 and did some strafing in the vicinity but none in our immediate
area. Bn had defensive fires planned and prepared
to support the Cavalry patrols but we were not called on for fire. Bn fired 4 TOTs
on enemy gun positions
requested by Div Arty, 2 gun positions were located by our ground OPs and 2 by
our air OPs. Bn also fired on 6 tgts of opportunity. Bn fired no interdiction
missions. B Co, 81st Tank Bn fired 250 rds of
75mm and 200 rds of 76mm while attached to us yesterday. At 1330 today C Co,
81st Tank Bn was attached to us. Visibility was excellent. Bn expended 359 rds.
28 MAR 45
At 0815 Bn received 16 rds of 105mm HE in B Btry area; 2
casualties slightly wounded. Bn prepared and fired some defensive fires for our
supported Cavalry's patrols. Bn fired a concentration on an AAAT gun that was
bothering a patrol. Fired one TOT for Div Arty; fired two concentrations on
enemy personnel in the open with excellent results. Observer reported 8 killed
and many wounded. Bn Fired no interdictions C Co, 81st Tank Bn fired 275 rds
oof 75mm and 200 rds of 76mm while attached to
us yesterday. Visibility was fair. Bn expended 160 rds.
29 MAR 45
At 1040 our Div CG, Maj Gen Oliver presented Bronze Star
Medals to T/4 Blundell of Sv Btry and Sgt Van
Castle of B Btry. Bn remained in same position and fired the following missions
on tgts of opportunity; 7 on enemy personnel dug in in the open, 8 on 20mm flak
guns, mortars and other types of heavy weapon positions and 3 misc missions.
Observers reported very good effect on targets; 13 enemy
killed, many injured, and 4 houses destroyed. The 81st Tank Bn has 4 platoons
(20 tanks) attached to us for training and firing indirect fire. At 1510 B Btry
387 AAAW returned to the Bn area and prepared to take over the AA defense of
the position and relieving A Btry 573 AAAW. Visibility was good and the Bn
expended 392 rds.
30 MAR 45
Bn relieved of present mission at 1200 and be prepared to
move out at 1300. Recon parties left at 0730 for
Amrath. Bn moved out at 1300 and closed in position 1 mile N of Vorst at 1510. marched 24 miles. Bn will
remain here for the night and probably move out at 0800 tomorrow. Bn fired two
missions prior to leaving Bruele; one on enemy in the open and one TOT
counter-battery mission. The OPs were withdrawn at 0900. Bn moved to an assy
area with CCB in preparation for a coming opn. Bn expended 60 rds.
31 MAR 45
Bn moved out at 1245 and crossed the
vicinity of Appelhulsen, just W of Munster. Bn marched 88 miles. To date Bn has
expended 52,638 rds.
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1 APR 45
Bn in assy area. At 0730 the 47th AFA Bn attached to
reinforce our fires for the coming operation in which we are in direct support
of CCB. Bn moved out at 1410 in order B,Hq,A,C,S; to move by bounds with
the 47th AFA Bn. CCB crossed CCR's bridge over the Dortmund Ems canal and Bn
closed in position 4 miles SW of Milte, N of Everswinkle at 2110. Bn marched 46
miles and took 16 prisoners.
2 APR 45
Bn moved out at 0815 and halted at 1100 as the head of CCB's
column had contacted an enemy column in Sassenberg. Our tanks destroyed two
76mm SP guns on MK IV chassis, two 88mm AAAT guns, 4 trucks and one multiple
20mm AA gun. During this engagement the 81st Tank Bn lost one tank. they also destroyed many horse drawn vehicles. Bn moved out
at 1310 across country and closed in position 1/2 mile
W of Horst at 1600. At 1630 Sv Btry was ambushed 3 miles short of the Bn area
by two HTs, one SP 76mm gun and approx 30 men. Two trucks and one trailer were
damaged and we had 3 casualties. The 15th AIB and CCB lost some trucks however.
Bn moved out at 1950 and closed in position 1 1/2 miles SW of Borgholzen at
2300. Bn marched 36 miles. Our Air OPs joined us at 1610. The Combat Command
was split into two task forces at Sassenberg.
The 47th AFA went with TF A, the Northern column and we
followed TF D the Southern column.
TF D encountered strong resistance just short of Bergholzen. We fired on
personnel and vehicles thus enabling the TF to move into town. Bn remained in
position here overnight and fired interdiction and harassing fires.
Bn expended 518 rds.
3 APR 45
At 0805 the Bn moved out in order parties, FDC, B,Hq,C,A,Sv. At 1330 our Air OP located an AA position that
had 11 heavy AA guns and 100 plus personnel. This position was taken by TF D
without the aid of Arty fire. At 1400 B Btry went into position 1/2 mile SW of
Hiddenhausen and fired one concentration on
DP AA guns. B Btry moved out at 1445 and rejoined the column. At 1600 while the
Bn was moving on the road the head of the column received time fire from
concealed AA guns. Bn Exec located their firing position and immediately
emplaced one M-7 from C Btry and knocked out 2 of the 3 guns that were firing;
TDs knocked out the other. B Btry went into position 2 miles E of Lahne and
adjusted on this AA position. Six 76mm guns were destroyed. Lt Quigley, BC of
the attached AA, and two of his men were wounded. Bn closed in position at Bad
Oeynhausen, 1 mile short of the
4 APR 45
Bn remained in position until 1745 at which time we
displaced to position at Wohren, closing at 1910. Our mission is to shell the
city of
5 APR 45
Bn is now under the control of Div Arty and reinforcing the
fires of the 84th Inf Div Arty. The 84th Div is
attempting to establish a bridgehead. Bn remained in position prepared to
support the 84th Div crossing of the
6 APR 45
Bn paid Officers and men for month of March at 1100. Enemy aircraft over the area at 2100. They bombed and
strafed the 84th Inf Div bridge over the
mission. Bn captured 41 prisoners.
7 APR 45
At 1000 Bn placed on 1 hour alert to move with CCB across
the
organization for battle is unchanged. Movement was cancelled at 1200. Bn off of alert. Bn took 10 prisoners.
8 APR 45
Bn remained in position awaiting orders. At 1400 Ln O
arrived with movement orders. Bn on 1 hr alert to move with CCA. Organization
for combat; 47th AFA DS CCA with 71 AFA reinforcing the fires of 47 AFA. CCA to follow CCR to
vicinity of
This is a list of enemy material destroyed or made
unserviceable by our fires on 5 APR 45: 13 box cars, 9 flat cars, 2 locomotives,
6 passenger cars, one kitchen car, l ordnance repair car, 4 105mm AAAT guns mounted on rail cars, 1 triple 20mm AA
gun, 2 quadruple 20mm AA gun, 2 range finders, and 200 smoke projectors.
Movement orders postponed at 1620. At 2100 enemy aircraft were over the area
but no hostile acts committed.
9 APR 45
At 1000 Bn placed on 1 hr march
alert. Bn moved out at 1330 in order A,Hq,B,C,Sv and
crossed the
10 APR 45
At 0200 Bn closed in position in the vicinity of Gleidingen,
SE of Hanover, (marched 74 miles) and prepared to reinforce the fires of the
47th AFA. CCA encountered very little resistance outside of roadblocks
supported by AT guns and small arms. Bn moved out at 1330 in order C,Hq,B,A,Sv. At 2000 the column was attacked by 4 ME109s and
one plane was downed by our attached AAAW. Bn crossed the Weser -
11 APR 45
Bn moved out at 1115 and was attacked by aircraft at 1130,
1500, and 1730. A total of 6 planes were shot
down by our attached AAAW and ourselves. At 1750 our
air OP 142, with Lt Francies as pilot and
Lt Martin as observer, shot down a German cub type Ln plane with their 45
automatic pistols. The pilot and observer were captured and both had been hit. Bn closed in position at 2130, 1000 yds SW of
Bismark. Bn marched 49 miles, expended 9 rds and took 28 prisoners.
12 APR 45
Three FW190s were over our area at 0700 but committed no
hostile act. Bn moved out at 0800. The mission of CCA was to seize intact any
bridge across the
At 2000 two emissaries arrived at our CP to negotiate for
the surrender of the city of
13 APR 45
Bn moved out at 1030 in DS of TF Burton, which is to take
Stendal and go 15 kilometers to the North. The town surrendered without any
resistance. Bn closed in position, on a recently abandoned airport at Borstel, at 1500. Bn marched 13 miles. Our mission
is to reinforce the fires of the 47th AFA who is in DS of CCA in their mopping
up operations to the N and E. Bn took 24 prisoners. At 1930 four FW190s bombed
and strafed the Bn position area. One was shot down
by our AAAW.
14 APR 45
Bn moved out at 1430 in order A,Hq,B,C,Sv
and closed in position at 1715 in Polkritz. Our mission is to support an
Inf. Bn of the 102nd Inf Div in a crossing of the
15 APR 45
We are now in DS of the 1st Bn 496th Inf, 102nd Inf Div.
Btry C 380th FA Bn of the 102nd Div is attached
reinforcing our fires. The 380th FA is providing the observers and the Ln with
the supported Inf. Bn.
16 APR 45
At 0930 C Btry 380th FA Bn was relieved from
attachment and the River crossing was postponed.
At 1100 Bn received a march order from CCB. We are to
move with CCB to the vicinity of Klotz to clean out
some pockets that were by-passed in our recent drive to the
at 1200 and closed in position at 1735 in Kunraw. Registered
by air OP at 1800. Bn marched 62 miles and expended 122 rds.
17 APR 45
Bn moved out at 0800 and closed in position at 0930 in Gladdenstedt. Bn registered and fired on 7
tanks, 2 HTs and 1 recon car. Knocked out 1 HT and
possibly two tanks. This organization is in DS of CCB, who has the
mission of cleaning out several pockets in this vicinity. Bn moved out at 1540
and closed in position at 1630 in Haselhorst. Registered at 1710. Bn marched 14 miles and expended 154
rds.
18 APR 45
Bn in position prepared to support road blocks put out by
CCB. Bn fired two TOTs on town of
contain SS troops, MGs and communications equipment. At 1800 Bn fired Div Arty
TOT on woods 600 yds from our Bn CP. At 2130 heavy small
arms fire completely surround the Bn area. At 2200 CCB outpost of one
platoon of tanks and infantry withdrew from Lindorf to 200 yds from our Bn CP.
Enemy motor vehicles were active in the woods to our N and SE all through the
night. Bn expended 246 rds and captured 4 prisoners.
19 APR 45
At 0445 the 81st Tank outpost knocked out a SP 76mm gun on
MK III chassis 300 yds from our CP. Bn fired Div Arty on woods surrounding our
CP all night. PW reported from 1000 to 2000 troops in the surrounding woods;
that they were all from the Von Clauswitz Div and all are going S to the Hartz
Mts to work over the rear area of the 9th US Army.
At 0830 fire from 2 Tiger Royal tanks was received in our Bn
CP. Several rds penetrated the bldg in which we were set up, several rds
exploded in the courtyard. This fire knocked out 2 tanks in our CP from ranges
less than 800 yds. The bldg in which we were set up was
set on fire and forced us to move. Bn moved out at 0840
in order Hq,B,A,C, and closed in position at 0915 in
Ordorf. Displaced 2 miles. Bn took 11 prisoners and
expended 1200 rds. Bn still in support of CCB whose mission
is to prevent this enemy two division force from advancing to the South.
20 APR 45
AT 0300 Bn received heavy small arms fire from the left
front. Five tanks passed 400 yds to the West of our position. We remained quiet
and let them pass. They had broken through one of CCBs outposts. At 0600 B and
C Btrys fired direct fire on a soft column of motor transport. Three vehicles
were destroyed. At 1630 our attached AAAW at a B Btry roadblock knocked out an
enemy recon HT. At 1950 they knocked out a motorcycle and captured the dispatch
rider. Bn fired some interdiction missions during the night and took 4
prisoners. Bn expended 264 rds on direct and indirect fires.
21 APR 45
Bn fired interdiction and harassing fires. At 1200 Bn moved
out in order B,Hq,A,C and at 1310 closed in
position NE of Lindhof. Bn registered at 1430 by air OP and prepared supporting
fires for CCB roadblocks and outposts. Bn expended 8 rds.
22 APR 45
At 1110 the 252nd FA Bn occupied
position in Haselhorst. They are to reinforce
our fires. Day rainy and generally miserable. Expended 23 rds.
23 APR 45
Bn remained in present position in DS of CCB. No contact
made with the enemy.
24 APR 45
No change. Bn in same location and alerted to move NE
on Div Arty order.
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MEMORIES OF CLAUSEWITZ
Scenes of how the coordinated Air and Arty attack broke the
back of the ill fated Von Clausewitz Panzer
Division which "aspired to reach the
A counted total of destroyed vehicles and tanks for the
three locations is 72 although the woods a hill 77
have not been fully checked. In one fire break near the hill 6 vehicles were seen completely demolished.
Near the CR 36 vehicles were knocked out and a 76mm AT gun
set up at the CR suffered the same fate. Some idea of the devastating effect of
our attack is given by the pair of long woolens waving gently from the topmost
branch of a tall pine.
At Lindhof, some 30 vehicles were also knocked out, and
among them, strange as it may seem is a much vaunted Tiger Royal, knocked out
by 50 Cal strafing fire - it was completely burned out.
It was in Lindhof that the Div Staff of Clausewitz was taken
prisoner (minus "drunk General Unrein") and
it is only fitting to end the story that a prize souvenir be found in that
vicinity today. The Division CP sign Clausewitz.
Losses of the Von Clausewitz Panzer Division during
recent operations of CCB 5th Armd Div. This Division was first contacted
on 17 APR 45. A recap of enemy casualties and material destroyed and captured
from 17 APR 45 to the relief of CCB on the night of 24 APR 45 is as follows:
Personnel
Prisoners
3752
Killed
555
Material
Trucks and other soft
vehicles
324
Tanks
23
S.P. Guns
7
Artillery Pieces, 75mm and
up
97
Hvy Inf Wpns, Incl AAAT Arty less than 75mm 41
(It is my recollection that this document came from CCB on
25 APR 45 and that it was written by Maj Phillipsborn the S-2. I had
copied it into my journal file for 25 APR 45 along with the following letter).
COPY OF LETTER, HQ 9th U.S.ARMY, OFFICE OF THE AA OFFICER.
Reminiscent of World War I action was a claim recently awarded for a Feiseler Storch reconnaissance
plane. An L-4 from the 71st Armd FA Bn, piloted by 1st Lt Merrit D. Francies
with 1st Lt William S. Martin as observer, was flying over a column when they
saw a Fi-156 flying at tree top level below them. Circling down on the German
plane they cut loose with their pistols and hit the gasoline tank. Lt Francies
then dove on the Storch, forcing it to the ground where it hit a fence and was
demolished. The L-4 then landed nearby and captured the two occupants, one of
which had been wounded by the firing.
(See my journal entry of 11 APR 45) HRS
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25 APR 45
Bn in same location in support of CCB and performing
necessary maintenance. At 1130 Ln O arrived from Div Arty with order for
us to move to Haltorf at 1600 today. Bn Co and BC parties left at 1230. Bn
moved out under the Exec at 1600 in the order B,Hq,C,A,Sv
and closed in position in Holtorf at 2030 after marching 55 miles.
The mission of the Bn is to reinforce the fires
of the 84th Inf. Div Arty as their Div is holding the
26 APR 45
Bn in same position area and under Div Arty Control.
We are approx. 1200 yds from the
27 APR 45
At 0915 Cpl Milton Welsh, Sv Btry, accidentally shot himself when his revolver fell out of his shoulder holster
and at 1020 Sgt Jarrell of C Btry was accidentally drowned in the lake near
Arendsee; Sgt Russel was rescued by Pvt Magdelleno but they were unable to save
Sgt Jarrell or recover his body. Bn in same position under
Div Arty control. No fires were called for and no contact was made with
the enemy.
28 APR 45
Bn in same position. The 29th Inf
Div relieved the 84th Inf Div in this sector. We have one observer out
with the Infantry of the 29th Div. No fires were called for and no contact has
been made with the enemy.
29 APR 45
Bn in same location and performing necessary maintenance and
care of equipment. Our air OPs have been flying during all hours of
daylight but no enemy activity has been observed.
30 APR 45
Bn still in same location performing necessary maintenance.
No fires have been called for and no contact has
been made with the enemy. At 0830 Recon parties left on reconnaissance of an
area between Gifhorn and Hanover, 140 miles to the rear. The 5th AD has a large
area in which they are to become temporary occupation troops
and perform Military government functions. During this time
we are also to train and draw new equipment for any that is found to be
unserviceable. Bn has expended 56,494 rounds in combat.
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1 MAY 45
At 0530 Lt Schone, Bn Motor Officer, and 3 EM left on a 3
day pass to
2 MAY 45
The enemy has been crossing the river here all day long to
escape from the advancing Russians. Approx
14,000 crossed in this general area and abandoned approx 3500 vehicles, guns
and various other types of motor transport. There are many
thousands of the enemy on the East bank that are unable to escape to our
side of the river. At 1350 Div Arty called and notified us to anticipate
a move to the SW tomorrow under command of CCB. At 1950 the Russians made
contact with the Infantry and our OP directly N of our CP - about 1000 yds from
us.
3 MAY 45
At 0800 BC parties left for
Ohrdorf. Bn moved out at 1045 in order C,B,A,Hq,Sv. Bn
closed in positions in Ohrdorf, Teschendorf and Schonnigen at 1435. One M-7
broke a track on the march. There were no other vehicle fall outs. Travelled 152 miles. At 1647 orders arrived from Div Arty,
along with overlays of new positions, to send out reconn to the N and be
prepared to move N on 6 May 45.
4 MAY 45
At 0800 Capt Roueche, asst S-3, left for 1 week I & E
School in
5 MAY 45
At 0852 CCB called and said the move for today has been
cancelled but be prepared to move out on order. At 0905 our AAAW shot down a 2
place ME108; pilot was killed and passenger was injured. No further information
as to our proposed move, either to the N or to the
6 MAY 45
Bn remained in same position with all personnel in billets.
Maintenance of equipment is the order of
the day. Bn also performing Military Govt functions. There are no light line
restrictions.
7 MAY 45
At 1114 messenger arrived from CCB with msg from the Supreme
Commander, Gen Eisenhower, that the
Germans had signed a formal unconditional surrender with US, England and Russia
that was effective at 0001
9 May 45. Not to be announced to the world at large until released by the
Supreme Command. At 1500 a
German radio broadcast in both English and German that they had surrendered
unconditionally and that all
hostilities were to cease at 0001 9 May 45. At 2010 Div Arty called for
billeting parties to be at their CP tomorrow morning at 0830 with two days rations and 150 miles of gasoline. Our
probable destination is Leipsig. Bn has travelled 2124 miles in combat.
TRUE COPY OF PERSONAL LETTER TO DIV CG FROM CG XIII CORPS dtd 13 Apr 45
Dear Gen Oliver:
I wish to convey to you, your staff and your command my
commendation and entire satisfaction with your rapid advance from the
The 5th Armored Division by such vigorous execution of all
assigned missions has won a high place in the esteem of all ranks of this
Corps.
Signed: A C Gillem Jr
Maj Gen
1st
l. It gives
me the greatest pleasure to transmit to you, the men of this Division who
did the job, this
commendation from the Corps Commander. When we were given this mission and I
told the Corps Commander that we would reach the
2. Our success was due to the
energetic way in which each man in the Division did his particular job.
l want you to know that I have the utmost admiration for you all and feel that,
no matter how hard the task
given us, the 5th Armd Div will do that task and more.
3. If we continue with this spirit,
as I know we shall, this war cannot
last much longer.
Signed: Lunsford E Oliver
Major General
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COPY OF LETTER
HDQ 9 US ARMY
Commendation:
To: Maj Gen Alvin C Gillem Jr
CG XIII Corps
9 APR 45
1. It is a matter of extreme pride
to me that the XIII Corps received its first operational mission on the
continent from this Hdq.
It has been a matter of continuing pleasure on my part to
note the splendid manner in which you have
performed successive missions to build up an imposing record that represents an
important chapter in the
history of the Ninth Army.
2. Naturally in the crossing of the
Rhine and the subsequent operations to the Eastward mark the
3. The necessity for clearing the
large area between the Roer and the Rhine prior to crossing the
The manner in which your Corps executed its assigned mission
in this operation was gratifying indeed. With time table precision your command seized its successive objectives, turned
the enemy out of his well prepared positions in your zone and
expeditiously eliminated remaining pockets of hostile resistance. Most
noteworthy was the skillful use of maneuver which was employed first to achieve surprise and subsequently to exploit
the enemy's disorganization.
4. With reference to the operations
East of the Rhine, I am cognizant of the difficult and complex
problems faced by you in the task of assembling your command on the far shore
of the
In the latter connection I am mindful of your successful cooperation with the
Second British Army.
5. It provides me with a sense of
sincere pleasure to have this opportunity of expressing my
commendation of the XIII Corps upon this and past successes and of my deep
appreciation of your assistance and cooperation. It is my desire that you
communicate these remarks to the Officers and Men of your command together with my thanks for their individual
contributions.
Signed: W.H.Simpson
Lt Gen
Memo: To All Commanders of Units Operationally Attached to
XIII Corps
16 April 45
1. The attached letter was received
this date by the CG XIII Corps from the CG 9th US
Army.
2. The comnmendation contained in
this letter by the CG 9th US Army, is the direct result of inspiring leadership
and capable planning on the part of Commanders and Staffs, the energetic
execution of assigned missions by units, and the high quality of individual
soldierly skill displayed by the Non-commissioned Officers and men of all
units comprising this Corps.
3. It is a great pleasure and
privilage to be associated with such outstanding
organizations as those
included in the XIII Corps.
Signed: A.C.Gillem
Maj Gen Cmdg
1st
23 April 45
TO: Unit and Organization Commanders, 5th Armored Division and attached Units.
1. While the 5th Armored Division is
not mentioned in the letter from the Army Commander, it is evident that parts
of the letter refer especially to our operations.
2. It gives me great pleasure to
find that we, a part of a larger team, have done
our part so well as to earn the commendation of both the Corps and Army Commanders.
Every man in this Division may well feel a
sense of pride, as I do, in our achievements, both as a Division and a part of
the 9th Army.
Signed: Lunsford E. Oliver
Major General USA Commanding
8 MAY 45
At 0700 Bn and Btry billeting parties, under Lt Stroup, Surv
O, left for Vow Hq. Bn received a phone call from Div Arty at 1335 giving
our probable time of movement as May 10th and possibly llth of May.
At 1300 SHEAF formally announced the
unconditional surrender of
At 2350 there were many small arms, flares and machine guns
being fired everywhere in celebration of VE Day which takes place at 0001 9
May.
9 MAY 45
At 1000 Bn had a Red Cross Clubmobile from XIII Corps
serving coffee and donuts. At 1400 a USO Show was given for the 3 Artillery Bns
and attached AAAW. A repeat performance was given at 1600. The shows were held
in Zaznabeck. At 1830 march order, route and time of movement arrived from Div
Arty. To move out at 0830 tomorrow morning following the 387 AAAW Bn.
10 MAY 45
Bn moved out at 0830 under the Exec in order Hq,A,B,C,Sv. Bn
CO and BCs left at the same time but by
another route. Bn followed 387 AAAW in the march
column. At 2230 Bn closed in position in 5 villages; Hq
in Ershausen, A in Effelder, B in Geismar, C in Kella and Sv in Kullstedt. Bn
marched 142 miles. We are under Div Arty control and the Division is now in VII
Corps. Duties and mission are unknown.
11 MAY 45
Obtained meager information from
Div Arty as to our mission. We are supposed to occupy and be
responsible for an area comprising of 32 towns and provide the security for
such. We have little or no Military Gov't function as that end is being
handled by their personnel. Most of the day was spent in getting settled down
in our billets, washing clothes and reconnoitering our entire area. This is a
section of German Saxony and the largest close town is Mulhausen.
12 MAY 45
War Dept. announced its new point system relative to
discharge of personnel. This Bn has approx 22% of its men and 50% of its
Officers qualified by having 85 points or more to their credit. At 1530 Div
Arty gave us 5 security targets on which we are to post a 24 hr guard until
relieved by Division. Bn put out roving security road
blocks and road patrols. Informed that today is "R Day"; we
don't know the meaning.
Copy of personal letter to the Div CG from CG XIII Corps, dtd
7 May 1945.
Hdq XIII Corps
Office of CG
Dear General Oliver:
Upon the termination of the recent
attachment of the 5th Armd Div to XIII Corps, I wish to convey to you, and
through you to the members of your Command, my complete satisfaction for the
service rendered by the 5th Armd Div incident to
that attachment.
The planning and enegetic and efficient
execution of all tactical and technical plans by the 5th Armd Div during the
advance to the
The willing cooperation by you, your staff
and your Commanders with this Hdq, and with
other units of the Corps and elements of the British Army of Liberation, was
outstanding.
Personally, and on behalf of the staff of
this Hdq, I wish to express my deep appreciation to you, your Commanders and
troops for your cheerful response and successful execution of all directives and missions assigned your Division.
I trust that the XIII Corps may be
fortunate enough to include the 5th Armd Div in
future operations.
Sincerely,
Signed: A.C.Gillem Jr
Major Gen US Army Cmdg
13 MAY 45
At 0830 Bn received pass quota of 10 EM and l Officer for
and man is to be classified and rated prior to 15 May 45. Usual duties of
maintenance, training and our special security
duties.
14 MAY 45
Bn received quota of 1 Officer and 13 EM for rotation to the
States. Usual garrison duties. Bn opened a
tavern in each Btry town for Bn personnel. Kraut beer is nearly like our
American beer. What a break over the English beer and bitters. Bn captured 8
German soldiers coming from
15 MAY 45
Usual duties.
16 MAY 45
Left Bn at 0715 for Div Rear in Mulhausen. At 1045 Gen
Oliver gave a farewell talk to the 6 Officers
and 300 men that were rotating to the States. He was in fine spirits, shook
hands with every man, asked where his home was and had some remarks to make
with each. A trying experience for him as he left with tears in his eyes. (My
last day in the Bn. Spent 5 yrs, 11 months and 11 days in the Bn) HRS
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