[
  {
    "date": "1 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Molenheiker",
    "summary": "The enemy's counter-attack having been repulsed by Major Kearn's staunch group, a new day commenced. From 0040 hours on to 0130 hours the front remained quiet in general except for an M.M.G. on Dog Coy's right. The Carriers, fulfilling their role, tied in with Able and Dog Coys. At 0200 hours considerable alarm was caused by a report from Carrier Sgt. Wynder that a tank was threatening to knock out Able Coy. For their part, Able Coy. engaged the tank with Piats at point-blank range. Unfortunately, the tank had slipped into a pocket created by Able Coy and the A/T guns could not be used without endangering our own troops. At 0430 the tank was still active in the area, milling about trying to pin-point Able Coy.\nIn the meantime, liaison with the F.M.R's across the canal was established and maintained by Dog Coy. Along the line of the canal Dog Coy. enjoyed a quiet front. From the spearhead came word around 0500 hours that the enemy tank seemed to have had enough punishment and had withdrawn. Able Coy. enjoyed a momentary lull on its front.\nIn view of the threat to the R.H.C. Start Line, Bde L.O. Fontaine appeared on the scene. He was determined to get up front as early as possible to learn at first hand the exact situation. When he realized that the enemy were still firing in anger, he decided to cool his heels at our H.Q. and wait until an opportune occasion presented itself. He was informed that Able Coy. was holding its objective intact despite direct contact with the enemy and that it was determined to make good Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan's promise to Lt.-Col. Ritchie of R.H.C.\nAlthough the front was now quiet, the air was tense with excitement. Contact with the Carriers had been broken temporarily during the tank interlude. At 0555 hours, Charlie Coy. reported that they were still dealing with enemy small arms fire. Contact with Carriers and Dog Coy. was still in force. By 0639 hours, there was no new activity and the front had quietened down to a noticeable degree.\nLt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan 'phoned Bde at 0639 hours to request that the R.H.C. carry on as pre-arranged. It became annoyingly evident that the R.H.C. wanted Calgary Highlanders to provide a guaranteed safe approach and passage beyond the Start Line.\nFirst indications of their doubt were when they insisted that they be given a new report on the buildings in Able Coy. area showing that they were absolutely unoccupied. This was done. Then, likewise, the buildings in Dog Coy. area had to be rechecked. All this time, the R.H.C. troops were lined up on the Molenheiker-Brecht road. It was now 0700 hours and the Black Watch C.O. and his Company",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 7
  },
  {
    "date": "1 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Molenheiker",
    "summary": "Commanders requested that the Company Commanders from our forward Coys should rendez-vous with them at the cross-roads 853093. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan at this stage had had enough R.H.C. procrastination and requested the Brig. to rely on his assurance and order the R.H.C. on to the start line. Proof of the fixity of purpose in Lt.-Col. MadLauchlan's determinatinn to put all else aside in favour of the business on hand was aptly illustrated in his refusal to allow breakfast to be served to Bn H.Q. until the R.H.C. troops had passed by.\nOnce R.H.C. reached the start line, Able and Dog Coys picked up and pulledback to previously occupied positions. At 0900 hours, all Company Commanders came to Bn H.Q. to attend an \"O\" Group. Lt.-Col. MacLauchlan was beaming as he welcomed his warriors. His warm, winning smile of pleasure was showered on his satellites. Banter and jubilant \"hazing\" went on for a few minutes and then, with a familiar change-over, the business of war once again became a matter of paramount importance.\nBriefly, the plans for the activities of the balance of the day consisted in resuming the task interrupted by the \"show\" of the previous night. That task consisted of reaching and holding the town of Eindhoven. In order to give Able Coy. a rest, the Bn plan assigned Major Kearns company the occupation of the position formerly held by Dog Coy. In turn, Dog Coy. was to exploit the success of the patrol which had reached the distillery, MR 841080, unmolested on the previous day. Baker Coy. was to parallel Dog and, respectively, their first bites were cross-roads 843084 and 844082. Once Baker and Dog Coys had reached these points, Charlie Coy. was to pass through Baker Coy. and take up position at cross-roads 839083. To make sure that everything was clear, the C.O. went over with each Company Commander the role which each Coy. played. Tanks, Arty, M.M.G. and normal Bn supporting arms were tled up for the attack. With a wish of good luck and happy hunting, the C.O. sant the battle team into action.\nH-hour had been set for 1130 hours but, at the last minute, it was changed to 1200 hours, which resulted in frantic calls being put through to hold up tanks and arty. Punctually, Able and Charlie Coys moved forward, as the tank friends announced fraternizingly,\"Little men now moving forward and Rattler right behind.\" As this sitrep was passed to the C.O., he expressed his satisfaction by, \"Good show!\"\nDog Coy. reported Able at 1220 hours. As yet, Baker Coy. had not moved and word was sent to them to \"get cracking\". Once again was illustrated the importance",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 8
  },
  {
    "date": "1 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Molenheiker",
    "summary": "which Bn intercommunication played as a vital role in the performance of a set-piece attack. Some difficulty was experienced in reaching Major Ellis' Baker Coy.\nIn the interim, Capt. Mark Tennant, our L.O. in the tank, sent word to the Squadron Commander, who optimistically coloured up the report that Dog Coy. was apparently doing well and that prisoners were on their way back. At this juncture, 1230 hours, Bde 'phoned to tell us there would be a Huddle Green at Tac H in St. Leonard at 1330 hours. At 1313 hours, a correction came through to tell us it would be a Huddle Red. As Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan could not leave his Tac H while the \"show\" was on, Major Robinson and the I.O. went to the \"O\" Group. It was agreed that Calgary Highlanders would signal success with code word \"Airedale\".\nMeanwhile, the carefully thought-out plan of the C.O. began to unfold itself slowly and semi-magically. Arty and the tanks had a field day and shoots and manoeuvres were clicking like book-drills. Due to some confusion, there evolved considerable discussion with Charlie Coy. as to whether it was actually moving. Finally, at 1348 hours, they did move. From the tanks came the words, \"Sardines are doing job on distillery.\"\nBy this time, Baker and Able Coys were on their objectives. Despite being shot at by bazookas, our men took more prisoners. Arty engaged the distillery and reported a satisfactory shoot. Baker Coy. having reached its objective, Charlie Coy. swung through on its way to its objective.\nFrom 1435 until 1530 hours, Bde kept after us for company locations. Finally, Dog Coy. reported \"Rye Airedale\" at 1443 hours and Charlie Coy., \"Airedale\" at 1530 hours. Once again, in eagerness of pursuit, one Coy. had overshot its objective, clearing the village of Locht, securing not only what was to have been the start line for the Camerons of Canada's start line but also their objective!\nWhile Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan was endeavouring to fulfill the Brigadier's request and produce all \"Airedale\", the Camerons of Canada appeared on the scene in large bunches. Once again, the C.O. could not split himself and politely but firmly kept on with the task on hand. Fus. M.R. passed through our lines to establish contact with S. Sask. R. General sitrep on our front from 1900-2000 hours was summarized as \"quiet\".\nAs soon as possible after success, consolidation and reorganisation were effected. The Company Commanders came in to a meeting. The day's events were discussed",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 9
  },
  {
    "date": "1 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Molenheiker",
    "summary": "at length and the C.O. registered his pleasure in no unmistakable manner. While the Company Commanders were there a contact patrol programme came in from Bde and we were able to tie in the whole patrol with the carriers and four scouts. Patrolling was extraordinarily difficult, due to the presence of the 6 Bde, the Fus. M.R. and other units. In spite of that, the Bn area was kept tidy and traffic arteries maintained. The carrier patrol passed through Able and Baker companies and the Fus. M.R. The latter were not at the pre-arranged R.V. Dog Coy., working with the scouts, devised a neat local patrol. Two scouts crossed the canal to the south side. There was nothing to be seen. Calling out \"Bob\" and hearing \"Hope\" in reply was the signal for the scouts to return and a listening patrol was sent across the canal. At 2225 hours, Charlie Coy. reported it could use Shelldrake. To help him, Major Bruce MacKenzie sent in a model morept. Major Campbell expressed his admiration at the accuracy of the report. At 2230 hours, Dog Coy. was still being mortared. Local patrols continued to report no enemy encountered. The day closed with the situation well in hand. A scrutiny of the battlefield showed hunting had been very good and our casualties very light.",
    "weather": "Bright and sunny, typical Indian Summer. Full moon at night. Visibility: Very good",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 10
  },
  {
    "date": "2 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Molenheiker",
    "summary": "Liaison patrols were maintained throughout the night and up to 0400 hours in the morning. Units to be contacted were the F.M.R. and the Camerons of Canada, of the 6th Bde, also R. de M. of the 5th. The scouts assisted in patrolling locally and the only sound of warfare heard was that of an M.G. Apart from that, the patrols unanimously categorized the situation as quiet and all clear. At 0510 hours, Col. Stott's S.S.R's went through our lines on their way to the front. Prisoners of war began to parade past their recently-held positions. At 1100 hours, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, Major S.O. Robinson, Adj. (Capt.) C. Dore and the I.O. proceeded to Bde to attend a conference. Lt.-Col. Bibeau, R. de M., could not stay because the exigencies of the situation on his front",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 10
  },
  {
    "date": "2 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Molenheiker",
    "summary": "would not permit it. Brigadier McGill explained the main features of the big plot. In view of the fact that Arnhem Bridgehead was gone, our forces were now in contact on the south side Helneider. They were established in a reasonably tight formation. The Polish Div., which we had seen crossing the Turnhout Canal on 30 Sep, had gone through Ryckeversel, up north to the Dutch border. They engaged in something strongly resembling a battle and emerged triumphantly, having captured some bridges intact.\nAs far as our own front was concerned, everything depended on the opposition which the 6th Bde met in Eindhoven, Brasschaet and Camp de Brasschaet. It was felt that the result of the thrust would resemble the case of Ryckeversel, which had been the hub of defence in this sector, with St. Leonard as the strongest of the subsidiary forces. Sternhoven was discounted, due to the excellent counter-battery work accomplished by our artillery. The measure of success attained was attributed to the information gained from captured maps and here the Calgary Highlanders contributed in no small measure.\nFurther ramifications of the broad plot included the 6th Bde tying up to push the \"escape\" plug into the Camp de Brasschaet bunghole. This was predicated upon the initial successes in the area. If, on the other hand, the battle took three or four days, then 5 Bde would take Camp de Brasschaet area. From every indication, the locale was well defended and fairly strong in number.\nAs air photos were at this time still unavailable, the only source of information were the F.M.R., the Camerons and the S.S.R's. Prodding was to be done by the 8th Recce. At the time of the conference, F.M.R. were reported to be in the throes of a counter-attack and it was expected that the R. de Mais. would relieve the F.M.R. Latest reports indicated that the garrison in Overbroek was counter-attacking Sternhoven. The Brigadier announced that he would request a 24 hours out of battle and stated that the Bde would not be committed before the 4th Oct. With reference to the 4th Bde, it was learned that the Bde had started on its way through Merxen. It was felt, however, that the \"plug\" was required at the top before the bottom one was applied. The salient feature of the entire strategy was that the enemy should not be given an unimpeded withdrawal. The Intelligence Dept. at Bde were to make a study of Camp de Brasschaet in the event that 5 C.I.B. were involved. The familiar proposition that Bn Commands might avail themselves of the",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 11
  },
  {
    "date": "2 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Molenheiker",
    "summary": "facilities of the Aer. O.P. was again presented for consideration.\nAt the close of the tactical and technical information, the Brigadier held a meeting to discuss Adm. and Q.M.G. matters. Vehicles, clothing, boots and equipment were the leading and burning questions. On the subject of weapons, it was decided that permission was granted for the units to test all weapons. The only provisions were that the testing be properly supervised and, as an afterthought, the Brigadier added at a reasonable distance from Bde H.Q.\nAn item which aroused interest was that of the Bde Signal School. Fortunately, this will continue and units will send candidates to the assembly area on Saturday, 7 Oct 44.\nThe matter of Wasps, their employment and personnel, was the next item on the agenda. Calgary Highlanders will provide one N.C.O. on the School of Instruction.\nLeading up to the next question was the topic of reinforcements and the units were asked their experience, problems and suggestions.\nThe enquiry of bathing followed next in discussion and Calgary Highlanders were given priority on the list.\nMajor Campbell suggested that for the benefit of other units an Inf-cum-Arty session should be held soon in the near future. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the Gunners and Tank Commanders for their excellent co-operation.\nThe meeting closed on a rum issue discussion. The \"Old Man\" was really in the ring, punching for his men. By nature a just disciplinarian and in favour of routine and drills, he slashed right and left at the red tape which had held up delivery of the men's just ration of rum. He went on record by stating that the Unit would be drawing its ration daily for immediate consumption, unless he advised to the contrary. Before leaving, the Brig. presented all units with a share of captured Hun cognac.\nReturning to his H.Q., the C.O. stopped in at \"A\" Echelon to attend to some matters concerning the Unit. At the same time, he left L.O.B. officers their share of the liquid refreshment. While there, we learned that we could expect 66 reinforcements that day. Stopping at his caravan for a brief moment and a spot of tea, the C.O. and party whipped back to H.Q.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 12
  },
  {
    "date": "2 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Molenheiker, Belgium",
    "summary": "The Company Commanders meeting followed at once. The main topic consisted of company strengths and allotments of reinforcements.\nShortly after lunch, a 'phone call came through from the Brigadier requesting Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan's presence at Bde. Arriving at Bde at 1500 hours, the C.O. and I.O. contacted the Brig. in his caravan and there learned that Calgary Highlanders would be taking over from the S.S.R. at Lochtenberg, 792054. The Brig. and the C.O. chuckled over the idea of Lt.-Col. Vern Stott's unit being relieved by his former C.O.\nBack at Bn H.Q. Huddle Red was held at 1630 hours. It was announced that there would be a possible move at 1800 hours. The explanation of the change of plan from the morning was that the S.S.R. had moved so quickly and the R. de M. had progressed too slowly to relieve F.M.R.; consequently, Calgary Highlanders had to be sent.\nThe order of march within the Bn was set D, B, A, C, section of carriers, Bn H.Q., M.M.G., mortar and then arty. The move was to be worked out on a two group basis, vehicles and marching troops. The route was to be along the canal based on the recce which Capt. Tennant had completed before the \"O\" Group dissolved.\nGloom seemed to settle over the Bn when it was learned that there was to be no rest for us. More than one Company Commander expressed his superstition relevant to the Mobile Bath, for which there had to be a site. The C.O. expressed his views when he observed that the Bde was evidently prepared to let us become like Jerry, long unfamiliar with baths.\nS.P. for Mobile Group was set at 83750815 and that of the marching group as 8350805. At 1800 hours we were ready to go when word came through: \"NO MOVE\". Vehicles were unloaded and the operation of a Bn H.Q. recommenced. Patrol programmes arrived and the responsibility of liaison was placed in the hands of Capt. Harrison and his mobile-roving-force of carriers.\nThe night passed without any definite sign of German activity. Within the Unit it is reported that cognac was the accepted drink.",
    "weather": "Bright, sunny, clear but cool, with a beautiful, bright, harvest-like moon. Visibility: Excellent",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 13
  },
  {
    "date": "3 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Molenheiker, Lochtenberg",
    "summary": "At 0025 hours, Bde advised us Green for 0730 hours. The start point and route had already been outlined, i.e., 844074 and along the canal. Routine patrols reported all quiet until 0330 when the enemy started to shell and mortar Charlie Coy's area. This annoyance was kept up until 0530 hours. Breakfast was held at 0600 hours and at 0730 hours the column commenced to move. At 0750 hours the motorized group arrived at Lochtenberg.\nHeadquarters was established in a deserted, modernly equipped residence, MR 788051. All were reported in position by 0930 hours, as ordered. With the expectation that there would be a rest, Company Commanders came in to report on their locations and to hold a meeting. Major Ross Ellis' H.Q. fared so well that Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan jokingly threatened to send a recce party with a view to taking over the villa occupied by Baker Coy. Each Pl. H.Q. had its own bungalow and they were ranged around a small lake. Much to their disappointment, there was no boat. Major Ellis, in describing the luxuries of his place, mentioned coal and offered to deliver some to the C.O.\nAccording to Major Ellis' experience with the F.M.R., they regard Calgary Highlanders very highly. (Charlie Coy's Major Baker boasts that his Coy protected Bde's right flank).\nDefying a Bn superstition, a Bath Parade was organized and got under way early in the afternoon.\nThe day's quiet was disturbed by the sound of an 88 mm. firing. Charlie Coy, despite its intense dislike of bazookas and 88 mm., organized a patrol and stood by, ready to take it on. The gun ceased firing and life resumed its normal trend.\nFirst indications that something was amiss became evident when a Troop Commander arrived at the C.O's conference room and inquired what his duties were for the night. As the C.O. could not give him any information on the subject, he told him to stand by while he waited for events to shape up. It was not long before the shadow of coming events was cast because, at 1625 hours, the B.M. arrived.\nThe news he brought was sufficiently disturbing to cause the C.O. to murmur. The Brigadier's intention was for the Calgary Highlanders to send a fighting patrol to Fort de Schooten to prod the enemy, if any. If no great opposition was encountered, a company was to be sent in to clean up and occupy the fort. An interesting",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 14
  },
  {
    "date": "3 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Lochtenberg",
    "summary": "side-note was that the R. de M. and R.H.C. were in their same positions.\nThe broad plot was that the 5th Bde was to hold the bridge in the area Molenheiker. The names Camp de Brasschaet and Brasschaet itself became known to the 5th Bde with a new significance. Appreciating the situation very quickly, Lt./Col. D.G. MacLauchlan called his \"O\" Group shortly after the departure of the B.M., who had left with a closing note that he would provide two recce boats to enable the Calgaries to cross the moat around the fort. The C.O. prefaced his orders with the remark that the night's venture was \"the Daddy of them all.\"\nHe explained that the preliminary intention was that a Coy would seize and occupy Fort de Schooten. If the Coy was not sufficient, then the Bn was to be committed and Bde was to decide whether our major task was the bridgehead or the fort. We could call on Arty, Air, Tank or whatever support we required. The situation was that with Camp de Brasschaet gone, the enemy at Brasschaet was under pressure.\nThe S.S.R. had been down along the canal and had seen no sign of enemy activity. Sending at once for three sets of scouts, the C.O. instructed the scout officer to brief them on the part they played. They were to go out, one pair along the highway, one along the canal and one cross-country to get behind the western wall of the fort. The deadline to come back with the information was set at 2200 hours.\nThe plan, as far as we were concerned, involved three Coys on the qui vive, with a Coy maintaining local defence. Major Kieran's Able Coy was elected to do the task.\nThe general method of approach was to be the same as that employed in crossing the Albert Canal. Single file communication was to be employed. Dog and Charlie Coys were to support Able in. Once Able succeeded in entering the fort, Dog and Charlie were to withdraw to their Coy positions. Able Coy's battle group was to be composed of Charlie Coy's 6-pdrs, one detachment of 3\" mortar, one section of carriers and one assault section of Pioneers.\nElaborating on the proposed sortie, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan went on to say that the fighting patrol was to be pushed in and around the fort to find out the estimated enemy strength. No great difficulty was anticipated and there was really no strategic",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 15
  },
  {
    "date": "3 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Lochtenberg",
    "summary": "reason for the enemy to hold the fort. With remarkable foresight, the C.O. suggested that rations for two days be taken.\nAlive to the importance of communications, the C.O. gave instructions that his carrier be off-loaded and that Major Kearns use it as he could then have the 2 2 set, netted on 19 frequency. Able Coy was to have intercommunication through 18 set to Dog Coy who, in turn, had contact with the tanks. At 2000hours, the Company Commanders involved in the \"show\" teed up with the C.O. for last minute instructions.\nThe scouts returned earlier than expected and gave very encouraging reports. No sign of the enemy and the only possible difficulty was mines.\nAt 2200 hours, the time set for H-hour, the recce boats had not yet arrived but the leading elements of Able Coy pushed off. Ever-dependable Capt. Tennant, fuming at Bde's failure to keep its promise, succeeded in locating a small punt and he and the I.O. patched it up with rags, sealing it with wax. When the job was completed, he loaded it on to his jeep and raced down the road to join Major Kearns.\nUnimpeded, slowly, cautiously at times, the night-workers prodded. At midnight, the forward elements were on the verge of entering the area of the fort.\nCommunications were the bugbear of the entire night's operation. Waiting back at H.Q., Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan tried and tried to obtain from the Coys details of the progress made. For reasons best known to themselves, the Company Commanders tried to limit wireless communication to an exaggerated minimum.\nThe day closed with promise of excellent results but confirmation was still lacking.\nThe key to the whole situation lay in the fact that the fort was two miles from our Bn locality and all four companies had to be on the alert.\nOne of the highlights of the day's attractions was the visit of Capt. Rolly Higgins. When he pays a visit, he really pays and his friendly co-operative manner is always felt. The other was Signal Officer Bill Wills, boasting about how sonn lines were out to the companies.\n\nWeather:- Dull and chilly in the morning with slight, intermittent rain in the afternoon and night.\n\nVisibility: Poor.",
    "weather": "Dull and chilly in the morning with slight, intermittent rain in the afternoon and night. Visibility: Poor.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 16
  },
  {
    "date": "4 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Lochtenberg",
    "summary": "The long vigil was finally rewarded and at 0020 hours we were informed that the main body was at 769036. Here the C.O. was heard to say, \"This is the stage.\" At 0100 hours, a message was relayed from Able Coy back to us that they had been progressing slowly for the last ten minutes but that they were then halted while a recce was made. At 0216hours, Able Coy sent word \"Baker\" back up to us. There was no doubt now. Once again, Calgary had performed a night mission.\nCharlie Coy withdrew through Dog Coy and Major Baker visited the C.O. to reassure him that everything had gone well. Despite fatigue, there was a feeling of relief that the task had been accomplished. An interesting feature of the event was the fact that the B.M., realizing how tired Calgary Highlanders were, had hesitated to press Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan's Bn in to the task. There had been only slight remonstrance on the part of the C.O. but with the true military acceptance of hardships and resigned to all eventualities, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan had not allowed the Bn to flinch. It was another triumph for his tired men.\nIn the long night, Bde had shown considerable concern, presumably harassed by remorse. Bde had tormented itself with the idea that if Calgary Highlanders were too tired, then a predicament would arise. On one occasion, when they displayed doubt as to the feasibility of entering the fort, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan emphatically stated,\"Able Coy will cross the moat, if they have to fill it with Huns and cross over on them!\"\nBde Huddle Red had been called for 0900 hours and the C.O. and I.O. went to it. The dispositions of Bns in the Bde remained unchanged except for the extension on the part of Able Coy to Fort de Schooten. The R.H.C. and R. de M. reported mortar and shelling, with the road up to Overbroek rated as \"sticky\". The Brigadier explained that if there was a pocket in Overbroek, it would have to be cleaned up by R. de M., assisted by 8th Recce. On the other hand, if it amounted to an investiture, then re-infiltration would be required. The plan involved sending out strong fighting patrols of light armoured cars to sally out to clean up the road situation, clear it and have Recce patrol it.\nAn Aer. O.P. was to investigate area Camp de Brasschaet. The probable tactical forecast foreshadowed the Calgaries relieving the R.H.C. on the night of the 5th. With reference to 4th C.I.B., they were able to get out of Antwerp on the",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 17
  },
  {
    "date": "4 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Lochtenberg",
    "summary": "3rd and succeeded in getting one Coy of Essex into Fort de Merxem.  Royal Regt. completed mopping up in Merxem and with three Coys were at Borgoyne, on the way to Schooten itself to accomplish what two Coys had tried the night before.  The attack was tied up for the 4th and they were to clear to St. Mariaburg.  Once 4 Bde had tidied up all sore points, the net results would be a line of canal held with the whole Bde moving up to the line of A/T ditches just south of Bergen-op-Zoom and so establish a very wide Bde locality.\n    Information about the enemy revealed that he had effected a relief and Battle Grp. Schilling had been pulled out and replaced by a Regt. of 90 German Div.  According to Intelligence reports, the 90 Div is made up of low-grade Wermacht , ulcerated ex-garrison, general duty men from Walcheren Island.  Several hundred P.W's were taken on the 3rd, indicating they had no stomach for fighting.  The role which the F.M.R. were to play consisted of being directed straight across to Cappellan, from 0830 hours, 4 Oct 44, to form the block.\n    The general enemy intention was to hold the line from Tillburg to Bergen-op-Zoom.  It was not quite clear whether he intended to defend Walcheren Island.  If all went according to plan at end of 72 hours with the 5 C.I.B. in its present location, the sealing off of the peninsula might go to the 5 C.I.B., depending on its release from the role of protecting the bridgehead.\n    The Brigadier promised that there would be Air Photos on hand 24, 48 hours before operation was commenced.  One of the angles to be considered was the containing of Brecht from the south.  This, it was felt, would not be simple, as it would promote more enemy activity.\n    Following the \"O\" Group, A and Q problems were discussed.  On his return to Bn H.Q., Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan did not hold his \"O\" Group until later on in the day.  Lieut. Mike Wood, Bde L.O., was in to act as mediator between Calgary Highlanders and R.H.C.\n    The balance of the morning was spent in routine work.  The Bath Parade continued and the C.O. and I.O. were able to take in the luxury of a shower.  Morale around the Bn went sky high.  Medico Capt. Turnbull was holding a jabbing session at the R.A.P. and after bathing it was laid down that the next report centre was the R.A.P.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 18
  },
  {
    "date": "4 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Lochtenberg",
    "summary": "After an excellent meal in a hastily formed Mess, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan held a meeting of Company Commanders at 1730 hours. At this time, he discussed the possible take-over of Brecht from the R.H.C. It was established that guides would be at R.H.C. H.Q. between 10-12. The R.H.C. recce party was expedted between 1000 and 1200 hours. It was to be a straight take-over, Coy for Coy.\nOrder of march was B,D,A,C. We were to leave at approximately 1700 hours, taking our F Echelon with us. In his customarily precise manner, the C.O. had all the loose ends tied in his mind and even with the detailed explanation the meeting was over in time for them all to attend a movie entitled \"Silver Skates\", put on by Supervisor Lannan. Scout Officer Gordie Sellars had once more come to the rescue and found an abandoned school. This time, the C.O. was able to attand. At 2015 hours, while the C.O. was at the show, Lieut. Fontaine, Bde L.O., dropped in to bring us good tidings as follows:\nS.S.R.,less one Coy, was to take over from R.H.C., the remaining Coy to take over from the R. de Mais. R.H.C. would get to vicinity of Molenheiker with R. de Mais. going to area around distillery in Eindhoven. The most important item of all for us was that Calgary Highlanders stay put with a possible rest of 24 hours.\nThe Brigadier had gone to Div. and the only advance information which we could glean was that he hoped to concentrate the whole Bde around Brasschaet. Great merriment broke out all through Bn H.Q. The C.O. was very pleased when he received the news after the show. Our joy was short-lived, however, because at 2210 hours the Brigadier called Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and advised him we would be on the move at 0900 hours to D.P. 756021.\nA multiple call was made to all Coys. The normal recce was laid on for 0830 hours. The timings were, marching at 0900 hours and transport, including F,Fx & A., at 0930 hours. Order of march was set at A,D,Bn H.Q., B,C. The night closed without any further incidents.\nTidbits of news gleaned from various sources disclosed that the C.O. nearly came a cropper when he stepped down from his caravan. He thought someone had set a trap, as he jokingly said.\nOne sensational scoop for the Bn was the supplies found at Fort de Schooten. A list was made up and sent to Bde. It included: 3-18\" searchlights, 12 store-",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 19
  },
  {
    "date": "5 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Manor Brasschaet",
    "summary": "After the round-table discussion, Capt. Clarke of B Coy photographed Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, Major Ross Ellis, Major F. Baker, Major MacKenzie and Major Del Kieran. A calm settled over the Bn after the threat of a move had been quashed.\nIn the early part of the afternoon, the Scout Officer and the I.O. could have been seen in Brasschaet, contacting the proprietor of the local cinema, with a view to using it for the Auxiliary Services movie.\nOnce again, thanks to the efforts of Major S.O. Robinson, H.Q. officers enjoyed a very tasty evening meal. Capt. Angus MacDonnell featured as our guest.\nAt 1900 hours, the C.O., Arty F.O.O. Capt. Reilly and the I.O. set out for the new location of Bde H.Q. Due to taking a wrong turning, the party arrived a few minutes late. Quickly seating themselves, the \"O\" Group got under way.\nThe Brigadier stated that there was one more day's fighting for the 4th Bde and that he expected it would be 1400-1500 hours before 5 C.I.B. passed through. In Brecht and Sternhoven, the S.S.R. had had some sort of battle as that which R.H.C. had. The Camerons in Camp de Brasschaet started to do a road clearing but ran into a stiff battle. It is evident that the enemy is still there in considerable strength. The F.M.R. were reported to be doing local fighting around Cappellen.\nThe 4th Bde had been engaged in large scale infiltration. They had managed to get over the A/T ditch which, incidentally, our Intelligence reports had discovered. Essex Scottish had one company up to Drijhoek and part of Putte. The Royal Regt. were reported to be up in the area of large woods west of Putte, shortly beyond or below Northing Grid Line 12.\nThe R.H.L.I's role was to support the Essex. The 8th Recce, pushing in and around Berendrecht, had a bit of trouble. It appeared that the Hun was withdrawing steadily. There was an even stronger possibility that the Hun would stay on main route astride communications. The R.H.L.I. were directed to Laagstraat.\nThe 4 C.I.B. was committed to clear up to line, roads through from Lake Groote Meer, Hondseind, Aanwas. Once this was completed, the 5 C.I.B. would put in the final \"plug\" along the line Hoogerheide, Korteven and Huijbergen.\nThe method to be employed was for the main effort on Hoogerheide to be directed through Hondseind, Calgary Highlanders to be the leading Bn. The R. de Mais.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 21
  },
  {
    "date": "5 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Manor Brasschaet",
    "summary": "were to move up along main axis by working up in echelon behind the main efforts. Flanking movements to offset Hun positions would be the key-note to the whole operation. It was expected that there would be a series of gaps with road blocks at main road junctions. The solution calculated to overcome these defences seemed to be in little attacks to clear the main route. The R. de Mais' objective was not to be on Hoogerheide but instead 1000x east of it. If that went smoothly, they were to exploit their success on to Zandvoort. This was to open the way for R.H.C. to go on to Korteven from the flank. If R. de M. found the going \"sticky\" at Hoogerheide, then the task for R.H.C. might be Zanvoort. With R. de Mais. reaching objective, R.H.C. at Kortenev, then Calgary Highlanders would clean up south-western portion at Woensdrecht.\nThe final job was to be one of extension and would require a separate plan. Having achieved our objective and having reached the front of his main defences, we would then find two anti-tank ditches between ourselves and the enemy at Bergen-op-Zoom. It was thought that the actual roads which could be used were the main ones but that it might be necessary to cast out if these were blocked or mined. Tank support for the Calgary Highlanders to consist of one Sqdn less one Trp.\nUnder the heading of timing, it was arranged that if, by any chance, line Ossendrecht and Hondseind was clear by 1430 hours, then Calgaries would start; if not, the 4 C.I.B. would complete tidying and we would then go through before first light. The move would be accomplished by moving embussed to general area Drijhoek and assemble there. Ten T.C.V's will be available. To speed up the process, it was arranged that 4 C.I.B. Commander would 'phone to advise when his Bde had reached Laagstraat. If green light could be shown at 0830 hours, we started at 0830 hours. On the other hand, if no \"green\", then we move at 1430 hours, approximately. The Brigadier felt that the latter hour was more probable. At all events, even if the battle was still a bit thick at 1500 hours, we would concentrate in area defined, preparatory for the drive.\nSupporting arms were allotted as follows: one Trp 17pdrs to Calgary Highlanders, one Pl of M.G., one Pl of 4.2\" mortar. It was expected that Calgary Highlanders would have more targets. Arty assistance would be available in the form of one Med Regt. to cover 5 and 6 C.I.B. and shoot them in and beyond Korteven.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 22
  },
  {
    "date": "5 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Manor Brasschaet",
    "summary": "Upon his return to his H.Q., Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan held his \"O\" Group and passed on the foregoing information to his Company Commanders. The order of march was fixed at B,C,D,Bn H.Q. and A, followed by Support and supporting arms.\nOne of the humorous events of the day was the sight of \"I\" Sgt. Baker giving Map Reading T.O.E.T. to R.S.M. Bowen. There was no money at stake but if there had been, Sgt. Baker would have lost a wager.\nOfficer reinforcements for the day included Lieuts. A. Medhurst, Lafleur and Phrimmer.\n\nWeather:- Sunny and clear Visibility. Very good.",
    "weather": "Sunny and clear Visibility. Very good.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 23
  },
  {
    "date": "6 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium, Manor Brasschaet",
    "summary": "Once, more, the calm of breakfast time was upset when it was learned that a Route Card had been misplaced and that, contrary to the Brigadier's hopes, we were to move that morning. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan did not allow the incident to confuse him and, seizing hold of the loose ends, he tied them in and had his Bn rolling at 0950 hours. Before leaving, our C.O. expressed voluminous thanks to the caretaker of the manor. The voluptuous wife of the \"Guardien\" had been most hospitable and had gone to great lengths to make our stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. All are agreed that Belgian women are delightfully servile.\nThe column had to be rerouted due to a road block, which Jerry had inconveniently made, and was making good progress until 1030 hours, when we were held up due to the fact that the enemy had blown up the bridge at Drijhoek.\nAll along the route from Cappellen, the civilians greeted us warmly and the delay was not too long or monotonous. Word came through about 1040 hours that the troops were to be re-allocated to different areas than those which had been recconnoitred and that we would be occupying R.H.C's position. Guides were provided by R.H.C. and by 1120 hours Bn H.Q. was starting to settle in a large farmhouse.\nBy noon, all companies were well tied in. Brigadier McGill called an \"O\" Group at 1300 hours and Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and the I.O. went thither. The story for the day held no plot involving an immediate move. The 4 C.I.B. were still engaged in their two drives. There was no particularly stiff opposition being met but it was known that there was a considerable number of men on the",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 23
  },
  {
    "date": "6 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium Farm Yard",
    "summary": "ground. The R.H.L.I. were then in the area Meitse Straat, Nieuw Molentje, Peets Molentje, with the Royal Regiment in Leemberg. The feeling was that there was no reason to suppose that there would be any great difficulty. Meanwhile, Essex Scottish were to clean up area around line Vassenberg, Tooverberg. An interesting note was that Arty were some distance ahead of us and that there was very little enemy shelling or mortaring. The enemy were reported to have no A/T guns but were equipped with a number of bazookas.\nThe men were of the same calibre as those we had been encountering up to then, a mixture of young and middle-aged men. We could expect harassing small arms fire for the most part. The plan had not changed for the 5th Bde. It was decided that Calgary Highlanders and R. de Mais. would start the two thrusts on the morning of 7 Oct 44.\nThe area Hoogerheide was set as the objective of Calgary Highlanders and R. de Mais. had line of lateral from south of Hoogerheide to Huijbergen and, eventually, Zandvoort. If no great opposition was met, then Calgary's next move was to establish a firm base. No set time could be fixed but we were to aim at crossing through Ossendrecht at 0700 hours with Hoogerheide firm not later than 1200 hours. R. de Mais were to have achieved their objective at the same time. If all were firm by 1300 hours, than the R.H.C. would go through at 1500 hours and push on to Korteven.\nIt was particularly important that the momentum of the drive should be kept up to achieve Korteven objective, even if R.H.C. had to mop up the western flank. Expansion, upon success, was to be carried out by R. de Mais. to the east and Calgary Highlanders would eventually move up to area south of Zandvoort. As the Brigadier had not quite decided as to whether the units wanted another daylight move, or preferred a curl-up and a rest, he put it to the Bn Commanders. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan led in the request that the troops be allowed to curl up in present positions and start to move at 0530 hours.\nAt 1355 hours, back at his H.Q., Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan held his Huddle Red and, displaying his amazing memory, related almost verbatim what had gone on at Bde. In addition, without notes, he outlined the function of each Coy, supporting arms and details of the move. His plan was divided systematically into two phases, Charlie and Baker Coys getting the first slices and A and D. the second bite.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 24
  },
  {
    "date": "6 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium Farm Yard",
    "summary": "The whole operation was divided into four Report Centres:\n(a) First road junction 631193\n(b) First road junction north of (a) 634194\n(c) NW Hoogerheide 636196\n(d) Tangle of roads at intersection 641197\nAnother code word , \"Crow\", corresponding to Arty task 132, was introduced to assist in reporting progress. Other code names were subdivided to achieve the same purpose and so keep a close check on positions of units.\nInjecting a little humour into the grim business of planning, Major Ellis at one stage summarized a smart plot by saying, \"Let's do a Brecht.\" When the C.O. came to the mention of bazookas, Major Ellis and Major Baker both made grimaces, as their thoughts of being shot at by bazookas around St. Leonard was still fresh in their memory.\nThe Scout Platoon came into the limelight when Lieut. Bell of Army News came around to get pictures and a write-up about Calgary's Western Scouts. The photographers found Lieut. G. Sellar, Sniper-Sgt. H. Marshall and Scout J.J. Levesque very photogenic. The \"I\" section had a \"quickie\" screen test when the I.O. appeared briefly with his Sgt's map board in a \"briefing\" shot. The entire Scout Platoon had a group picture and in all the Army photographers were very satisfied with their visit.\nCapt. Dore, our Adjutant, was run ragged with a \"business-as-usual\" Court of Inquiry but emerged smiling and triumphant.\nNo one knows where it started but there is a saying in the Bn that shellblast is NOT as bad as C.O. BLAST.\n\nWeather:- Very bright, clear, sunny in daytime, cool and dark at night\n\nVisibility: Good.",
    "weather": "Very bright, clear, sunny in daytime, cool and dark at night. Visibility: Good.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 25
  },
  {
    "date": "7 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Belgium Farm Yard / Holland Jansen Farm Tac H",
    "summary": "Taking advantage of the time gained for them by Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, the troops bedded down early. Reveille was at 0430 hours. A shot of rum handed out by Scout Officer Sellar really helped chase the chill out of many bodies.\nAt 0530 hours, the leading elements of Baker Coy started across the start line, Sup. Coy Commander Mark Tennant being with them. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan's \"R\" Group, composed of one section of carriers and C.O's carrier, overtook Baker Coy and raced ahead to contact guides from the R.H.L.I. At 0550 hours, the group crossed the border into Holland.\nThe guides met us and we were led into the H.Q. of the R.H.L.I. Here, we were given the story from their positions. They had only come in the night before but had sent out patrols to feel their way. Unfortunately, they had not reconnoitred a lateral over which we had planned to bring our convoy with the result that at 0610 hours we learned that there were road blocks and mines obstructing the route.\nWith his usual rapid grasp of the situation, the C.O. sent Capt. Mark Tennant to recce a new route. By 0700 hours, the column had been redirected and was on its way into Hondseind. Scarcely had Major Ellis' Coy put foot in the village than they had one P.O.W. He had surrendered peacefully. This was the beginning.\nEnemy were reported in a nearby church steeple but we had our friends the R.H.L.I. look into the situation. Civilians were very pleased to see us and volunteered valuable information concerning enemy defences. At 0820 hours, Baker Coy reported light small arms fire.\nBy 0900 hours, we had Baker and Charlie Coys 250x south of Arty Task Crow, 62751748. In the meantime, we had sent Capt. Harrison and one of his sections together with two scouts to round up some German soldiers who wanted to surrender. The information had been volunteered by a civilian at whose home some of them had slept.\nBy 0910 hours, due to efforts of Capt. Harrison and scouts, we had eleven additional P.O.W's and one Jerry M.G. At 0925 hours, we had two units at point Crow. From here on, progress was slowed down and Arty task force called in. At 1003 hours, Charlie Coy's Major Baker was temporarily held up by bazookas. With an ever-growing hatred for the bazookas, Major Baker's Coy knocked out the annoying weapon. Calling for Arty fire on another pre-arranged target, it was not long",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 26
  },
  {
    "date": "7 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "before Baker and Charlie Coys were tying up for the next phase. As they progressed, they simply lifted arty to other positions and watched results. As soon as arty ceased, the vanguard companies pushed on.\nAt 1029 hours, Charlie Coy came under fire from some unidentified weapons. Arty once again came to their assistance. At 1104 hours, an enemy S.P. was reported by Charlie Coy. Baker Coy next reported they were under mortar fire. The next report was that they were taking on enemy positions with Bren and S.A.A. At 1315 hours, Baker Coy were held up and called for Arty. Up to then, they had not yet used the tanks. At the same time, they reported an enemy mortar ahead of Charlie Coy. Capt. Tennant had gone forward to recce a new position for Tac H and he returned with the information that the cross-roads in the wood were the best dispersal point.\nLt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan gave the order for Bn H.Q. to move up to the new area. From 1400 to 1600 hours, progress was quite slow, as the enemy resisted stiffly our attempts to penetrate his defences. From 1600 hours on, prisoners began to pour in. Contrary to what we had expected, they were not all old, sickly men but rather young, fairly well-built men. However, some of them spoke English and informed us that it was the first battle for many of them. At 1935 hours, Able Coy was able to pass through Charlie Coy and exploit towards its objective on the left flank. Dog Coy managed to pry two platoons loose at 1950 hours and got them on to their objective on the right. A call for ammo came through from Charlie Coy as the fight thickened.\nThroughout the morning and the afternoon, Brig. McGill was a frequent visitor. Bn H.Q. was very fortunate to have an excellent meal served but evidently Jerry decided to spoil it because he shelled the area. There were no casualties as fortunately there was an ideal communication and a large scale V-shaped trench. Communications had been the best yet but as soon as they were threatened, the C.O. decided to move up to Jansen Farm at 626185.\nThe convoy was marshalled and started on its way north. Unfortunately, tanks were coming up and in the dark care had to be exercised and so we halted. The road was narrow and sandy. We had gone about 500 yards when we found the way",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 27
  },
  {
    "date": "7 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "blocked by Baker Coy's carrier. Rushing up to the front of the column, Capts. Tennant and Harrison worked long and hard but finally an idea of Capt. Harrison's clicked and the carrier was pulled out and parked on a branch road. Some excitement and alarm was caused when a plane overhead dropped several illuminating flares. Recovering from the sudden developments, the convoy picked itself up and proceeded on in the dark.\nCapt. Tennant and his recce party went on ahead to recce the house and farm buildings. Shortly afterwards, the sound of rifle and Bren mixed with Schmeizer fire came from the area of the farm. The convoy reached the farm amid the crackle and thump of small arms and the crump of mortar. For a while, it looked as if we would have to fight on into the night to hold our H.Q. position.\nCapt. Tennant returned triumphant, perspiring and grinning. We moved into the farmhouse at 2130 hours and set up for the work ahead. To help us organize, we sent out word to the companies to send in runners with their Coy locations and pick up the rum ration. Sigs, putting on a spurt, reported all stations in solid by 2230 hours. At 2240 hours, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan sent in his situation report to Brigade to advise them that Hoogerheide 1, 2, 3, 4 sub-objectives were in our hands but could not give details until after first light and that between ourselves and Charlie Coy there was an M.G.\nWord went out to all companies that they were to tidy their own respective areas at first light and report firm once they had established junction with the companies or elements on their flanks. Charlie Coy was given the task of clearing from their position back to Bn H.Q. Baker Coy was to exploit east from their position. Charlie Coy, plus the Carrier Platoon less one section carriers, were to clear area Woensdrecht, leaving off one section of carriers at each of the points 620202, 619208, 622211.\nAn examination of the records disclosed that we had taken 62 prisoners and that the Bn had once more accomplished a big task.\nHaving reorganized and satisfied that there was nothing else he could do at the time, the C.O. retired. It was generally accepted that the day had been a hard fight.\n\nWeather:- Beautiful, warm day with a bright moonlit night.\nVisibility:- Excellent.",
    "weather": "Beautiful, warm day with a bright moonlit night. Visibility: Excellent.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 28
  },
  {
    "date": "8 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "From midnight on throughout the early hours of the morning, Bn H.Q. was in touch with the Coys. Our friend, smiling Jim Ireland liaised with Able Coy and was warmly received. He is a great morale booster and he is ever eager to co-operate. Major MacKenzie, taking advantage of the quiet in his sector, sent in a request for D.F. tasks to take care of balance of Huns in front of him, sending in a sample P.W.\nFrom other sources, we received an additional 5 P.W's, bringing our bag to 6.\nDuring the period from 0330 to 0410 hours, there were reports of enemy movement and it seemed that Jerry tried to use the noise of his arty and mortars to cover up his sounds of activity. A scout patrol was sent out and at 0750 hours returned and reported that they contacted Charlie Coy and that the Coy was being fired upon from left flank in the area of the brick-work factory.\nThe Brigadier paid us one of his daily morning visits and got a closer picture of the situation. At the time it seemed very grim. There was heavy shelling and Capt. Mark Tennant, who had gone out to contact the Coys, had been hit. Before he went out, he checked in to let Lt.-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan know what had happened. As the ambulance jeep pulled out of the farmyard and headed south, the C.O., almost in tears, was heard to remark,\"There goes a stout fellow! Worth three men to us!\"\nThe Carriers under Capt. Harrison were called in to do a patrol in area 6218-6219 with particular attention to a wood there. Two pairs of scouts had been sent out prior to this and only one pair had returned. At 1317 hours, Capt. Harrison called in person to advise that he had scoured the area and had seen three enemy at some distance and having fired had seen no more movement. He described the position in the wood as being an enemy O.P. with almost a garrison layout, concrete pillboxes and the usual German systematic finger-tip-control set-up.\n\"I\" section decided to capitalize on the find and sent one man from O section and three scouts to take up positions of observation until relieved by one of our fighting patrols. They were briefed by the I.O. and they were to contact Capt. Harrison for further details.\nExcept for shelling in Able Coy's area, there was a fair degree of quietness. The much-appreciated lull was shattered by a 'phone call from C.S.M. Larsen, of Charlie Coy, who announced that two civilians had information that 2000 Huns were",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 29
  },
  {
    "date": "8 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "massing for an attack 8 kilometres away and that they had 8 tanks supporting them. We sent the report in to Bde. Liaison Officer Mike Wood was at our H.Q. and he requested that we send the civilians to Bde. He had quite a shock when the I.O. opened the door and pointed to the two individuals. Before they left, the I.O. interrogated them and found that there were about 2000 enemy and that they were in position behind a huge anti-tank ditch. There was no indication that they were advancing, however, and Bn H.Q. relaxed. Not for long, however, because Dog Coy sent word that an S.P. gun was firing at them. Arty O.P. in the church near cross-roads 625204 advised us of an approaching enemy patrol coming in from the east and assured us that they would take care of it.\nBde 'phoned us at 1742 hours to advise us that there would be a Huddle as soon as we could get there. At 1800 hours the \"O\" Group was commenced. Brigadier McGill informed us that German reinforcements consisted of young but good troops. No counter-attack intentions on his part were apparent so that we were to concentrate on tidying up our present area preparatory for defence against German attempts to dislodge us. We were admittedly not in position to achieve our final objective and it was the Brigadier's intention to reposition the Bns within the Bde as R. de Mais. had a wide frontage which was hardly suitable for Jerry to counter-attack. R.H.C. and ourselves were warned to watch for enemy attempts at infiltration.\nThe inter-battalion border between R.H.C's and ourselves was set at road junction 630199. Calgary Highlanders were to tighten up in the town, particularly above the church. One company was to be put in area around Bn H.Q. with troops in wood 6219, site of the O.P. The M.M.G. were to be given the role of covering the left flank. The centre of the sector was to be under special observation by Arty's D.F. and S.O.S. tasks. The airfield in the R. de Mais. territory 6419 was to be well covered by fire. Patrols were to be carried out for the purpose of maintaining contact within the Bde and also with the enemy. Harassing fire was to be provided by Arty.\nOn his return to Bn H.Q., Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan learned that Charlie Coy was being subjected to a counter attack. He held his Huddle Red at 1900 hours and disseminated the information obtained from Bde, once he had been assured that the counter attack was being stopped.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 30
  },
  {
    "date": "8 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "At 1935 hours, Dog Coy proudly announced that it had beaten off the Hun attack and that all was quiet again. Charlie Coy reported sound of movement of vehicles on west flank. Capt. Harrison's mobile force was sent out, contacted Major Baker, pushed on and, meeting no opposition, proceeded according to plan to probe the area.\nLt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, sensing a threat, called Bde to ask when he could expect assistance from the tanks. Up front, Major Kearns' lads were enjoying a comparatively quiet session. At 2115 hours, movement could still be heard. Bde advised us that we would have to do the job with carriers. The Black Watch had been contacted and a request put through that a platoon be placed at our disposal to plug the gap. At 2346 hours, Able Coy called for Arty to engage tasks 146 and 147 as the Hun there was becoming annoying. Arty eagerly complied with the request. All Coys report that the scheme of having the F.O.O. forward with the Coys is the most desirable arrangement.\nC Sqdn, 10 Arm'd Regt. knocked out one Panther that had been bothering them all day and were quite jubilant about their score.\n98 reinforcements were reported available for distribution and the glad tidings were well received by the C.O.\nWorthy of mention was the visit of farmer Jansen to his home. Finding it occupied by the \"Commandant\", he lavished all the conveniences and luxuries available. These consisted mainly of several cases of wine, milk and jam. Some of H.Q. staff had already presumed upon the farmer's generosity and when the C.O. learned about it he announced his displeasure in a scathing blast.\nThese are trying days for our C.O. He worries about everyone and everything. Fortunately, Major Robinson is with him and is a balm to troubled nerves. Even when the situation is grim, Major Robinson challenges the C.O. to a hard fought game of cribbage.\nTotal prisoners taken during the day amounted to 31.\nPoints which came to our notice during the day were: (a) R. de Mais. never did achieve their objective and Major Ross Ellis cleared and checked the area for them; (b) the Black Watch were launched on an attack 150x beyond our Bn position and then they pulled back into the area which had been the R. de Mais' objective. With two sections of one of their platoons and a company of Black Watch which we spread out, we precariously maintained our grip for the night; (c) Able Coy re-",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 31
  },
  {
    "date": "8 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "captured a 17-pdr and a truck with three prisoners, one of whom escaped.",
    "weather": "Very foggy in the morning. Afternoon fair. Cold at night. Visibility:- Still limited",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 32
  },
  {
    "date": "9 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "Jerry's plans for the day evidently included a large-scale programme designed to harass us and generally make a nuisance of himself. If so, he succeeded in launching his preliminary steps because at 0015 hours two scouts returned in from their vigil in the O.P. wood sq. 6219 and reported hearing voices west of them. They had been told that Charlie Coy had a patrol in that area but that that was not so since the voices were obviously those of enemy troops.\nA sitrep from Able Coy at 0100 hours summarized the situation as \"quiet\" although they could hear tracked vehicles occasionally. Dog Coy shifted its location and by 0200 hours were in position. Charlie was next to be heard from and Major Baker reported vehicle movement north of his position. Sounds of digging had been heard but it had quietened down to some extent.\nFrom two scouts, who had been sent out to gain information independently of the companies, it was learned that on reaching area 622185 they heard movement of from two to three men creeping through the bush within 20 feet of them. The scouts circled back and tried to observe but were unable to locate anyone. They then heard firing of what they imagined to be mortar in area 622188. They heard no other sounds and returned at 0240 hours.\nAt 0400 hours, another set of scouts reporting in from covering the same area, 300x from Bn H.Q., brought back information of hearing enemy activity, talking and shouting. They were unable to estimate the number of enemy. M.M.G. fire was also heard firing from this area and they reported sounds of digging.\nThe scouts had scarcely passed on their patrol results when Able Coy's coml Major Kearns advised us that due to Hun infiltration help was needed. Dog Coy were asked to lend a hand and their reply was , \"will give assistance immediately.\" Their promise could not be kept because at 0421 hours they themselves were busily engaged in breaking up a Jerry infiltrating party. To help discourage the bold",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 32
  },
  {
    "date": "9 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "Hun, Arty dropped a few rounds. Working closely with Able Coy, Arty was able to carry out an extremely effective shoot.\nAt 0515 hours, Able Coy's situation was not clear and fighting was still going on in some of the houses around their company area, although, in general, there was a perceptible decline in the ferocity of the Hun attack. Major Kieran's proposition was that if help was required he would send for it when the necessity became greater. For his part, Major MacKenzie was dealing with the slight infiltration on his right flank which he estimated at approximately ten men. At 0545 hours, he requested that Arty dust up area north of his old position. Some idea of the \"stickiness\" of the situation was indicated by Able Coy who, at 0555 hours, although they reported all quiet, were still unable to reorganize!\nIt was with some dismay that at 0602 hours we received the news that Able Coy were once again in the throes of another counter attack! Around the same time, Major Ross Ellis' lads were being heavily shelled. It was now Dog Coy's turn for a rest and they reported air quieter. By 0640 hours, Major MacKenzie was able to report infiltration definitely beaten off and prisoners taken. Fighting was still continuing in Major Deb Kearns' area at 0650 hours. Charlie Coy's area suffered from mortaring at 0659 hours and the usual cheery voice of Major Baker was grim and tight as he made his report.\nThe sound of tracked vehicles was heard again in Able Coy's general direction and Arty was called in to do a little dusting off around task 147. After this episode, things quietened down for Major Kearns and he proudly announced that his Coy had taken 13 P.W's.\nQuite unknown to the unsuspecting Hun, Major Ross Ellis' determined scrappers, having tied in with their \"rattling\" good friends from the 10 Arm'd Regt., kicked off to the attack at 0755 hours. Their objective was the wood in square 6219, where the O.P. had been spotted. Using the tanks to best advantage, Major Ellis' 11 Pl. Commander and sergeant were highly successful. They emerged from the wood with 31 walking prisoners, three wounded. They even captured an officer in the lot. Major Ellis herded them to Bn H.Q. at 0926 hours and entertained the C.O. with details of what had transpired. Baker Coy's plan was to get as close as possible to the wood and if necessary fight to get into it.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 33
  },
  {
    "date": "9 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "When they approached, Jerry tried to deny them use of the ground but a few well-aimed grenades accounted for some Hun casualties and a few more finally helped them to decide upon surrender. Shortly before the incident, Brigadier McGill arrived on the scene and he was most interested in the outcome of the sortie. It was a pleasure to advise Bde by 'phone what had happened.\nAble and Charlie Coys came under mortar fire from N.E. and their morepts tallied very closely, enabling Arty to establish a likely target.\nConsiderable interest was aroused in Bn H.Q., particularly \"I\" section, when a message came over the air that three scout cars and a platoon of infantry were at 596197. In addition, two tanks were seen travelling east on road between 586199 and 595196.\nThe morning still held more excitement. Major Deb Kearns became a casualty while sitting in a chair at Bn H.Q. Shrapnel and possibly glass cut into his leg. Before leaving, he placed Lieut Munro in charge.\nWord came through from Bde that there was to be a Huddle Green at 1530 hours. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and the I.O. climbed into the carrier and, expecting mortar fire any minute, hastened off to attend. After waiting until 1600 hours, the Huddle was postponed to 1800 hours.\nRacing back to his Company Commanders, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan was visibly upset when, at 1615 hours, word came through that Able Coy was being counter attacked by enemy bodies. The attack was coming in from three sides and we were being threatened with an over run. Both Able and Dog were under heavy mortar and terrific shelling. Counter Battery was requested but, by this time, Jerry had moved in swiftly and it would have endangered our own positions.\nAt 1655 hours, the word came through that Able Coy was withdrawing. It was then that all appreciated the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, Dog Coy was able to put up a determined stand and hold out against fairly strong resistance. Tank and Arty assistance were required and Major MacKenzie was not bashful in demanding it.\nAt 1705 hours, Able Coy reported that it was still trying to rally for a stand and that it would try to hold on until assistance came. The battle increased in intensity and then communications with Able Coy ceased. Dog Coy, taking time out for a breather, 'phoned us to ask if we were still in contact with Able.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 34
  },
  {
    "date": "9 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan's anxiety increased to such an extent that he arranged to be excused from the Bde \"O\" Group. When no word was forthcoming from any sources, the C.O. sent out two scouts to contact Lieut. Munro, Acting Company Commander. All attempts to get through were fraught with every conceivable danger but Capt. Stott and Capt. Harrison managed to bring back some word to the effect that Lieut. Munro and some of his men had been cut off from the balance of the Coy. Whether by coincidence or by devilish design, the Hun had put in his attack at a time when all Company Commanders were at Bn H.Q., awaiting the C.O's return from Bde. Before the night was over, Major B. MacKenzie and Lieut. F. Holmgren went out as casualties.\nWe tried to get the tanks up into position but they begged out on account of darkness. Our sole contact patrol with our friends was limited to liaison with the R. de Mais. For this purpose, we employed our Duty D.R. The liaison was to be carried out at 2400, 0200 and 0400 hours. The first patrol passed without incident.\nSome confusion resulted when a platoon from R.H.L.I. turned up to relieve Baker Coy! Major Ellis appeared on the scene and cleared up the entanglement. They were to really occupy a position in the wooded area 6219 until their Able Coy got on the ground.\nDuring the afternoon, unit sigs. under Lieut. Bill Wills had laid line out to the O.P. so the relieving platoon had the comfort of knowing they were in touch with us at Bn H.Q. Our C.O. had expressed unstinted praise for the \"stout work on the part of Sigs. in laying line to the O.P.\" This ray of sunshine made Lieut. Wills a much happier officer.\nHighlights of the day's undertakings was the visit to A/Q Main H.Q., 2 Cdn. Inf. Div., by Capt. Kerfoot in connection with the 7th Victory Loan campaign. The campaign opened the same day.\nOfficer reinforcements for the day consisted of Capt W. Lasher and Lieut. Jim Coady.\nSgt. Sharlow put in an appearance after a sojourn in hospital following his crack-up on his motorcycle.\nBefore the day had terminated, plans for an attack on the enemy were formulated. Baker and Dog Coys, led by Major Ellis and Capt. Bob Porter respectively,",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 35
  },
  {
    "date": "9 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "were to feature in an attempt to capture the cross-roads above the church in area 625198.\nIn reviewing the day's events, it was felt that the Able Coy crack was a serious one--Charlie Coy's battle was terrific but they had been able to hold out--that our front had been menaced by the remnants of two Paratroop Battalions!\nPleasant diversion was provided by a box of cookies which the C.O. generously passed around. Morale went up as the contents of the box went down.\n\nWeather:- Fair and bright in the morning, dark and chilly at night.\nVisibility:- Limited",
    "weather": "Fair and bright in the morning, dark and chilly at night. Visibility: Limited",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 36
  },
  {
    "date": "10 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "At 0248 hours, after some of the smoke of battle had cleared, we sent the following sitrep:\n\"Able Coy Commander, while returning to his Coy, which was attacked at approximately 091630 hours, found his original position occupied by the enemy. Thinking that help would be forthcoming from Dog Coy, Lieut. Munro, who was in charge of Able, returned to contact them. This assistance did not materialize and in the meantime remnants of Able Coy had come in to Dog Coy. Consequently, Lieut. Munro turned around and went forward again in search of the remainder of Able Coy. On the way up, they encountered enemy and were unable to find survivors from the Coy. They returned to Dog Coy's area, thence to Charlie Coy. During the first trip up, Lieut. Munro saw approximately 40 Huns approaching from the west, across a field. As Arty had been called in, it fell directly on the enemy with devastating effect and the enemy could be heard screaming. Apparently, the German officer and N.C.O's kept driving the survivors forward but we finally succeeded in repulsing the two counter-attacks. The total strength of the enemy was estimated at 100.\"\nAs it was vital to the Bde that we regain the important cross-roads at 624198, Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan immediately ordered Dog Coy to send out a recce patrol first, to be followed by the Coy. Dog Coy, with Capt. Bob Porter in charge, replied that they were reorganizing and that owing to darkness control of men was",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 36
  },
  {
    "date": "10 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "difficult but that everything was proceeding very well. Capt. Porter explained that the earliest possible time at which the job could be done was 0500 hours. At the moment, everything was quiet except for a little movement to their front, on which they were keeping a close tab.\nLt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan kept trying to persuade Dog Coy that it was to their advantage to get a patrol out without delay. Finally, at 0500 hours, the patrol moved off and, by 0600 hours, no sound of fire had been heard. The remainder of Dog Coy was standing by, ready to assist.\nBaker Coy's part in the plot involved coming up on the west to secure junction of roads at 622195, which objective was termed Ross and, as ultimate objective, Ellis, junction of roads 61851995. Major Ellis' Coy moved off at 0730 hours and by 0755 hours were on their first objective, having captured about 10 prisoners, and proceeded on to take objective Ellis. Meanwhile, Dog Coy was advancing slowly against strong resistance.\nLt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and the I.O. attended a Bde \"O\" Group at 0900 hours. Brigadier McGill advised the C.O. that the Black Watch was to give assistance to Dog Coy at the corner 624198. In view of the fact that the R.H.L.I. would come in once Able Coy's former position was restored, it was felt that a special drive should be put on to have the area tidy by 1400 hours. As Woensdrecht was the next town to be dealt with and a \"plug\" at MR 618207 was required to be furnished by R.H.C., Calgary Highlanders' role in the operation was to be one of mopping up the area. R. de Mais. were to be responsible for covering the left flank. The initial attack was to be preceeded by a Typhoon attack. Houseclearing, it seemed, presented the most serious problem, while crossroads were also considered as presenting possible difficulties. H-hour was to be 0800 hours, 11 Oct 44.\nReturning to Bn H.Q., the C.O. busied himself with the battle on hand, endeavouring to get a situation report from Dog Coy. Major Ellis had, all this time, worked his Coy forward and taken objective Ellis, plus an additional 13 prisoners.\nNot satisfied with this, he had exploited 100x further, when he received word that he return to his first objective, as he could hold that ground from junction of roads at 622195. Somewhat disappointed at having his fun spoiled, the adventurous Major Ellis reported in to Bn H.Q. and received the news that he was",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 37
  },
  {
    "date": "10 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Jansen Farm",
    "summary": "to replace Major Robinson as 2 i/c of the Bn. As Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan was going out for a rest, Major Ellis was very pleased with the news but was even more enthusiastic about the manner in which his men conducted themselves during the morning's sortie.\nAt lunch time, Brigadier McGill arrived to learn the situation as far as Dog Coy were concerned. The Black Watch and a Tank Commander reported that they themselves were on the vital crossroads. Dog Coy's Capt. Porter stated specifically that the R.H.C. were definitely not on the crossroads and that without contacting him were retiring. Snipers were still very active in the area. A high-velocity gun was spotted 50-100x north of crossroads on the right. While Dog Coy was stoutly maintaining its own front, a recce party from the R.H.L.I. came up and a company took over Baker Coy's area.\nThe long afternoon dragged on as Bn H.Q. waited anxiously for Dog Coy to signal success. At last, when the Brigadier realized that everything had been done to take the objective, he was satisfied to let R.H.L.I. take over, leaving Dog Coy behind. Able, Baker, Charlie Coys and Bn H.Q. except the C.O. left the ever-memorable farmyard and headed south down to a former tavern, the new Bn H.Q. site.\nOnce there, preparations were made for a Huddle. Major Ellis out-lined the method of attack for the following day. He had just dismissed the members when Brig. McGill arrived to announce that operations for the next day were off. Needless to say, no one was sorry! After four days and four nights without rest and constantly on the alert for counter-attacks, the move was very well received.\nCapt. Bob Porter was wounded during the day and was evacuated.\nAn interesting note about the day's operations is that it was later found out that neither the R.H.C. nor the Tank Commander had actually been on the crossroads. A Squadron Commander did report, however, that no infantryman could have crossed that street alive.\nMajor Ellis gave a vivid picture of the type of German soldier against us. With an M.G. in his hands, a typical-looking Boche boldly advanced up the street toward our position. Our men waited for him until he was in a crossfire, then mowed him down.\n\nWeather:- Cool and clear.\nVisibility:- Good",
    "weather": "Cool and clear. Visibility: Good",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 38
  },
  {
    "date": "11 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "Thanks to Brig. McGill's kindness and consideration in returning to advise A/C.O. Major Ellis that the plan for the day's operations was off, Calgary Highlanders were able to get a well-earned rest. Spirits were high at breakfast time and tempers that might have slipped were once again well in check. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan had stayed until Dog Coy came out of the line, then he went to \"A\" Echelon.\nFirst item on the morning's agenda was an \"O\" Group, held at 0955 hours. The joint billiard-hall and bar-room provided an excellent conference room for the gathering. Major Ellis announced the good news that there would be no move for possibly 48 hours. The interim was to be used to rest up and reorganize. Defying all the better principles of good judgment, it was decided that the Mobile Bath facilities at Fort de Merxem would be exploited. Adjt. Capt. Chuck Dore and Scout Officer Gordie Sellar organized the Bath Parade. Spreading like wildfire, reverberating throughout the Bn, came the famous words, \"we're going to move.\" Great was the amazement of one and all when they learned that the jinx had been scuttled.\n\"I\" section busied itself checking Coy locations, setting up aerial photos.\nAfter the \"O\" group, Major Ellis and the Company Commanders proceeded to the O.P. in the wood near Jansen Farm. The I.O. rode on \"I\" section Cpl's motorcycle. Lt.-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan had intended to visit the site of the ex-German O.P. but time had not allowed it. It is really worth-while seeing. An excellent view of the start line was obtained. Leaving the O.P., the party proceeded further into town and turned into a farmyard, following a track to a position whence could be seen the position which Major Ellis' Coy fought for on \"Ross Ellis Day.\" Some of the members of the R.H.L.I. were seen moving about and it was very comforting to know that friends were immediately ahead of us. Some of the members of the \"R\" Group were wearing Balmorals and, when a stray mortar came whistling overhead, there was an energetic deployment of Sunrays'. Continuing their visit through town, they endeavoured to locate signs of Major \"Torchy\" Slater, missing since Oct 10.\nReturning to Bn H.Q., the next matter of importance was lunch. Then A/C.O. Major Ross Ellis hied himself off to Fort de Merxem.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 39
  },
  {
    "date": "11 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "During the early part of the afternoon, the Ambulance Jeeps went by, bringing the dead. The number of German dead has not been definitely established but it is considerable. In rear of Bn H.Q. carrier-driver Sapinsky was plying his trade as barber.\nThe Company Commanders and their Platoon Commanders visited the \"Ellis O.P.\" to look over the ground covering the start point of the projected plan of operations. Supervisor Lannan of Auxiliary Services put in an early appearance and received a warm welcome. Jovial Capt. Rolly Higgins, not wanting to have the men get in Dutch about Netherland currency, came up and established preliminary arrangements for an exchange parade for Thursday.\nGenial Capt. Angus MacDonnell cut up quite a figure trying desperately but in vain to operate the beer taps. Finally, in sheer disgust, he hung a sign which read, \"Geen Bier.\"\nAn example of how quickly events occur was grimly illustrated in the case of Arty Major McMillan, who came up to replace Major Campbell. Introductions were made at approximately 0245 hours and at 0545 hours we learned that he had been injured in a visit to the notorious O.P., when the Hun mortared the site. We also learned today that our cheerful little friend Lieut. Jim Ireland of the 17-pdrs had been wounded during the fray on \"Ross Ellis Day.\"\nThe chief item of interest during the afternoon was the testing of weapons. It just wouldn't be right if a day had passed without Calgary Highlanders firing some shots.\nAt 2000 hours, A/C.O. Major Ross Ellis and the I.O. went to Bde for a conference. The Brigadier explained that there was no new plan and that all he wanted to do was to propound the present proposition. He reassured us that there would be no move before the 13th.\nIt was the intention of the Bde to get away from close fighting but to come in a little west of the original axis and so use the same one as the 4th C.I.B. and thus put in a \"plug\" across the north. The Corps Commander's idea was to swing over to the east. R.H.L.I. had gained a bit but not much out on the west and S.S.R. were in vicinity of airfield, square 6420.\nCommencing the 13th Oct, one Bn would make a drive to seize area 6021. If that was soft, they would establish a wide Bn locality. Under the heading of",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 40
  },
  {
    "date": "11 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest",
    "summary": "tographical features, it was explained that the ground was reasonably good going for infantry; however, the fields were boggy in patches. It was anticipated that the Hun would have plenty of cover behind the railway line and that we would have only a limited number of troops on this ground. Once we were established, we would have excellent fields of fire. The disadvantage was that the ground was overlooked by the enemy from two points.\nIt was decided that the R.H.C. would make the initial drive, one Bn a day to be launched in succession. There was plenty of ammunition on hand so Arty and mortars could shoot us in.\nBrigadier McGill emphasized that it was vital that the top be sealed off. Speed was of the essence as it provided its own dividends and the avoidance of house-to-house fighting was most desirable.\nFor their part, the R.H.L.I. were to continue to clear up around their area and the S.S.R. were to come up on the north-east.\nThe second phase of the plan was to be carried out by our own Calgary Highlanders. Major Ellis' opinion was invited and with alacrity he seized upon the opportunity to advance his suggestions. It was with some feeling of satisfaction that we learned that the Brigadier favoured Major Ellis' views for the employment of the Bn. Admittedly, it did involve a wood-clearing instead of house-to-house fighting. A suitable line of advance was considered possible through S.S.R.\nThe third phase involved R. de Mais. taking Huijbergen and area around 6420 and north-east of the airport. Then would follow the linking up and clearing up the front to establish a wide Bde locality.\nThe whole issue depended upon the enemy's strength. It was clearly understood that the plan might suffer daily change, all according to the Hun's intention. The questions remaining unanswered were; one, are the Huns outposts?; or two, were they simply to prevent our sealing off of the peninsula and the cutting off from Walcheren Island.\nIt was estimated that including Hun casualties and P.W's 5 C.I.B. had accounted for some 600 bodies, of which Calgary Highlanders could be credited with 580!\nThe question of a suitable route to west arose and Bde was to organize a recce to see to what extent convoys, etc., would be road-bound and to report on the general conditions of the roads, etc.\nUse of the Air O.P. was to be made available to A/C.O. Major Ross Ellis.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 41
  },
  {
    "date": "11 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "Before closing, the Brigadier was asked by the C.O. if Brecht was now in the hands of the Germans. He replied that it was only a rumour. The successful use of flame-throwers by 3rd Div. at Leonard Canal was mentioned and provoked considerable speculation.\nThe 7th Victory Loan campaign is well under way and in mentioning the night's pass-word, \"Buy Bonds\", Capt. Del Harrison was overheard remarking, \"Give us the job and we'll finish the tools!\" Jokingly, he said he wouldn't buy any more bonds because he could never get enough maps from \"I\" section and, secondly, he could never get enough Arty support when he asked for it.\nIt was apparent that the rest was doing nearly everyone the world of good. With plenty of sleep, sufficient food and a bath, morale was very high.\nEveryone was pleased to see Sandy Pearson sporting three pips as Dog Coy Commander.",
    "weather": "Beautiful, sunny day, typical fall evening with dark night. Visibility: Maximum.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 42
  },
  {
    "date": "12 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "The Bn, in general having enjoyed an excellent night's sleep, awakened to a bright, sunny morning. Reveille was set at 0730 hours and breakfast at 0800 hours, which, everyone agreed, was ideal. For some, breakfast in bed was the order of the day!\nAfter breakfast, our A/C.O., ex-Adjt. Major Ross Ellis, attended to Admin items and at 1055 hours he \"swooshed\" away to the Air O.P. R.V. to do a \"flip\" over the area involved in the operations of the 13th Oct.\nAs the Mobile Bath facilities were still available to us, the remainder of the Bn went, including the hard-working, conscientious Adjt., Capt. Dore. No sooner had the key-men left than everyone in the Unit and his brother came looking for them. \"I\" section was a veritable bureau of information.\nR.C. Padre Kenny arranged with the I.O. and the R.S.M. to hold Mass at 1500 hours. The bakery next door to this pub was selected and as R.S.M. Bowen was having an \"O\" Group of his C.S.M's word was sent to all Coys.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 42
  },
  {
    "date": "12 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest",
    "summary": "At 1230 hours, word came from Bde that there would be a Huddle Red at 1500 hours. By this time, the I.O. began to worry about Major Ellis' seemingly long absence. Thinking that the A/C.O. had perhaps been taken ill, arrangements were being made to have Major Robinson ready to go to Bde. All this was obviated by the return of our popular A/C.O.\nAt Bde, we were told all about the operations for Friday, 13 Oct. R.H.C. were to effect capture of area 59206021 and get 3 Coy positions solidly established with the 4th Coy covering the road from Woensdrecht. Once this was accomplished, they were to consolidate, including in their defensive set-up the M.M.G's, which were to be moved up under cover of darkness.\nWith definite fields of fire available, the prospects for the effective seal were considerable. It was suggested that the attack be launched at first light, the concentration having been accomplished in the dark as large-scale movement was drawing fire. The R.H.C. were to have a mortar Coy in support whose task it would be to neutralize the east. It was felt that the draw contained suspected enemy mortar positions.\nFor the Calgary Highlanders, the role for the L.A.A. was to beat up the two O.P's in Woensdrecht. A happy thought was that the Royal Marines had plenty of 3.7 ammunition and were eager to expend it.\nMain objective, Angus, was the line of the road and railway, to be subdivided into 1, 2, 3. It was hoped that the Black Watch would have achieved their goal by 1200 hours. As soon as Angus 3 was established, the R. de Mais were to relieve in area north of Hoogerheide.\nPhase 3 to be launched on the 14th by us. Arty support was to be the same as for R.H.C. plus two squadrons of tanks. The attack was to be put in in two wide drives. The two-prong drives were for the purpose of making sure that the south side of the airport was cleared. Tidying up was to be carried out by a platoon from the S.S.R. and a troop of tanks.\nThe problem of positioning the tanks was foreseen and it was agreed that the Squadron Commanders would take a flip in the Air O.P. While the platoons were concurrently cleaning up the woods in bounds, R. de Mais. would simultaneously keep up the pressure on the enemy's front. If the enemy pulled out, then R.deMais.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 43
  },
  {
    "date": "12 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest",
    "summary": "would push on and exploit the factory area. If all went smoothly, then the \"Bridgehead\" Calgary Highlanders would continue the wood-clearing and R. de Mais. would come up on the west. It was not intended that the R. de Mais. should remain in those positions but should be relieved by the R.H.C. On the near eastern flank, the S.S.R. were to be completely relieved so that the Bde would have a 3 Bn frontage. Our prime purpose and main task was to try to prevent Jerry coming in and controlling the roads.\nStart time was to be based on the tanks conception, first light, and the tanks would have moved up while Arty was pouring airburst. While there was no large-scale bombing laid on, the Typhoons were ready to take any targets.\nLeaving Bde, Major Ross Ellis \"swooshed\" up to Lt.-Col. Vernon Stott's H.Q., to obtain the score from that angle. Looking very well, physically, but somewhat worried, the C.O. of the S.S.R's outlined the situation. Tanks were bothering his south-eastern Coy. He also gave approximate positions of enemy guns.\nSchooled in the habit of passing information, Major Ellis nosed his jeep around and raced back to Bde. The information was very eagerly received as it was red hot and very definitely concerned our front.\nNext step was to contact the Essex Scottish, who were nicely ensconced in the hospital which Major Ellis had captured.\nReturning to H.Q., Major Ellis laid on a Huddle Red for 1900 hours. To ensure that all Coys had been advised, the I.O. made a personal visit and was warmly received at all Coys. But it was at Capt. Lasher's Coy that the trip began to bear fruit. Nothing would do but that the I.O. be guest to Able Coy's treat of corn and fried potatoes!\nNext to be visited was R.S.M. Bowen and he produced some drinks which were very acceptable.\nMajor Ellis held his Huddle as arranged and briefed the Company Commanders. Finishing early, he packed them off to bed.\nAt 2100 hours, Capt. Ross Turnbull reported one of his jeeps had been involved in an accident and that three men had cracked up.\nFifty reinforcements were reported on their way up and everyone was putting in a bid for them. A goodly number of men who had been with the Bn were included in the list.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 44
  },
  {
    "date": "12 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "Another day drew to a close and the Bn gave thanks for another day of rest.",
    "weather": "Warm and clear in daytime, slight drizzle at night. Visibility: Good to fair",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 45
  },
  {
    "date": "13 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "The sitrep to Bde summarized the early morning as \"quiet, nothing unusual to report.\" Reveille had been set for 0800 hours and there were no complaints.\nAfter a very pleasant breakfast, A/C.O. Major Ellis and the I.O. went to Bde, at 0900 hours, for a few details concerning the plan for the 14th. Returning to H.Q., the Recce Group was assembled and proceeded to S.S.R's H.Q. at 649181, via the east-west lateral through the woods north of Hondseind. En route, all likely sites for troop concentrations were given a fleeting appreciation.\nArriving at the R.V., there was a grand reunion and exchanges of salutations. While the A/C.O. and the Company Commanders listened to Col. Stott's account of the night's activities, Capt. Geo. Stott made a recce on his own to choose a likely site for Bn H.Q.\nReassembling once again, the \"R\" Group headed back along the same route and then straight up the highway past Bn H.Q., past Jansen Farm and, at the corner of roads 62751921, Major Thomas met the party and, as laid on by Col. Stott, guided us to the airfield. Examination of the air photos had prepared us for an elaborately designed airfield but it had to be seen on the ground to be really appreciated. The recce was completed under mortar and 88mm. fire.\nBack at Bn H.Q., we were greeted with the announcement that there were available two bottles of cognac per officer at ten francs per bottle. Energetic Adjt.- Capt. Chuck Dore will always remember the nightmare he experienced acting as a foreign-exchange banker. The beer ration for the men came in also and, amid smacking lips, the men were overheard expressing their approval of the quality but bemoaning the quantity.\nAfter lunch, the Recce Group headed out again. The major portion of the recce was made from area 634197. A Tac H was selected and all had a good view of the start line. Contacting the Essex Scottish, having been joined by Major Bill Joyce of the Tanks, Major Ellis and Capt. Pearson, we examined the ground as closely as possible. When this was done, we all returned to Bn H.Q.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 45
  },
  {
    "date": "13 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest",
    "summary": "At 1710 hours, the Brigadier 'phoned Major Ellis to advise him the operation was cancelled. At 1900 hours, Major Ellis went to Bde to discuss the change of plan. The Brigadier broke the news that the Bde was switching to the same plot as originally outlined. Major Ellis was told he could appreciate the situation anew and choose H-hour once he was sure everything had been tied in satisfactorily. So much play was given to the A/C.O. of the Calgary Highlanders that he was asked to mark Bde's map.\nFollowing a conference in the Brigadier's caravan, a general Bde \"O\" Group was held. We were informed that Calgary Highlanders would take Woensdrecht and for purposes of the plan the code word would be Trail. The general plan provided for fire across the whole and considerable activity, so that the Hun would not know exactly whence the attack was coming. Conjointly with the idea of disguising the source of the attack, it was also designed that the area of the objective was to be isolated to prevent the Hun reinforcing the objective.\nH-hour was set for 0930 hours and the late hour was for the benefit of the Tanks, who had to make a new recce. An elaborate fire-plan was tied up. R.H.L.I. were to send a fighting patrol and build it up to a company. Their mortars and carriers were to carry on in order to effectively prevent Jerry reinforcing his positions. It was with some degree of pride that Major Ross Ellis received the news that Col. Whittaker of R.H.L.I. wished to attend his \"O\" Group.\nHustling back to Bn H.Q., Major Ellis held his \"O\" Group. As the plan was still fresh in their minds from the night of the 10th Oct, considerable time was saved.\nBreakfast was laid on for 0700 hours. Coys to cross start line at 0945 hours. Bn H.Q. was to be set up in brickworks at 623187. Representatives from the supporting arms were to establish themselves in area around O.P. in wood 6219. The road for Baker Coy's axis of advance was to be called Roby. Trail was to be subdivided into 1, 2, 3, 4 and Charlie, Baker, Able and Dog Coys were to \"bite\" in the order; B, C, D and A.\nMajor Ellis had just terminated his \"O\" Group, at 2230 hours, and some of the Company Commanders had just filed out into the night, when word came through from Bde that the whole show was off.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 46
  },
  {
    "date": "13 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "A few officers of the supporting arms almost went berserk. While waiting for Major Ellis to return from Bde, a sing-song had been going on in the conference room. After the news of the complete change in plans, the noise was thunderous. The room was finally cleared by Major Ellis, who suggested everyone get a good night's rest. The party agreed to adjourn to Capt. Stott's H.Q.\nA certain A/C.O. of a well-known Western Canadian unit appeared at Bde with a smart Jerry sheepskin coat. The envy of all, the Major paraded his \"find\".\nOfficer reinforcements brought back to us Capt. Ernie Teagle, Lieuts. John Moffat and Lew Wilkins.\nWondering what the next day would hold, the Bn sleepily folded up for the night.",
    "weather": "Bright, warm in morning and afternoon. Night dark and rainy. Visibility: Good.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 47
  },
  {
    "date": "14 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "We were not kept waiting long as to what we could expect. I.O. Mike Wood arrived at 0200 hours and advised Major Ellis that the Brigadier would be expecting him at 0830 hours. Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding, our A/C.O. spent a disturbed night. Word had to be sent to all interested parties that the move was off and that guides would have to R.V. at Bn H.Q. before proceeding to Bde.\nAfter a hasty breakfast, Major Ellis, Capt. Newman and the I.O. went to Brigade. Here it was explained that we would be relieving the Royal Regt. of Canada in situ, company per company and platoon per platoon.\nHeaded by the Brigadier's jeep, which contained Brigadier McGill and A/C.O. Major Ross Ellis, Bn H.Q. Recce Group proceeded to R.R.C's H.Q. at 600167. The guides went out to the respective company areas. Sites considered likely for Bn H.Q. were inspected but the farm at 600180 was selected by Major Ellis as the best proposition of them all. Having completed the recce, we returned to Bn H.Q., where all the Company Commanders were gathered awaiting results of the trip to Bde and the ensuing recce.\nWord reached us that Col. D.G. MacLauchlan had been contacted at \"A\" Echelon",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 47
  },
  {
    "date": "14 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest",
    "summary": "and asked to go to Bde to attend an \"O\" Group at 1100 hours. Major Ellis was able to att remain at Bn H.Q. and hold his Huddle, while the I.O. joined the C.O. at Bde. It was evident that the 'Old Man' was beginning to profit from the much needed rest. There was little occasion to talk to hime before the Brigadier began to speak. Wer were informed that 4 C.I.B. was assuming responsibility for the right and 5 C.I.B. the left area of Causeway 59752065, subdivision 1 of Angus was to be included in our area, 2, 3, 4 in 4 C.I.B's sector. R. de Mais were to fit into area of Sluice Basin enabling us to put a Coy near the Volker, 5817. From all reports it was learned that Baker Coy at 579200 had had the most enemy activity. Charlie Coy at 59451955 had not been threatened by any serious counter attack from Woensdrecht. The No.8 Recce had been holding posts up at the Sluice Basin at night but R. de Mais could now look after this area. A second Coy of R. de Mais was to cover 591190 with another Coy at general area 5816.\nApart from a 'holding role', we were asked to study the problem of putting a Coy into Angus. To achieve this, the principal points to be considered were, (a) Type of support which would be required, (b) details of the routes of advance to be used (c) Time of day at which operation would most likely succeed. For the time being it was necessary to keep the enemy pressed back into the dykes and deny him any ground. Details concerning the time of Relief were already in the hands of the Units involved. Briefly Calgary's would start to take over at 1300 hours. Infiltration Coy by Coy would be carried out during the afternoon. Transport was to be kept to a strict minimum and so avoid giving the enemy any targets. Marching troops would have cover of the dykes, all the way in to position. Baker Coy would not be able to complete take-over until after dark. Following the relief, R.R.C. were to go to east flank in area 6416. It was laid down that we would use our Rear Bn H.Q. at \"A\" Echelon in area 6414.\nThe Medium Foo was to be released and 2 Foos and 1 rept were to occupy O.P. in Baker Coy area. It was with some interest that we learned that R.H.C. was now in Divisional Reserve available under 4 or 5 C.I.B. Advance information indicated that the R.H.L.I. would take on Woensdrecht during the night 15/16 while we took a poke at Angus. Leaving Bde, Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan returned to Bn. H.Q. Here he discussed with Major Ross Ellis apropos the move and outlined the Brigadier's intentions. The details effecting the companies had been worked",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 48
  },
  {
    "date": "14 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "De Geest, Holland",
    "summary": "out. All that was required was that the I.O. direct the carrier to the site of the New Bn H.Q. Leaving the Pub at 622178 at 1330 we arrived at our new location at Van den Maegdenbergh's farm at 1400 hours. The proprietor ushered the \"Commandant\" into a spacious study. I section was allotted a large kitchen with an ideal stove for making tea. Arty were given the use of an adjoining building. Signal Exchange was set up in a large barn. Major Ellis remarked that the farmer seemed quite prosperous and that evidently he had kept on the good side of Jerry. Subsequently we learned that a German Major had previously occupied the \"Commandant's\" study.\nShortly after arriving the Brigadier paid us a visit and held a discussion with the A/C.O. Major Ellis. The subject of patrols was one of the topics. The patrol programme for the night of 14/15 Oct. embraced liaison, standing and recce patrols. Inter-battalion contacts were normal, liaison with other Units was laid on by the Bde., likewise standing and recce patrols. A Huddle had been called for 1900 hours and all Coy Commanders assembled in the conference room. Air photos were examined minutely and considerable time and thought given the proposed plan of attack on Angusl.\nAt 2200 hours the first patrol, consisting of 2 scouts reported in. They had been detailed to recce road from 595195 North East to a limit of rd and dyke junction 606200. Patrol could not attain objective as enemy were observed walking across road. This patrol was not to be aggressive but for information purposes. Patrol reached point 602198, 400 metres short of objective. At approximately 100 yards from them they saw 4 Germans. Flares went up and the Hun took to the ditch. Voices were heard from the other side indicating at least a section position. At 2345 hours, three members of a four-man patrol reported to the Scout Officer. Their task had been to patrol east along railway in sqs 5820, 5920 to a limit of road and railway crossing 597206. Slit trenches observed all along south south side of railway; at approximately 590204 they passed a vacant M.G. position. Two flares fired but nothing observed. At approximately 30 yards from objective they were fired on by automatic weapons from south side of railway Patrol Leader Scout Bill Alexander was reported hit and perhaps killed and the other three managed to get back with the information. Dog Coy reported having contacted the R. de Mais. At 2300 hours. At 2346 it was quiet on Dog's Coy front.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 49
  },
  {
    "date": "14 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, De Geest",
    "summary": "Arty was called in at 2400 hours and 34 rounds took on target mentioned in first patrol report. All agreed it was an excellent way to close the day.",
    "weather": "Cloudy and cool in morning; sunny in afternoon. Night damp. Visibility - limited.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 50
  },
  {
    "date": "15 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelencord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "The day was only 30 minutes old when Baker Coy was reported completely in position. It is difficult to say if the Hun expected to find the new company off-guard and disorganized or if he hoped to find R.R.C. weary from a constant vigil. At any rate he was foiled in his attack at 0320 hours and Capt. Kenny Kerfoot's SOS task contributed nobly in repelling the foe. From then on things were quieter in Major Robinson's area. Capt Pearson recently promoted and in charge of Dog Coy, picked up his Company and moved them to a new location. He gives every promise of doing a grand job. Baker Coy in their sitrep reported that the effects of the Mortar shoot were plainly visible, as they could observe German dead lying about. Able Coy had a comparatively quiet night, while Charlie was subjected to slight mortaring. Brigadier McGill visited our H.Q. to check with Major Ellis concerning the fire plan, for the attack. The method of attack was viewed from the angle of using flame throwers. One idea was to send the carriers into do a fast purge and a speedy withdrawal. In his own words the Brigadier admitted that it could be a V.C. job. In order to give Charlie Coy an opportunity to rest, reorganize and prepare, it was agreed that a Coy of R. de Mais. would relieve them. Dog Coy was to pull back to Able Coy's area. Shortly after the Brigadier left Major Ostigy O.C. of Charlie Coy R. de Mais, came to H.Q. to obtain benefit of Patrol Reports. Major Ellis had left for his Recce with Capt. Newman so they did not meet. During his visit to Baker Coy Major Ellis crossed over into No Man's land in order to appreciate the ground. When he saw three Huns, one with a MG and the others with belts of ammo., he decided to return to his side of the fence. One of the stories he brought back was almost incredible, but never-the-less true. It concerned a Bren gun team whose Bren gunner ran out of ammunition; as he stooped in his slit trench a Gerry snatched the Bren and struggled to get away. The other Bren member shot and killed the Hun. Also while on his Recce, Major Ellis spotted a few targets. When he returned to his HQ he brought fire to bear and \"got on\". The still of the",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 50
  },
  {
    "date": "15 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelencord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "afternoon was occasionally interrupted by shelling and arty obtained shell reports in order to cope with them. A Bde. Huddle was called at 1500 hours. The Brigadier explained that the R.H.L.I. were attacking Woensdrecht 0330 and that we wanted to follow up by putting in a plug at the bottom and clear the top. The preliminary moves involved the R de Mais. relieving Charlie and Dog Companies and being responsible for their areas. One difficulty was the question of timing,of the attack. The Brigadier threw open for discussion the value of an attack by day under cover of smoke. Ammunition was another consideration and it was laid down that if there was not sufficient there would be no attack. It was also thought that it would be an opportune time to launch our attack concurrently with RHLI's. H hour was considered only feasible 2 hours after first light. Counter-attacks from the enemy were deemed quitepe possible. To off-set this,Arty was to be employed on SOS tasks. It was definitely decided that one task would be done regardless. This would establish a healthy route to Woensdrecht. This was to consist of a night attack on a probable section post at approximately 602198. The problem of the Causeway was to be a battalion show with the Calgary Highlanders doing the honours. R.H.C. were to remain in their present position. There was a possibility that the 3\" Mortar might be brigaded and if so they would be under command of the Calgary Highlanders Mortar Officer Capt. Kerfoot. At 1800 hours Major Ellis held a huddle and warned A, B C & D of the role that each played. He informed the Coy Commanders that there had been a choice between a daylight or a night attack and that based on their opinions he had requested the former. At any event there was to be no move on the 16th and not until after first light on the 17th. On the subject of our own ammunition, we were informed that there was a double establishment available for all companies. Major Robinson was pleased to hear that a platoon of MMG would be working in his area. Everyone was elated because as Major Ellis pointed out, the postponement allowed for an improved plan with a better tie-in of all elements, equipped with an adequate fire programme. Following the Huddle a conference was held at which it was announced that Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan had been awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his outstanding leadership and untiring efforts during the fierce struggle at Claire Tizon.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 51
  },
  {
    "date": "15 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "The event was toasted at Tac H. Back at \"A\" Echelon the event was greeted with hearty approval and everyone talked about it incessantly. While on the subject of awards, it was learned that there were to be awards for the Hoogerheide show, of 7 Oct 44. In this connection Lieut. Alex Keller's name was mentioned. The Mortar Platoon, it was felt deserved recognition and could possibly be included in the list of periodical awards. Other names mentioned were Major Deb Kearns, Capt. Mark Tennant, Lieut. Munro, batman-driver Fox. When Mark Tennant's name was mentioned, the Huddle members were informed that he had undergone an operation at Antwerp and also in Antwerp and also in England. He asked to be remembered to all. Before the Huddle broke up there was considerable small-talk and joking. For a while it looked as if a large scale recce party would be visiting Capt. Pearson's H.Q. where he boasted that a beautiful blonde lived. The party was discouraged only by the inclement weather.\nInteresting items during the day included Capt. Kenbot's autumnal noon-day swim. He did not take the plunge of his own accord but rather was prompted to do so when Jerry made it too hot in his area. There is one definite trait in the type of Hun we are encountering here. He fights ferociously to the end while he has ammunition, weapons and sufficient men. He has a code which allows stretcher bearers and RAP personnel an immunity which had been denied by the SS troops. Patrols have reported that he is very sensitive at night and quite bold. One P.W., ex-paratrooper, brought in through Major Robinson's area surrendered without a fight after he claimed his Company had been almost completely wiped out by Arty fire. He had hidden in a fox-hole for 3 days and finally had been driven by the pangs of hunger to let down Der Fuerher.\nAs a fitting reminder of Scout Alexander's calibre, Scout Officer Gordie Sellar brought in an O.P. report which Alexander had compiled with the assistance of his telescope in the afternoon of his demise. \"I\" section was deeply moved by the news and the loyal band of scouts felt keenly the loss of their comrade.\nWeather - Clear and bright morning and afternoon with heavy downpour of rain at night.\nVisibility - V.G. until a few hours before storm.",
    "weather": "Clear and bright morning and afternoon with heavy downpour of rain at night. Visibility V.G. until a few hours before storm.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 52
  },
  {
    "date": "16 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelenoord, Van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Our patrol reports indicated that flares were going up close to our area. It was not until Lieut. JackMcKinstry came in to register his booby traps that we had a complete explanation. His men had gone out quite unescorted to the embankment area 5820, across Baker Coy's front to lay some flares. After they had completed their task, and were on their way in, a rabbit scuttled across the embankment and set off one of the flares. The Pioneers rigged up the flares again and crossed back into our lines at approximately 0100 hours. At 0145 hours Baker Coy were set upon by a small enemy fighting patrol which they checked. Thanks was due to Arty who were instrumental in breaking it up, by their excellent shooting. R de Mais as per schedule contacted Baker Coy at 0241 hours, and as the Pioneers had returned and so had Baker Coys fighting patrol, the carrier section which had been sent to stand by to back up Baker Coy was released. At 0348 hours Baker Coy's right forward flank was threatened by the enemy trying infiltration. Capt. Kerfoot was given a call and with alacrity he assured us he was only too willing to engage any possible targets. Our obliging friend, Capt. Newman popped into \"I\" Section and advised us that he too was ready to assist. Brigade Major Hees called us at 0450 hours to inquire if The Calgary Highlanders had a recce boat which they could lend the R. de Mais to do their assignment in area 602198. If the matter had not been serious it would have provided occasion for some mirth. Mention Recce boats to a Calgary Highlander who was at Lochtenberg on the night of 31 Oct 44 and you touch a tender spot. Major Kearns' Able Coy had needed a Recce boat before setting out on their venture to Capture Fort de Schooten 7603, but none had been forthcoming from Bde. - as it developed later on the R. de Mais. had no occasion to use the boat as they did not achieve their objective. Later on in the day the Brigadier advised the I.O. that Recce boats were being obtained for each Battalion. The balance of the early morning passed without any undue ado as Jerry occasionally mortared and shelled the general areas of the Companies. At Bn.H.Q. it was the general opinion that Major Ellis made an excellent chosse of Bn. H.Q's site. There was however some excitement over the question of 2 patrols which had been spent out from Baker Coy. The Brigadier kept after us for the report which had been delayed, but finally we were able to advise Brigade that both patrols had reached within 100x of their objectives but had had to withdraw because of strong enemy patrols.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 53
  },
  {
    "date": "16 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Shortly after breakfast A/C.O. Major Ross Ellis and the \"I\" Sgt Baker went out on their Recce of the ground ahead of Baker Coy. They also visited Bde. Returning to Tac H they were dismayed to find that no food had been set aside for them. To rectify the situation, the I.O. sent a D.R. back to \"A\" Echelon to contact C.Q. Drew, and within an hour's time the morale of Major Ellis and Sgt. Baker and Thompson the batman-driver was restored. At 1400 hours, Major Ellis held a conference in his \"study\" to discuss the plan for the attack on \"Mac\" or topographically speaking the Causeway 5720, 5820, 5920. In attendance were Major Anderson, Tor. Scots; Major Fletcher, 10th C.G.R.; Capt. Jack Paddon, Tor Scots; Capt. Heath, 121 Med Rep.; Capt. Newman, and Bill Reilly of 5 Hy Arty, Lt. Priest of R.H.C. Mortar Pl and Lieut. Nicolay, 10thC.G.R., C Sqdn. The meeting was to lay on the fire plan and to discuss how best to work in with the Company assignments. At 1530 hours a rush called came in from Bde. advising us of an \"O\" Group. The Brigadier explained the necessity for a hurried assembly was caused by the fact that 4th Bde. had to be backup in their effort at Woensdrect. More Infantry were required on the ground. Departing from the usual procedure, Brigadier McGill allowed instructions to be given to the I.O. to contact Tac H and issue order that Charlie and Dog Companies return to their former areas 595197 and 570190 including Sluice Basin respectively. This was occasioned by the removal of two Companies of the R. de Mais to reinforce R.H.L.I. at Woensdrect. The attack by the Calgary Highlanders was definitely off and would not be launched until the situation on the right was tidy. The postponement was calculated to last 2 or 3 days. The change resulted in 2 small companies of R. de Mais under command of The Calgary Highlanders. In the matter of reinforcements these were to be rushed to R.H.L.I. at once. Major Ellis advised that he had 9 carriers to place at the disposal of the Bde and R.H.C. followed suite. If necessary a shuttle service would be established. The \"O\" Group terminated quickly and Major Ellis had L.O. Wood drive us over to \"A\" Echelon to contact Carrier Platoon Commander Capt. Harrison. While at \"A\" Echelon it was learned that \"B\" Echelon had been bombed by flying bombs. Q.M. Angus McDonnell was upset by the episode because it disrupted his staff. Our Q.M. has been doing a great job amid some trying difficulties.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 54
  },
  {
    "date": "16 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Your diarist got his first glimpse of the DSO on the 'Old Man's' tunic. It really looked smashing! A very brief stay at \"A\" Echelon allowed sufficient time to exchange words with Supp. Lannan, Capt. Teagle, Lieuts John Moffat, and Tom Hoy. Lieut. Alex Kelly MM looked very natty in his Sunday go-best complete with 1939-43 Star as he marked time before proceeding to Antwerp for an \"I\" Course. The envy of a few officers he appeared quite nonchalant about the \"break\". Returning to Tac H we were very agreeably surprised to learn that Lieut.-Col. D. G. MacLachlan DSO was returning from his very brief\"rest\".\n    Patrol programme for the night entailed 4 fighting patrols. Enemy were definitely located along railway line 5820, 5920 and proved to be very sensitive to our probing\n    Capt. Harrison completed his ferrying of R de Mais troops at 1940hrs. Baker, Charlie Companies effected their move and it set up their own local liaison. A gem of wisdom found during the day was a tip to watch haystacks with dobrs.\n    It was learned that Major Baker was in 8th General Hospital undergoing treatment for peritonitis.\n    \"I\" Section celebrated the occasion of the C.O's decoration by opening some cognac which had been graciously donated by morale-builder Major Ross Ellis.\n    The day closed without any further excitement and all voted it a banner one\n        Weather - Fair to cloudy with some light showers during morning, becoming cloudy during afternoon with continuous light rain in evening. Visibility: fair.",
    "weather": "Fair to cloudy with some light showers during morning, becoming cloudy during afternoon with continuous light rain in evening. Visibility: fair.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 55
  },
  {
    "date": "17 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Our Sitrep to Bde summarized the conditions as quiet with only 2 mortar bombs falling in the area. The fighting troops and Tac H had a meagre breakfast when the CQMSs inadvertently left \"A\" Echelon without the sausage ration. For the most part the oversight was accepted quite philosophically but some tape-worm-infested individuals did a little good-natured grousing. Subsequently, as far as Tac H was concerned, CQ Drew restored himself to our good graces by bringing up the chocolate ration at noon and serving steam fruit pudding at supper time.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 55
  },
  {
    "date": "17 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelonoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Major Ellis, 2nd in Command of the Battalion and our I Sgt. went on a liaison jaunt to our adjoining Unit, the R.H.L.I. across the water in Woensdrecht. Their mission was not successful as they could not contact the desired individuals because the R.H.L.I. were not anywhere within 1000x of the position where Major Ellis' party expected to find them. A suitable position for tanks was found but Jerry denied use of ground. During the absence of our Nomads we had a pleasant visit from Padre Percy. Our popular \"Sky Pilot\" is always welcome and his cheery countenance lights up any of the dark corners. His warm friendly smiled dispels any gloomy thoughts. His sojourns was very brief but he left a very encouraging and interesting message before he departed. The sensational news he broadcast originated from a conference of senior Chaplains at which the Army Commander, announced \"substantially - no service in the Orient will be required of Canadian troops now overseas, except on a voluntary basis, however should conscription be deemed necessary (to raise a token force), priority will be considered.\" There was a rider to the effect that anyone who had from 2 to 3 years on overseas service need have no worry at all.\nAt 1225 Brigadier McGill came to our Tac H to advise us that 5 C.I.B. in general and Calgary Highlanders in particular would not be taking a poke at the left until the right (RHLI area) was cleared. The Brigadier emphasized the fact that fire must be brought down whenever, Jerry showed himself. If at all possible we must try to catch the enemy off guard. One proposition which Brigadier McGill had to make, involved bringing tanks in to Able Coy's area 5819 and Baker's area 581198, having pulled Able and Baker Coys out first, the tanks would have a \"go\" at Jerry's postions. Major Ellis was most enthusiastic in describing to the Brigadier the perfect plan which Capt. Ronny Kerfoot of the Mortar Platoon had laid on. Before the Brigadier left it was decided that Baker Company would be changed over with D Coy, and come into Bn reserve. During the Brigadier's visit, Lieut. D. G. MacLauchlan DSO, with a twinkle in his eye, facetiously and with the naive air of an innocent bystander, inquired if submarines would be under the command of the Calgary Highlanders to help them fight amphibious tanks",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 56
  },
  {
    "date": "17 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "After the Brigadier had left, Major Ellis, Capt. Newman and the \"I\" Sgt. Baker went off on another effort to carry out daylight liaison with RHLI. Accompanied by Capt. MacDonald of the 10 Arm'd Regt, they visited an anti-tank crew during a briefing. Subsequently they observed the shoot from the notorious O.P. in wood 6219. The target was a house due north of our Tac H. On their return they described their outing as very interesting and informative.\nAfter supper all the Coy Commanders came into rehearse verbally the plan for the attack on \"Mac\" (5920, 5820, 5720, 6020). Congratulations were the order of the day as the various Coy Commanders came in and proudly felicitated their Commanding Officer Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan DSO on his recent award.\nIt is amazing how quickly the eye catches the honour ribbon. Generously, modestly, almost tearfully the C.O. stoutly insists that his DSO is on behalf of The Calgary Highlanders. As a means of diverting attention from himself, the C.O. brought up the subject of Lieut. Lyster's winning the Sword of Honour as honour graduate at Sandhurst. Lieut. Lyster is back with us now and once again \"the Old Man's\" excellent judgement has been amply justified. Many will recall how the C.O. tried to convince the Selection Board that his choice of former Sgt.-Major Lyster was not based on supposition, but on a record of proven service. Not only had this former NCO shown promise, but in action at Dieppe had conducted himself so well as to be Mentioned in Despatches.\nShowing decided benefits from his short rest, the C.O. started the ball rolling with great momentum when he decided an added impetus should be given to the War Bond sales. Capt. Kerfoot and Scout Officer Gordie Sellar have mapped out a sales programme designed to put the Calgary Highlanders up front. The sales committee has promised to award a Bottle of Whiskey to the platoon which has the greatest proportion of sales per capita. Following the example of previous Campaigns the C.O. has given instruction that the thermometer scheme for registering progress be used; Jocosely the C.O. suggested that the Scout Officer, some sort of thermometer along the dykes and perhaps Jerry would come over. When the Scout Officer raised the objection that it would be difficult to separate the Germans from their money, the C.O. remarked that in the past the Scouts had seemed to have made satisfactory arrangements.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 57
  },
  {
    "date": "17 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Major Ellis' batman-driver Thompson and R/P. Harasymiw did an excellent job of driving Capt. MacDonald of 10th Arm'd Regt back to Hoogerheide in the pitch-black night. Scarcely had they returned when they volunteered to go back up the road to the R.A.P. to bring up an Ambulance Jeep. The problem of maintaining an ambulance Jeep constantly at hand at Tac H had up until recently provided a source of annoyance and waste of human efforts. Lieut. Gerry DeBiens proudly drove up to show off his new Jeep. While on the subject of Medicos and the the attendant odours of antiseptics we are reminded that our former I. O. and diarist Stu Moore is still in the hospital. The rest is well-earned and all the \"I\" Section wish him a speedy recovery.",
    "weather": "Cold wind but bright and clear, changing from fair to cloudy with some light showers during the morning; becoming cloudy during afternoon with continuous light rain effecting area during evening. Visibility - Good, diminishing gradually.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 58
  },
  {
    "date": "18 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Calgary Highlanders fighting patrols were down-graded to recce patrols. No changes found in enemy positions. The sitrep for our Bde was summed up as follows:- no shelling or mortaring reported during the night in the forward localities, no counter-attacks launched by enemy, definitely a quiet night. Arty and Mortar kept up harassing fire and maintained their policy of making life uncomfortable for Jerry. At least one of the enemy had had enough and timing his surrender to coincide with the breakfast time he dejectedly walked into Doy Company's lines. Capt. Pearson's men sent t saw to it that he was led to the cage via Tac H. At 0920 hours Major Ross Ellis, Capt. Newman (Arty) and Pioneer Officer Jack McKinstry went out to Dog Company areas to Recce a site for a tank shoot. Shortly after he left L/O Mike Wood, Walnut, as he is affectionately known, dropped in to advise us that Lt.-Col. Stott's South Saskatchewan Regt had beaten off a light counter-attack on their sector. Lieut. Wood is still looking for a P.38 or some German revolver. He was almost in tears when we told him that one of our dare-devil",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 58
  },
  {
    "date": "18 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland — Hinkelenoord, Van de Maegdehberg's Farm",
    "summary": "men, disguising himself as a Dutch peasant, had crossed undisturbed over to Jerry-land and relieved of their Lugers, four Fritzies who had died of lead-poisoning. Before he left \"Mike\"(left-us)■ informed us that the RHC would be firing Piats and Mortars in a weapon-testing area 620180. Scant notice was given to this news as they were not in our immediate area and the information was logged along with the usual \"bumpth\". We were rudely reminded of the information when at 1138 hrs artillery indicator bombs began falling at the rear of Tac H. No little consternation was caused because simultaneously a fighter aircraft of unidentified make was observed hovering over the Coy area. On instructions from Lieut-Col D.M. MacLauchlin, DSO Bde was called and informed of the incident. \"fficient wide-awake \"I\" Sgt. Baker took a bearing on the Troublesome gun and 2 Scouts were sent out with orders from the C.O. to locate it. Concurrently another pair borrowing rubber-wading-boots went out in search of the cannisters. Finding one with markings on side A 26. Can 44 it was sent to Bde for identification. The other pair gave an excellent peroformance of compass marching and traced gun fire to Bty HQ of 25 lbdr at 63451525. Bty commander denied all knowledge of the incident. At 1400 hrs Major Ross Ellis went to Bde to attend an Admin Conference held by the Brigadier. Capt. Mon. Kerfoot at 1415 hrs on his way into Tac H to discuss seventh Victory Loan Matters with the C.O. escorted two civilian P.W.s who had been apprehended by Charlie Coy. as they tried to pass through Capt. Heyland's lines heading toward Hunland. Following instructions laid down we were obliged to detain the 2 civilians pending satisfactory identification and an explanation of their actions. An English-speaking representative of the \"Orange Brigade\" was sent for to come and establish their status. The situation became awkward when he had to be escorted to Brigade for satisfactory identification. He had just enrolled the very same day. Once Bde was satisfied with the report we released the men from custody and instructed the Dutch rescuer to guide them to the home of friends behind our forward lines. An objections was raised here by the new recruit. He could not see his way clear to carry out the assignment because (a)he not eaten his supper. (b) his wife was waiting for him. (c) it was a long trip. On behalf of some Canadians who are giving their lives fighting for freedom, the I O reminded his new-found friend that there were many of our men who had not seen their loved ones for five years but they still did the job required of them.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 59
  },
  {
    "date": "18 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Hinkelennoard, Van de Maedenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "The civilians left with their guide and the matter was closed. We had another occasion to think of the Black Watch. One of their jeeps turned over, the driver was injured and we contacted them and gave them particulars for their information and necessary action. By 1645 hrs we were in communication byline with \"A\" Echelon. We have found this very satisfactory. Scouts who had been out in an OP brought in a very detailed report of the day's activities and we immediately passed on the data to arty for the necessary tonic. Jerry provided something of a disagreeable surprise late in the afternoon, when he produced considerable \"flak\" and brought down a Typhoon 30 degrees M from our position. It is felt that he will be made to pay for this several times over. Lieut. McCloskey, 2nd Fd Coy RCE dropped in to have a look-see at our maps and air photos. He was disappointed that they did not cover area further west. There is an indication that the Marching Song of the 2nd Div may be \"The Road to the Isle of Walcheren!\" One of the amusing stories to come from the front concerns the personnel of Baker Coy. It seems they decided to save on Canadian foot-wear and to paraphrase an old familiar adage \"do as the Dutch do\" to wit; they now wear \"Sabots\". At Tac H, BnHQ's total volume of sales at time of closing read $2100. Lieut-Col. D. G. MacLauchlin, DSO once again headed the list of early susscribers. Charlie Coy's commander, Capt. Dolf Heyland was the victims of Major Ellis sparkling wit and patiently listened to asoles pep-talk on the subject of the 7th Victory Loan Campaign. At 2110 a call from Bde advised us that there would be Demonstrations by the 11th Royal Tank Regt at Tamise. J5386 at 191400hs 200900hs and 201400 hrs. Highlight of the day's domestic situation at Tac H was the semi-paternal counsel which the C.O. passed on to the now high-strung I.O. It is remarkable how patient the C.O. is with some of his subalterns. There is a rumour afloat that \"I\" section Notes are almost ready for publication. Don't embarress a certain Cpl. Malkin of \"I\" by asking him \"who was looking for the War Diary of 27 Oft 44?\" Brigade sent in the patrol programme for the night's activities giving the C.O. a free hand to decide whether we wanted to send Recce or Fighting Patrols to cover the Northern sector of the Bn locality. Routes, etc, were all left to the discretion of our C.O. The C.O. elected to have his men do Recce Patrols. The day closed without any other note-worthy incidents.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 60
  },
  {
    "date": "18 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Hinkelonoord, Van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Weather:- Alternately cloudy to partly cloudly with occasional Showers.\n\nVisibility:- Good generally but poor in showers.",
    "weather": "Alternately cloudy to partly cloudy with occasional showers. Visibility good generally but poor in showers.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 61
  },
  {
    "date": "19 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Hinkelonoord, Van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Throughout the early hours of the morning Calgary Highlanders' patrol-reports came in from the companies. It was evident there was no material change in location of the enemy F.D.Ls and on the whole the enemy continued to resist determinedly any forward movement on the part of Calgary Highlanders. The Brigade SitRep summarized conditions as follows; sector quiet with little or no shelling. A white phosphorous bomb landed in Dog Coy's area at 0100 hrs with resultant big flash and heavy explosion. Also planes were heard overhead and to which at one end was attached some objects, were observed in the general direction North and between ourselves and Woensdrecht.\nAt 0845 Lt-Col D G MacLauchlan D.S. O. held a meeting of company Commanders which included, 2 i/c Major Ellis, Major Robinson, Capts, Lasher, Heyland, Pearson, H.Q. Commander, Capt Wood and Adjt Dore. Major Ross Ellis perfermaix prefaced the meeting by announcing the latest developements concerning our Bde. It is definite that within the next few days , 4 th Cdn Armd Div who were regrouping and preparing for OPS. \"Suitcase\", would make a drive North up to Bergen op Zoom,with the 49 th Div on the right. Pending this news for 5 C I B and what particularly concerns us, is the glad tidings that we stay in our present positions until the right flank is clear. It will be the responsibility of the R H L I to finish clearing Woensdrecht. Subsequently the 1 st Br Corps will relieve us and then we will pick up and shift to a new area to be defined later on. A special show was to be put on by 6 C I B on Walcheren Islan. The further enlargement of the broad plot provided a plan, the scope of which embraces a sweep by 4 C I B to clear the neck , coming down to meet 5 C I B coming up from the South. It was not too surprising that the further plans involved an assault landing and the establishment of a Bridgehead. We were to clear North as far as 23 Grid line and within 48 hrs. 4 C I B would meet us.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 61
  },
  {
    "date": "19 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelenooord, van den Maegdenberghs Farm",
    "summary": "By way of interest Major Ellis informed the gathering that heavy support would consist of 4 AGRA's. The foregoing information was not to be given to anyone but offrs. Attention of the Coy Comds was drawn to a discussion of the \"Weasels\" as the amphibious jeeps are called. The vehicles has proven to be excellent in swampland, it can pull an A.Tk gun, it is lighter than a carrier and it is speedy. The subject of LVT's provoked some mirth and xxxxBrxxxMaexxax Lt-Col D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, suggested that we should start to acquire a growth of web in preparation for our future aquatic performances. The first item on the agenda dealt with the demonstration by the 11th Royal Tank Regt at Tamise commencing at 1400 hrs. Lt-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, Major Robinson, Capt Percy, Capt Wood, Capt Kerfoot, Capt Lasher, Capt Clarke, Capt Newman, RCA, Adjt Dore, Lt Bacon, Lt MacDonald, Lt Hey, were slated for the first performance. The matter of citations followed and the CO stressed the importance of submitting names worthy of commendations. While on the subject of personnel, the CO reiterated a statement which he has often made and that is that the \"basic xxxxxxxx principle of any NCO is his ability to handle men\". We learned too that Majors MacKenzie, Kearns and D.K. Robertson may be returning to us soon. According to the story that is going the rounds, Major S.C. Robertson is Monty's right-hand-man. The case of mistaken identity arose when inquiries were made as to the present location of Major D.K. Robertson, who was last heard of as liaison officer between Field Marshall Montgomery and his Corps Comds. The subject of War Bonds was next discussed and it was agreed that \"A\" ECH would render assistance in completing the forms which the fighting troops would sign the blanks and \"A\" Ech would do the rest. The meeting closed with the thought that hard-working, aggressive Adjt Capt Dore would obtain a bottle of scotch for the winners in the War Loan campaign.\nAround noon the party left for the demonstration. Lt-Col D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, drove and as usual Capt Kerfoot's reading of the 1/100000 Antwerp map was faultless. Except for a little competition for space on the road the trip down was without incident. On the way back the party stopped in Antwerp for a 90-franc cup of coffee. The stay was cut short unfortunately when everyone ran out of Belgium currency. Considerable excitement round Tack HQ was caused when a single round of HE from a field gun landed in the area. Deductions led to the belief that it was just a stray round which Jerry had let loose from far away. No damage was done.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 62
  },
  {
    "date": "19 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Heinkelenoord, Van den Maegdenbergs Farm",
    "summary": "The proprietor of the farm drew to our attention the fact that the water was rising too high in the area and suggested xxx we open the sluice gate. When Major Ross Ellis went to Bde he advised them and shortly afterwards Lt Bee, of RCE, dropped in to inquire about neighbouring culverts. He went away armed with the necessary information about the surrounding area.\nLt Jack Taylor, Pioneer Officer of RRG, visited Tac H to ascertain if the amplifier of one of his Polish mine detectors had been found in \"D\" Coy's area. Evidently during the take over it had been forgotten. One theory is that one of the Jerries, figuratively speaking, reached across the dyke and took it. Capt Pearson of \"D\" coy had an amusing story to tell about the audacity of the Hun in the area. According to the way Capt Pearson heard it this party was tapped in to his line and kept sending him mortar reports. Pronto (Bill Wills) had his men out checking but could find no sign of enemy interference. Back at Tac H we all referred to the unknown as \"call sign 6\" and many and varied were the suggestions and reports associated with him. Looking forward to a visit to Antwerp, Pronto says he would like to transfer from the RCCS to the Royal Canadian Civilian Corps.\nAt rear Bn HQ, Adjt Chuck Dore reports he is swamped with about a dozen Courts of Inquiry. A new charge being considered for framing covers the case of AWLOB. We also learn from the Adjt that a picture of debonair Major Ross Ellis in his coy carrier appeared in a recent issue of Canada's Weekly. The identification was made possible due to the familiar tank head-gear which our popular 2 i/c has been sporting since early in the operations. Partly due to the good-natured pep talk which had been given to Capt Heyland's coy, Bond Sales for the day totalled $2.500 whilst Bn HQ proudly reported $3.500 for 28 subscriptions. The name of Brig. Whitehead was mentioned today in connection with the \"GLEN\" mailing list. Major Ellis having assigned recce patrols to the scouts, \"C\", \"B\" and \"D\" coys and a fighting patrol to \"A\" coy, we prepared to compile the reports for Bde.\n\nWeather - Wind squalls in morning, later fair to cloudy with light showers, heavy occasionally inland. Decidedly a very dirty day with many mud bespattered countenances.\n\nVisibility - proportionately limited.",
    "weather": "Wind squalls in morning, later fair to cloudy with light showers, heavy occasionally inland. Decidedly a very dirty day with many mud bespattered countenances. Visibility - proportionately limited.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 63
  },
  {
    "date": "20 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Heinkelenoord, van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "The 5 CIB Sitrep quite accurately summed up the local conditions as \"generally a quiet night\". Calgary Highlanders reported aircraft overhead during night. Div stated these were our own planes photographing. Patrols met enemy in the usual positions. Jerry is still sensitive to any intrusion but he is not aggressive. There was no enemy action on the Bde front. Major Robinson's \"B\" coy was more explicit in its report, they ran into MG fire, also what seemed to be bazookas. Likewise Capt Lasher formerly with the British Desert Rodents, sent out a fighting patrol armed with a PIAT which fired and hit something substantial. The enemy retaliated with schmeiser and bazooka fire! As soon as patrol results were available, gaxxxxt genial Capt Newman scanned them for new and likely prospects and then proceeded to call down fire. Shelldrake is most co-operative and has the welfare of all of us in mind. As per schedule Capt Stott, Capt Pearson, Lieut Wills (RCCS), Joley (RCA) ¶MCornelli-ous (RCA), minus Hirst(appendage, Coady, Lyster, Soley, Sellar, Thrimmer and the IO left for the LVT Demonstration at Tamise. Once again \"I\" Section came to the rescue. Foresight on the part of Bn HQ enabled the party to have a snack before they set out in the chilly morning. The group thoroughly enjoyed the outing and appreciated the opportunity of exchanging ideas. The RV with the rep from the 11th Royal Tank Regt was in a Belgium cafe and all voted that a more suitable locale could not have been chosen The association with 11th Royals will recall for many the scheme \"TIGER\". The actual scene of the demonstration was at Steendorp some three miles East of Tamise. The event was preceded by a lecture given by Major Tommy Newton-Dunn. The lecturer explained that there are 2 brands of LVT, namely Mark 2 and Mark 4. They were an American invention produced by Ronal Roebling of Tampa, Florida. Major Dunn went on to say that the vehicles had been used in the South Pacific mentioning Guam in particular. The dimensions of the craft are 7 ft, 11 ins by 12 ft, 6 ins. Designed to carry 30 men, full capacity, the craft had been tested and could carry carrier, or a staff car or jeep. Essentially the only difference between the Mark 2 and mark 4 was that the rear of the latter could be let down or raised and the ramp allowed vehicles to disembark. Driven by a force of 350 hp the craft could attain a maximum speed of 5 knots in still water. Manned by a crew of 5 men intercomn between craft was by means of a 19 set. The main characteristics of the craft are (a) its speed (b) its manoeuvrability (c) its presents only a minimum target (d)Vul nerability reduced by light armour and protection provided against small arms but",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 64
  },
  {
    "date": "20 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Heinkelenoord, van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "(e) fighting power limited as the only armament with which it is equipped consists of a Browning machine gun. Employment of the craft was found to be best on grassy, muddy ground - capable of ascending dykes as steep a gradient of approximately 1 in 2 it was noticeably well-balanced. Its best performance in unloading was on to a hard surface. It was found that the use of the craft to travel on hard surface damaged the grousers and the pontoons. Following the lecture the officers present were taken for a trial spin. The Major controlled the run and directed the movements. Emerging from the river it was something of an experience to feel an amphibious vehicle put on a performance usually attributed to a carrier Illustrating the mark 4 rear-drop feature, Major Newton-Dunn hastened to explain that they did not like to expose their sunny side to a landing beach. Two of the craft used were Sterling and Sparrow and in comparing notes with Adjt Capt Dore it was learned that only a little more than a month ago the craft were seen on the coast of Normandy. As a closing note on the subject it is learned that production figures are a very closely guarded secret and in fact there is no pamphlet issued yet. In the interim back at Tac HQ Lt-col. D.G. MacLauchlin, DSO, received a visit from the Brigadier and together they discussed the trend of coming events in the light of the summary of informaion on the South Dutch Islands (appendix)\nWhen the spectators returned from Tamise, group 3 headed by Major Ross Ellis set out. Included in this tour were Capt Heyland, Capt Harrison, Capt Turnbull(RCAMC), Capt Gordon, Capt Teagle, Lt Moffatt, Lt McKinstry, Lt Lefroy, Lt Wilkins and Lt Shoening-\n          The 80 mile round trip was accomplished without mishap, stopping over in Antwerp the sitrep was most colourful and deserving of an appreciation. Equipped with Belgian currency the members of the party had ice cream amid soft lights, music and in view of fair women. Reluctantly, disgruntedly and dejectedly the party returned.\nDuring the afternoon, QM Capt MacDonnell, made one of his regular daily visits and brought along RQMS Duffin. The latter informed us that he was kept quite busy with unit problems and in addition was acting as a Bx CSM and attending to the local defence of Brigade. Scouts were still manning an OP up in Capt Heyland's \"C\" coy area. They did a little sniping just to let Jerry know we were still around. Based on their report Shelldrake provided for a nuisance-target on some positions.\nThe patrol programme for the night arrived and it was decided that \"C\" coy's Heylanders would send out a fighting patrol to be followed up by a listening post. Capt Pearson's patrol responsibility was to send out a recce patrol and concurrently to",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 65
  },
  {
    "date": "20 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelenoord, Van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "maintain a listening post. Capt Lasher's coy was given a respite for the night insofar as patrolling was concerned. Major Robinson's Big Batling \"B\" coy conducted liaison with R de Mais on our left rear. All these tasks were initiated at the CO's discretion based on the experience of previous sorties and local information required. Lt-Col D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, held coy comds meeting at 1900 hrs. Items for consideration were headed by a discussion of the monetary peculiarities attendant to the Dutch currency situation. At the time of writing the economies and mechanisms of the system are still not clear. The problem of Canadian troops wearing enemy clothing was dealt with and it is decided that definite measures must be taken to protect our troops from cases of mistaken identity. As the CO put it \"there is a distinctive smell of Huns\". Even live ones! Pistol-packing privileges for privates were to be denied ifkpriviingaxifarxprinx if the practice of copying officers' dress did not cease, the CO announced next. All ears went up when \"the old man\" informed the coy comds that there were 20 barrels of beer or 660 quarts at 11 guilders each here. The decision reached was that it would be held at Auxiliary Services until the men came out for a rest.\nThe 7th Victory Loan campaign was next on the agenda. Unofficially Lt-Col D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, stated that he would not be at all surprised if the Bn scored $50,000 and in fact reached a top objective of $60,000. It was suggested that a large scale thermometer should be prepared and on it at various levels should be shown a defunct, German weapons incl, a luger a schmeiser, MG 42, Bazooka, and 88 mm. On reading the day's total for the Div it was noticed that there was a $5.00 subscription whereupon jovial Capt Lasher pecuniously declared it as his modest contribution. Much banter ensued and the gist of a sales talk letter from a higher formation which intimated that more interest should be given to the pressing matter of War Bonds was greeted with many comments. Lt-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, warned all \"lead-swingers\" to toss the lead into the lake. Considerable difficulty was experienced in understanding how man any of the Fd Security troops in Antwerp could Quadruple their objectives especially since we saw the prisoners first. It was decided that the Daily Progress of the campaign would appear on the back of the \"Glen\". Some amusement was provided by the CO who related the story of a certain batman which the Brigadier had. It seems the effects of some calvados or cognac filled the orderly with a desire to",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 66
  },
  {
    "date": "20 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelenoord, van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "capture some prisoners. Borrowing the Brigadier's Jeep for the adventure,he started out. Briefly what transferred is that the Brigadier's Jeep landed in LAD and the bat-man in hospital. As a result of the escapade it was felt that a rifle coy was the place for him after his convalescence. In fact he was available to any company in the Bn. There were no bids. The meeting was next informed that there were no vacancies for DRs. Establishment adjustments were then discussed at which time it was stated that reinforcements were quite adequate in number. While discussing coy strengths Lt-Col D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, was heard uttering the paradox that coy comds are always right but they do make mistakes. Apologies followed profusely as a pantomine of Alphonse and Gaston ensued. The system of LOB was next the subject of consideration and it was agreed that the method had proven to be a tower of strength to the Bn. The topic of untrained recruits next occupied the attention of the meeting. The short-age of officers was given some thought. On this subject the CO emphatically stated that the officers who had been NCOs with the Bn and trained along uniform lines were better than any sent. In this connection the names of Lts Wilkins and Schoening were mentioned. On the subject of promotions the CO agreed that Lt Goady was to obtain his Captaincy. Lt Hoy was to be employed as understudy to the A.Tk pl comd. Lt Bacon was to have a choice to remain with \"D\" coy or return to carriers. Capt Teagle was to be acting 2 i/c of \"D\" coy. In discussing the problems involved in running a Bn \"the Old Man\" offered to switch jobs with support coy comd, Capt Stott, who claimed he had no worries. Capt Lasher chimed in cheerily \"ask if it is with pay\". The CO put himself on record by saying that local and intra-battalion personnel arrangements are \"OK\" once they have been arranged. Developing from this the CO expanded on the question of switches before a battle. This was particularly true in the case of new officers coming up. One matter which brought a strong statement from the CO was that the cause is so great nothing must be allowed to shake the morale of the troops. Citations were then discussed. Judging from the all-round performance of CAPT. Pearson's pl of \"D\" coy, half-seriously it was said that the entire platoon should be given an issue of medals for its excellent pl show at the Distillery in Eindhoven. Information was to be obtained concerning the evacuation of a mobile fire controller by Maj Bruce MacKenzie during the show after the crossing of the Turnhout Canal. The CO then related the incident of the Irishman in the last war who won the VC for capturing 22 PW. The award was based more on the answer he gave when they asked how he",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 67
  },
  {
    "date": "20 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelenoord, van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "did it. He replied \"I surrounded them\". The story was told in connection with the performance of two men while we were in the area of Loon Plage. \"I\" Section came in for some reflected glory when their cpl was discussed for his exploit at the Casino and for his incursions in to No Man's land. Further reminiscence included \"A\" coy chasing the German grenade lobber in the yard of a farm. Again the German had booby-trapped a tavern only it was rigged up so that when it went off it blew the side out. Inside they found a Hun laughing himself sick - result he died of lead poisoning. The name of Lt Mike Wood recalled the capture of 14 Huns up a ladder. Before the Coy Comds left the CO discussed the tentative plan of a night operation on Zuid Beveland with penetration to 800-1000 metres in LTVs. The primary object of the task was to knock out the gun positions in the south. Once the bodies were across the roads we would gain use of the channel. In preparation for this R de Mais were to relieve \"B\" and \"C\" coys on the 21st instead of effecting a complete pull-out and then re-entering it. At this juncture the CO blamed himself for accepting Bde assignments for the Bn. General points of information received during the day included the heartening news that the Bn was well up in reinforcements. Casualties were reported as light. At the time of writing only 4 AWL cases were on the list. One or two cases of compassionate leave were being given due consideration. In a lighter vein, there were inquiries concerning Dapt Harrison's proposition to drop by parachute 12½ lbdrs to take Aachen. Capt Cornellious, Capt Reilly, Capt Newman (all RCA) and Capt Harrison have had some great laughs over the brainwave of substituting the 12½ lbdrs for 25 lbdrs. Lt-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, has been getting in his games of cribbage. Capt Newman has been his opponent and from all accounts there have been some battles. The mail situation has been satisfactory to date. The CO has been receiving quite regularly the familiar blue envelope that causes him to beam and exclaim \"That's the one\".\n\nWeather - windy, cloudy with slight intermittent rain and drizzle locally in the morning clearing somewhat in the afternoon.\n\nVisibility - poor.",
    "weather": "Windy, cloudy with slight intermittent rain and drizzle locally in the morning clearing somewhat in the afternoon. Visibility - poor.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 68
  },
  {
    "date": "21 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Heinkelenoord, van den Maegdenberg's Farm",
    "summary": "Our early morning sitrep reported all coys enjoyed very quiet night. No shelling or enemy activity. The sitrep from Bde reported the enemy quiet on the entire Div front. Liaison was maintained with the R de Mais throughout the night. Nothing unusual happened at Tac H until approximately 0830 hrs when a fire broke out in the upstairs portion of the farmhouse. Although everyone worked hard to extinguish the conflagration the forces of man were not sufficient to overcome the powers of chemistry and the house was razed except for one wall. Although the farmer felt bad about his loss he admired the co-operative spirit of the men and officers and appreciated the manner in which they salvaged his furniture and belongings. Pte Sapinsky, carrier driver the Lt-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, suffered a severe hand burn. In the midst of the struggle the coy comds arrived at 0930 hrs as per schedule and Lt-col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, held an open-air conference with them. Our neighbors the R de Mais and our own coys had offered assistance but there was nothing they could do to prevent the development of the fire and it was not deemed advisable to use man-power from the coys. The fire could be seen from Bde and the Brigadier arrived on the scene. Satisfied that the coys were not affected and that Lt-Col D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, was safe he left. Shortly after his departure a representative from Fd Security arrived to take notes concerning the incident.\nCapt Stott and Lt Sellar having recced a new site for Tac H we moved in to Wolfert's Farm at 599189 at approximately 1200 hrs. Despite the morning's excitement morale was very high and the punctual arrival of food heightened the good spirits and business continued as usual. At 1525 hrs Lt-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, held a coy comds meeting at which time it was announced that the Bn was going out of the line and that the reason for it was so that the Bn could enjoy what was strictly a rest period of 48 hrs. It was to be a take over in situation by the RHC and all the supporting arms except the Tor Scots 4.2 were going out. Immediately steps were taken to arrange for picture shows, mobile bath and all the extras to which fighting men look forward. The recce party hied itself off in search of a suitable Bn HQ building and reported that the home of P van Gijn, in Ossendrecht, MR 628166 would be used. The Bn moved out in orderly fashion and no untoward event was reported. The fighting men were lodged in billets and settled down for a good night's rest.\nLt-Col D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, busied himself on the pleasant task of citations. Proud of the staying power of his troops, the CO and 2 i/c were pleased to see the men",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 69
  },
  {
    "date": "21 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelanoord, Wolfert's Farm",
    "summary": "benefitting from a well-earned rest. Major Harrison, 28 Bty 5 Fd Regt, joined us replacing Major Doug Campbell who is now Bde Major, RA, 4 Div HQ and this will relieve Capt Newman,our zealous Arty schemer. We consider ourselves fortunate to be associated with such fine performers.\nHighlights of the day was Scout Officer, Lt Sellar's, triumphant entry to Bn HQ with a Belgium briar pipe. The day also marked the loss of the CO's \"crib\" board. Pte Worrell, the CO's new carrier driver, looks like a very good substitute. The adjt's batman, amiable Pte Brown, was adopted by the hospitable van Gijn family.\nLt MacDonald was evacuated shell-shocked early in the day when an enemy mortar bomb alighted directly on his slit trench.\n\nWeather - Cloudy with intermittent rain and drizzle\n\nVisibility - limited",
    "weather": "Cloudy with intermittent rain and drizzle; visibility limited",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 70
  },
  {
    "date": "22 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Ossendrecht, Home of P van Gijn",
    "summary": "The Bn enjoyed a good night's sleep. No untoward event marred the commencement of the rest period. Reveille was at 0830 hrs. Lt-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, held orders at 0930 hrs. Major Ross Ellis went to Bde at 1000 hrs to attend an admin conference. Lt Sellar busied himself with the Bath Parade. The CO had the coy comds come in for a meeting at which were discussed the subjects of war service gratuities and further citations for gallantry considered in favour of \"D\" coy. Thanks to the efforts of the CO, scout cpl Pullen's application for compassionate leave was approved and he left for rear Div HQ and then to Dieppe for embarkation. At 1330 hrs approx, \"A\" Ech held church service. Due to an oversight some of the Bn were not informed, consequently there was not as large an attendance.\nBrigadier McGill visited Lt-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, at 1350 hrs to confirm the bad news that despite all promises Calgary Highlanders would be going back into the line at 0930 hrs on 23 Oct. Ironical though it may seem the CO discreetly inquired of the Brigadier when the 48 hrs passes would be forthcoming. The Brigadier was quite surprised to learn that some units in the 2nd Div were getting their 48 hr passes. At 1600 hrs Mr Vosde Wael, Burgemeester, of Ossendrecht called on the CO and welcomed him to his borough. The Burgemeester tendered an invitation to his home which the CO accepted. Apart from the exchange of pleasantries the CO mixed a sprinkling of",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 70
  },
  {
    "date": "22 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Ossendrecht, Holland",
    "summary": "business and arranged for an informant to be conducted to Bde on the 23rd. An \"O\" Gp called for 1800 hrs was cancelled when it was learned that Major Ellis would be representing the Brigadier at a Div HQ \"O\" Gp at 1830 hrs. Major Ellis and Capt Newman had been waiting all day for word to go to Antwerp. When word finally did come through it was to go to Div and all plans for the Antwerp excursion were off. Ltcol Lt M.B. Wood, senior LO, and Lt. E.P. Ford went along, the former to take notes for the Brigadier and the latter for the trip. Among those present at the GOC's \"O\" Gp were Brig Cabeldét, 4 CIB, Brig Gauvreau, 6 CIB, A/QRA Lt-Col Dobell, A/CRE Major Hunter, Lt-Col Allway of Recce; Lt-Col Johnson, Tor Scots; OC Sigs Lt-Col Johansen, A&Q Lt-Col Deziel, ADMS Col. Shire and Major Ross Ellis, &.... Maj-Gen Volkes prefaced his orders by announcing that there would be no discussion as to when the operation would take place. However he did invite suggestions and recommended that they be given as early as possible in the course of the introductory phase. The GOC stated that a large scale appreciation had been made of that all risks pertaining to the situation were understood. Regardless, the effort must be tried. The task for 2 Div was set so that before last hour of the 23rd some force would be started out into the South Beveland peninsula. For details of the appreciation of the situation there, see appendix. 6 CIB were to commence operations at first light and complete by noon to secure the dominating ground leading out to the isthmus. Not later than 1400 hrs 5 CIB were to be in position ready to \"Kick-off\" and we were to be on 1 hrs notice from 1200 hrs. It was definitely decided that 5 CIB was released from the liability of the \"boating\" and that it would clear and secure the original task. As far as support was concerned we were to have our full quota of resources but the 6 CIB were to have immediate priority. The fire plan for 5 CIB was to be the same as originally planned and the scheme \"Mac\" was to be carried out as outlined in Appendix. Before closing the \"O\" Gp the GOC added that if 5 CIB succeeded in getting out on the \"neck\" the \"boating job\" might be reassigned to the Bde. Returning to Bn HQ Major Ross Ellis conducted his Bn \"O\" Gp at 2030 hrs and announced that the 6 CIB would attack Woensdrecht at first light and finish up by 1200 hrs and that we would do \"Mac\". He explained that he had gone to Div to represent the Brigadier as the planning staff of 5 CIB were at Axel some 50 miles away! On the reoccupation of the Bn area \"C\" coy returned to its old position. \"B\" coy went to area 5819. \"D\" coy to general 5918 and able coy to locality 5818. 4 CIB were to move through 5 CIB at 240300. It was",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 71
  },
  {
    "date": "22 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Ossendrecht",
    "summary": "arranged that breakfast would be on at 0700 hrs and that the Bn would move on a Tac H basis at 0800 hrs. Capt Ron Kerfoot was to be in charge of the Bde of Mortars, scouts were to work with \"C\" coy. Coys were to have each 5 LCB personnel. After the \"O\" Gp Major Ellis spent some time mentally rehearsing the fire plan with arty, tank, MMG and Mortar representatives. Brigadier McGill dropped in to go over with Major Ellis notes obtained from Div pertaining to the broad plot. Following the usual formal discussion the Brigadier relaxed and spent some time discussing with Lt-Col D.G. MacLauchldn, DSO, and Major Ellis the family life of the Bn. The CO in discussing establishments mentioned that the Calgary Highlanders alwasy kept open the various jobs in the Bn. This brought back to memory the chart Mack Reid compiled showing the Bn on a civilian status. After the Brigadier left, Major Ellis summed up the proposition succinctly by saying \"We go out to get a neck and stick out our neck.\"\nOther incidents of note during the day included the worry over QM MacDonnel who had a bad fall getting out of his jeep. Bde \"I\" Sjt Herd visited Bn HQ to reminisce with \"I\" section. It is learned also that he is on the look-out for a Bde \"I\" Cpl. It would appear that Calgary will be contributing another new member from its ranks. Winter underwear was distributed in the course of the evening. At the Div \"O\" Gp it was interesting to learn that 35 members of a tank crew were away on their 48 hrs leave. Major Ross Ellis scored neatly during his trip to Div. The GOC asked for an outline of the Fire Plan and Major Ellis was able to whip out a copy of the trace, appendix II.\n\nWeather - Fair but cool.\n\nVisibility - good.",
    "weather": "Fair but cool",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 72
  },
  {
    "date": "23 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Ossendrecht",
    "summary": "Bde sitrep reported RHC front much more active on the part of the enemy. Arty was used with good effect, however. Calgary Highlanders enjoyed what was left of their aborted rest period. Marching troops left the area about 0800 hrs. Tac H moved off at 0945 hrs and arrived at its new location 599189 and was set up by 1030 hrs. ABCD were established in their coy areas by 1130 hrs. At 1400 hrs all stations were informed that H hour was 1500 hrs and that the xxxxbxxx attack would be launched as planned. Able coy, under Capt Lasher,\"kicked off\"and sweeping around the left on an end run secured their objective. \"D\" coy, in the hands of Capt Pearson, splitting their force to work some on South and some on the North advanced 300 yds past their SP encountered fairly heavy small arms and were held up. Capt Pearson was hit and Lt Wilkins took over the coy at approx 1326 hrs. \"C\" coy, with Capt Heyland in comd, encountered opposition from their point of MR 595202. Some scouts were sent ahead to clear the house at the point and once this was done arty softened up point xxxxcxnxx xxxxxwxxxdxxxxxxxxxxix 3, while \"C\" coy pushed on and by 1600 hrs were 100 yds short of objective 3, MR (dyke and railroad crossing) 596206. From then on they were pinned down by heavy MG fire and the remnants of 13 and 14 pls dug in on the Eastern side of the dyke while 15 pl took up position Eastward from the crossing. Capt Harrison's carriers were called for and they hustled up to reinforce them. \"B\" coy was called in to help \"D\" coy and they provided 2 pls led by Maj Robinson who went up to get the situation report from the units on the ground. Meanwhile, Capt Heyland asked for permission to bring his pl over to the Western side of the dyke as they were too exposed. This was granted. Two pls from the Black Watch were despatched to reinforce \"A\" coy who by now were thin on the ground. Major Robinson brought up his other pl to strengthen \"D\" coy's area. A patrol from \"B\" and a patrol from \"C\" established a contact to bridge the gap of approx 100 yds. At one time a patrol of Jerries was heard talking in between \"C\" and \"B\" coys. Despite severe opposition by a determined enemy the Bn finally succeeded in clearing area to north of railway all incl 569203 569206, 601213, 598206. Total number of prisoners of war for the day were 9. The problem of evacuating casualties was as acute as ever, but thanks to the Black Watch the task was finally made easier. Food was the next consideration and Capt Stott working hand in hand with the Adjt lined up a programme of feeding. Once again the Calgary Highlanders \"did it\". Supporting arms contributed a large part of the deciding factors but in the long run it took the inf with men on the ground to take and",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 73
  },
  {
    "date": "23 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": true,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelnoord / Wolfert's Farm",
    "summary": "hold the ground. The patrol programme from Bde arrived and it included one contact patrol between ourselves and the Black Watch and a recce patrol along the highway and along the railway in sq 6021 to a limit of road and railway crossing 609218. Lt-Col B.G. MacLauchlan, DSO, stayed at Tac H and was ever ready to lend a hand by invited suggestions or counsel.",
    "weather": "Foggy in morning, cloudy in afternoon. Slight local rain. Cold rainy night. Visibility poor.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 74
  },
  {
    "date": "24 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelnoord / Wolfert's Farm",
    "summary": "2 Cdn Inf Div summed up the situation on the front for the 23rd by stating that attempts to seal off neck of Zuid Beveland Isthmus were met with heavy enemy opposition. Calgary Highlanders attacked with limited success and through stiff hand to hand fighting fought its way into position area 575208 and 598206. Liaison was carried out according to programme but at 0250 hrs \"C\" Coy thought a counter-attack from friendly friends was being launched when the Black Watch tried to take over \"C\" Coys positions. Except for the occasional MG fire on fixed lines and a small amount of enemy movement, our own immediate front quietened down. Major Ellis contented himself with but 2 or 3 hours sleep and at 0345 hrs was on the telephone inquiring if any of the Coys wanted canned food and hard tack to carry in on the attack as \"B\" Coy advanced to area 610220 after \"C\" Coy had taken Bde's Angus 3 or Calgary Highlanders and \"D\" Coy had passed through \"C\" Coy. to meet \"A\" Coy as pre-arranged. Before the operation began, Major Ellis arranged to meet Capt Heyland at \"C\" Coy., H.Q. . At 0811 hrs \"A\" Coy started to move. Bde started to call for progress reports at 0900 and we were able to tell them that \"A\" Coy was on the move and so far had not reported any opposition. At 0925 hrs \"C\" Coy was ready to move. Brigadier McGill put in an appearance at Tac H following his practise of getting first hand information. By 1027 hrs, \"A\" Coy was in a position to report on its objective. Some consternation was caused when arty fire dropped on \"A\" Coy. Major Ellis stopped all mortar and arty. Once this situation was cleared up, \"C\" Coy was able to push on and at 1055 hrs reported having reached pt 45. From Bde came information at 1110 hrs that the 4 Div reported the right flank soft and that our Brigadier was most anxious for a speedy exploitation of Woensdrecht Station. For this task Capt Harrison's carriers were called in",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 74
  },
  {
    "date": "24 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Heinkelenoord, Wolfert's Farm",
    "summary": "and assigned the role of a patrol. It was arranged that \"B\" coy would reinforce the carriers once they reached the station. The carriers, moving dismounted, maintained a link communication with \"C\" coy. At 1144 hrs \"D\" coy reported it was on its objective and one minute later the carriers were moving. \"B\" coy was given the warning order to start moving when the carriers reported able. At 1155 \"A\" coy was dug in. \"C\" coy reported the road 597206 NNE heavily mined. At 1200 hrs \"B\" coy requested a jeep ambulance. SB Lt Gerry Desbiens, 18 Fd Amb, was at Tac H when the call came through and he climbed into his jeep and away he went. \"B\" coy at 1204 hrs requested pioneers to go and clear mines in their area. \"D\" coy next reported 'dug in' at 1213. Capt. Harrison's carriers reached the station at 1220 hours, and Baker Coy started to move at 1230 hours. At 1232 we received a request from Baker Coy for another Jeep ambulance as the other one had been blown up. It developed later on that Lieut. Desbiens had been seriously injured when his jeep ran over a mine. Everyone felt quite badly about the news, as he had done a very good job and was a bright light around. At 1325 hours Baker Coy reached the station. We did not hear from them again until 1350 hours when they advised us that they were being fired on by small arms from their front and that Arty could do a shoot on a position some 500x north of their position. Word had come through from Bde that there would be a Bde Huddle at 1400 hours at the RHC and a Bn Huddle Green at 1500 hours.\nLt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan, DSO announced before going to Bde that he would 'go to bat' for our Battalion which had been given the extra task of Woensdrecht. At the 'O' Group it was learned that the RHC would relieve the Cams of Canada in area 6220. Calgary Highlanders were to reposition the Battalion to cover out front as far as lateral running East and west at 605217. It was admitted that our area would be quite wide and in addition we were to send patrols northward along the railroad as far as grid 24 to the likely Huns positions. The patrol programme for the night included one liaison with the RHC at point 609209 and the balance Recce initiated at the C.O's discretion. The 'O' Group lasted some 20 minutes and then Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan DSO, Major Ellis and the I. O. returned to Tac H. Major Ellis concluded the Huddle \"RED\" which had been corrected from 'Greens. and informed the Coy Commanders of their new positions. Dog Coy was to remain in",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 75
  },
  {
    "date": "24 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland",
    "summary": "position in area of road 5921, Charlie Coy in area of junction 601213, Able Coy on road 606205 with Baker Coy in area 607207. For Baker Coy's protection and fluidity of attack 3 sec. of carriers and 4 six pounders were assigned to them. The MMG Pl was also to work with Baker Coy. Based on the maxim that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure insofar as infiltration was concerned it was agreed that we would police and patrol our area vigilantly and so prevent Jerry from infiltrating. Lieut. Jack McKinstry's pioneers were given the road clearing assignment for the Bn area. Following the Hudd the C.O. held a Coy Commander's meeting at 1515 hours. At this meeting it was reiterated that whenever there was a request for a cancellation of a plan adequate notice must be given well in advance. The C.O. also enumerated several pointers in connection with citations. The 'Old Man' exhorted the Coy Commanders not to be stingy in their praise of the men. He also pointed out that once a recommendation left the Unit it could be considered even if the man died. After an exchange of the usual solicitous inquiries concerning their companies, the C.O. sent the Commanders back to rejoin their men. Food arrived for the Coys and was gratefully received. By 2021 Able Coy reported Charlie.\nThe early evening and the early parts of the night passed without any major occurrence. At 2330 hours an order came through from Bde instructing Calgary Highlanders to occupy the high ground at 6122. The instructions provided for a fighting patrol to follow the Recce Patrol at first light then Able, Charlie and Dog would put in an attack on the objective. Major Ellis was informed and proceeded to Organize and \"O\" Group for 0600 hours 25 Oct 44 and plan his operation.\nThe toal number of prisoners for the day was 13. A check with the RHC revealed that we had passed 48 through their hands during the battle on the previous day. We expressed our thanks for their cooperation.\nThe Intelligence Summary #94 was rather interesting. Briefly on our front it stated that the area 6122 and 6122 was still held by enemy paratroops whose strong resistance was softening. It went on to say also that the enemy was making a limited withdrawal under pressure of bitter fighting. Calgary Highlanders had accomplished a very difficult assignment and Bde was prepared to admit it.\n\nWeather - Fair, varying to cloudy with occasional mist, slight intermittent rain in the afternoon & night\nVisibility - Good in morning and early afternoon deteriorating to poor in late afternoon.",
    "weather": "Fair, varying to cloudy with occasional mist, slight intermittent rain in the afternoon & night. Visibility - Good in morning and early afternoon deteriorating to poor in late afternoon.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 76
  },
  {
    "date": "25 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland 24 & Solfert's Farm",
    "summary": "5 C.I.B. Sitrep as at 250800A reported that Calgary Highlanders Recce patrol bumped enemy and one of his guns. While R de Mais Recce patrol did not go out they found that the enemy were still in the area. It was established that Calgary Highlanders would not remain idle but as usual would push forward. The operation included extension of our position north during the morning. Major Ellis had made arrangements that breakfast should be served at 0645 hours as he had to hold an \"O\" Group at 0600 hours. Promptly at the appointed hour the Coy Commanders came in. The plan for the day was that Able Coy would take the initial objective Wynn area of road and tracks 614222. Charlie Coy, once Able was firm would push through them to Wynn 2, Road and track intersection 612227. Following this Dog Coy would come up and go through Able Coy to area approximately 618223, Wynn 3. Baker Coy was to remain in position in area of Woansdrecht station. H hour was set at 1000 The Coy Commanders saved time by having breakfast at Tac H which was served up mainly by \"I\" Section. The 6 pdr prepared to lace the enemy F.D.L's at from 0945 to 1005 hours. R de Mais on right were contacted and they agreed to engage an area target at Road and track junction 622227, using smoke and H.E. from 1000 hours until asked to stop.\nAble Coy reported starting to move at 0935 hours. By 1018 hours a report came through advising us that they had been held up by our own fire but had started up again. At 1022 hours Dog Coy was on its way. Charlie Coy leading elements were on the start point at 1033 hours. Leading elements of Able Coy were reported as being on their objective at 1207A but were meeting with stiff opposition. The enemy fire was intense but Capt. Heyland, observing their plight when asked if they should be relieved by Baker coy replied that he did not think so. He did say however that he thought the Coy objectives were too far apart. Major Ellis inquired if Charlie Coy could move through Able Coy and widen out from there. He also asked Capt. Heyland if he could make any suggestion to modify the Coy objectives. At 1330 hours Charlie Coy reported that the enemy was still on Able Coy's objective. At 1420 after contending with rifle, MMG and Mortar fire, Able Coy requested that Baker Coy take over its present position as then Able Coy would push on to his objective. With Mortars and even tanks trying to shoot them in, Able Coy was still denied the ground. Capt. Lasher's men really poured lead at the Hun to such an extent at 1551 hours they reported a shortage of ammo and requested that same be sent up as soon as possible. At approximately 1600 hours Able Coy was reported",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 77
  },
  {
    "date": "27 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Woensdrecht, Home of Van Liere",
    "summary": "Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLaughlan, DSO, came up for the afternoon and occupied himself with Admin problems. At 1800 hours a meeting of Coy Commanders was held. The popular topic of 48 hour-leave was discussed. We were informed that accommodation was provided at the Monaco and the Excelsior Hotels in Antwerp and at the Hotels Atlanta and Cosmopole in Brussels. Two officers and ten other ranks from the Bn were to be on leave every 48 hours. Unit transport was to be provided to D.M.A. It was clearly defined that the 48 hours would be exclusive of travel. The accommodation would entail no expense for other ranks but there would be a small charge of approximately 30 francs for officers. Meals were to be provided but they were to be army rations served by the hotel. The first group was to leave on Sunday 29 Oct. Within the Bn it was stipulated that only one Company Commander would be away at a time and 2 i/cs would not be on leave at the same time as their Coy Commanders. Troops on leave would carry no weapons and no ammunition. Major Ellis informed the meeting that the G.O.C. expressed thanks to the Calgary Highlanders for sealing off th isthmus. He had started to say that thanks was due to 5.C.I.B. but changed his remarks to say The Calgary Highlanders. The Group was reminded that the 7th Victory Loan Campaign closed on the 28th Oct and it was requested that a last minute drive be directed towards boosting our subscriptions. The next item on the agenda dealt with Dutch currency. Evidently there is some counterfeit Dutch money in circulation and a warning was issued to beware of accepting it. Apropos cash effects on German currency removed from deceased personnel it was clearly defined that this would not be effective until we were in Germany. It was announced that the issue 10 Guilden-notes were now being recognized. Leaving this subject, the next one brought to the attention of the meeting was that of Hygiene and sanitation. On the matter of letters of condolence which followed, it was reminded that the offical notification from the Government was to be the first word which the next-of-kin were to receive followed by the customary sympathies from the C.O. and Company or Platoon Commanders. The Adjutant, Capt. C. W. Dore then brought up the official word with reference to Compassionate Leave to the UK and explained that leave could be granted for the following 3 main reasons (a) death of next of kin (b) personal and domestic problems (c) pregnancy of the man's common law wife where marriage was to take place prior to the delivery.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 82
  },
  {
    "date": "27 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Woensdrecht, Home of Van Liere",
    "summary": "The C.O. then took over the meeting and discussed with the Coy Commander topics such as nomination for Mentioned In Despatches, reinforcements, Dog Coy's shortage of NCOs, motorcyclists carrying passengers. The C.O. mentioned that for the first time in a long time one case of V.D. had taken a man to hospital. On the subject of citations, Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLaughlan, DSO referred to one individual who had earned an award and that the matter was held up because someone had not yet turned in an account of it. The man had a lengthy crime sheet and we had been quick to condemn. It was felt we should be equally quick to recognize his good qualities. The C.O. remarked that some \"A\" Echelon personnel required a touch of realism and he seriously considered sending them into the front lines. Capt. Dore advised all concerned that there was to be another bottle of whiskey for every W.O., Sgt and officer. For the men there was to be a free issue of beer as the C.O. was convinced that some 'skulldruggery behind our backs in front of our faces' had been going on. The meeting was interruped with the news that Bergen-Op-Zoom was in Allied hands, also that Brig Gouvreau had been seriously injured. The balance of the session was spent speculating on the aftermath of both subjects also in an exchange of stories. One of Major MacKenzies' men, a negro, when asked why he always 'packs' a Schmeiser replied \"Ah only lises dis enemy weapon, when Ah is shakin hands wif the enemy\". Major Ellis referred to the excellent spirit in the Battalion. In the morning he had overhead a Lance Corporal briefing a section. When the very junior NCO came to the end of his \"orders\" he added ———— \"and smile when you go up the hill\". When Capt. Lasher heard the C.O. relate how one German prisoner had been found to have two wooden legs, he said he would put in for it as his limp was wearing out his good foot. All Coy Commanders agreed that Jerry was using the white flag ruse as a means of getting a breather because they had seen the flag go up, stay up for a short while, no sign of surrender, the flag lowered and the battle continued. Major MacKenzie commented on the pluck of one of his signallers, especially his reaction to small arms fire from a tank, when he was heard to express himself \"Hm, guess I'll duck. This same man when Jerry was mortaring contacted control and asked \"May I go off the air - Reaon - To dig in\". During the morning this same signaller had been detailed by Major MacKenzie to capture a civilian prisoner. His resentment knew no bounds as he complained he was never given an opportunity to out to get a real live",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 83
  },
  {
    "date": "27 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Woensdrecht, Holland",
    "summary": "Jerry, Major Ellis told one on Capt. Heyland. During the grim conflict on the previous day Capt. Heyland had occasion to use some strong language. Major Elli's operator could not make out the epithets and called back over the \"blower\" \"all distorted, say again\". The C.O. brought Baker Coy into the limelight when he declared that Sgt. Hatley was to be treated to a drink for capturing a Jerry ambulance. Before closing, Dog Company once again clamored for attention when, Major MacKenzie produced a 'billet-doux' from a facetious scribbling Hun who had left the note in a building on Dog Company's objective. It read as follows:- Dear Tommy. If you get this room, thought to that, that you after a short time, go to the heaven. With the best heartfully wishes. Yours Fritz (see appendix).\nRum was produced and the meeting closed. Freed from the responsibility of patrols and secure in the knowledge that we would have at least 24 hours rest, the Battalion proceeded to get an early night's sleep.\n\nWeather - Chilly and damp with some rain, at night.\nVisibility - Fair",
    "weather": "Chilly and damp with some rain, at night. Visibility - Fair",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 84
  },
  {
    "date": "28 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Woensdrecht, Holland",
    "summary": "Bde's sitrep announced that the enemy had completely withdrawn from our front and with one squadron of 8th Cdn Recce Regt holding the line of road 635234, 625234, 612234 the Bde was now concentreated in area 6221. The night was undisturbed and the Bn profited from a good night's rest. Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan DSO, 2 i/c Major Ellis and the I.O. went to a Bde \"O\" Group at 1020 hours. Brigadier McGill informed us that we were going out west to join the \"party on the peninsula. For details of the movement a route card was provided as usual. See Appendix. The concentration area for the 5th Bde was to be on the far side of the South Beveland Canal. Initially the task for the 5th was to capture the city of Goes. The time depended on the availability of the road bridge across the Canal and was set tentatively for 1500 hours. Brigadier McGill summed up the situation succinctly when he said \"we start to move before we know where we are going\". The Unit Recce parties were to head for Kruiningen 4223 Sheet 15 SW. It was understood that the roads present something of a difficulty in the area of the peninsula and that there was no allowance for deployment and that the heavy rain and high westerly winds might have increased inundations. The roads on top of the dykes were also",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 84
  },
  {
    "date": "28 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Woensdrecht, Holland",
    "summary": "narrow, consequently transport was to be limited. No unit A/T Guns were to be taken. It was felt that there would be considerable use for the Mortar carriers and the T-16 which could be used to carry ammunition. It was suggested that carriers be used in lieu of 15 cwt trucks. Weasels were to be held in a Bde pool and the Brigadier promised to get a pre-allotment of them. The Weasels were considered ideal for getting F.O.Os and wireless sets across mudddy and other difficult terrain or water. The order of March of the Bde: RHC, Rde Mais, Bde and the Calgary Highlanders.\nThe method of attack involved 4th Bde completely crossing the South Beveland Canal. If the crossing was satisfactory the plot would be to push RHC through Kloetinge MR 3429, sheet 14 SE and then on to Goes MR 3329. At the same time R de Mais would go south of Heer Hendrick-kinderen 3129. If any road-blocks were encountered, the policy was to get round by going wide without transport and leaving the area a bit untidy on the principle that Jerry packs up when he sees a pocket being formed.\nReturning to Bn HQ, 2 i/c Major Ellis issued his orders covering the move. Order of March, Baker, Dog, Bn HQ, Able, Charlie and Support.\nWord came through from Brigade that we were on a half-hours notice from 1300 hours. The route card arrived and at one time we expected to leave at 1644 hours. Major Ellis was kept busy going back and forth to Bde. Finally, at 1834 hours we left Woensdrecht, nosing our vehicles in the convoy and tagging on to the end of Brigade, and so we proceeded to cross the isthmus, to South Beveland.\nIn the early part of the night the convoy moved along uninterruptedly and with lights on, it reminded one of a Saturday night on 8th Ave. in Calgary during the pre-war days. The move was not completed without incident, as, due to traffic congestion, we were held up on at least two occasions. Vehicles of every description were on the road going and coming.\nCapt. Stott and Lieuts. McKinstry and Sellar gone on ahead to recce the town of Sohore 4024, sheet 15 SW, but due to the prevailing heavy traffic and the resultant bottleneck at the bridge, Bde decided to harbour us in Kruiningen. This meant a desperate last minute recce and they did an excellent job of locating accommodation and parking space.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 85
  },
  {
    "date": "28 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Kruiningen",
    "summary": "The site for Bn was the Church at #36 Niewstraat. Major Ellis held an \"O\" Group and outlined the move for the next day. The order of March was to be Baker, Dog, Bn HQ, Able and Charlie, our first objective was Schore 4024 sheet 15 SW. Dispersal had been orderly and by 2300 hours the bulk of the Bn was bedded down. Only cookers and \"I\" section could be heard in the still of the night.\nThe rum issue had been distributed thanks to the efforts of Capt. Stott and Lt. Keller. The Bn had departed from a principle of never establishing itself in a church, but under the circumstances it was a last resort.\nR.S.M's Bowen's batman, we learned, has a fool-proof system of reminding the RSM when his fees are due - by simply letting the RSM miss a meal.\n\nWeather - Fair to cloudy with intermittent drizzle in the afternoon, rain showers at night.\nVisibility - Good to poor in proportion to weather.",
    "weather": "Fair to cloudy with intermittent drizzle in the afternoon, rain showers at night. Visibility - Good to poor in proportion to weather.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 86
  },
  {
    "date": "29 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Kruiningen",
    "summary": "During the early hours of the morning, Bde kept calling to change the hour for the move. It was finally set at 0745 hours, ie. transport to be at the Canal Bridge and 0830 hours for marching troops. Reveille was at 0530 hours and spirits were high despite the cold and the early hour. The ration of rum did much to dispel the chill.\nThe convoy formed up once again and was in motion by 0700 hours. Movement was slow as accommodation across the canal bridge was restricted. The carriers had to be ferried across. We arrived in Schore at approximately 1030 hours. Major Ellis was fortunate in securing a room in a house east of the Church. When the area had been reconnoitred the previous night, the town had been divided into two to accommodate the Black Watch and ourselves, but when we arrived, lo and behold it was to hearn that RHC and R de Mais occupied the whole town. We were obliged to line our vehicles along the main street in front of the Church. RHC and R de Mais fighting troops were ahead movingly swiftly and meeting no opposition. One civilian source stated that the enemy had retreated the previous night. During",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 86
  },
  {
    "date": "29 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Sheet 15 SW, Schore 4024",
    "summary": "the move Major Ellis had been to Bde to receive instructions concerning the Black day's operations and as he was holding an \"O\" Group and wanted some information concerning the Black Watch's progress, he sent the I. O. to contact them. In the meantime Major Ellis was called to Bde and received last minute information on the situation. At approximately 1130 hours, much to the amazement of the Battalion, Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan, DSO was seen, almost in tears, bidding farewell to the officers and men. Amid much sputtering and exclamations of surprise, the men wished him God speed. At 1145 hours Major Ellis briefed the Coy Commanders for the next move. He informed them that The Calgary Highlanders would follow the Black Watch's axis to Goes.\nThe order of March for the approach, Baker, Dog, Able and Charlie. It was pre-arranged that the Battalion would move until it bumped opposition, at which time a more comprehensive study of the land would be made. Arty tasks were to be engaged by sight and suspect. The start time was to be 1315 hours if possible, which allowed 25 men for all companies to feed and be on the move. As Major Ellis had thoughtfully made the proviso that all companies were to be fed before we moved, we did not leave Schore until 1342 hours. We moved along at varying speeds, reporting our progress regularly to Bde. The code name for the operations were dedicated to Highland Units and it was quite agreeable to hear such terms as Sporran, Kilt, etc. Major Ellis attended a Tac H Bde \"O\" Group. Themhe, Capt. Stott and his driver went into Goes. At 1500 hours, our dynamic, whirling go-getting A/C.O. called a Huddle en route at point 363265. At this juncture we learned that the 4th Bde was going through Gravenpolder and swing round north west. With RHC and R de Mais out in front of us we were to tidy up area south of this Axis of advance. When we reached Goes we were held up by heavy gun fire. Tac HQ was set up off the road which lines the Canal and we remained at this point 335295 until 1825 hours. Once Arty had disposed of the obstruction Tac H picked and headed for village Heer Hendrikskinderen. The Coys were set up in areas 2426, 2629 while Bn HQ was established in a house at 311296 which had just recently been been vacated by some German officers. Communications with the Coys presented the major problem of the night.\nWeather - clear and sunny until late afternoon when it hailed. night brigh and cool. Visibility - Good.",
    "weather": "Clear and sunny until late afternoon when it hailed. Night bright and cool. Visibility - Good.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 87
  },
  {
    "date": "30 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland",
    "summary": "During the early hours of the morning A/Co Major Ellis went to the Bde to learn more about the situation on our front. Our objective had originally been to the western end of South Beverland but it was learned that we would be going over to Walcheren Island if possible.\nAt 0825 hours the Bn left Heer Henderikskinderen and head for Heer Grendskerke where we set up a temporary Bn H.Q. in a store at MR 284286 on the main street. Able, Baker, Charlies and Dog moved in to areas 263294, 249297, 262297, 245295 respectively and once they were firm Bn H.Q. moved to farm at 252287.\nAt a Bde Huddle held at 1400 hours it was learned that the Essex Scottish were to establish a Bridgehead at the end of the Causeway 2030. This was to occur at high tide the night of the 30 Oct 44. The function of 5 C.I.B. would be to exploit Essex's Success by taking Middleburg and \"taking a poke\" at Flushing. The method involved dividing the objective into 2 main areas and making it 2 operations in succession, first The Calgary Highlanders, then R.H.C. The approach to Middleburg, seemed to be limited to the use of assault boats. It was thought that one company of the Calgary Highlanders would be sufficient to clean up Middleburg. If this took time, then R de Mais were to through us.\nThe time was estimated at first light 31 Oct 44 plus 2 hours.\nOn his return to Bn H.Q. at 1525 hours A/C.O. Major Ellis informed his Coy Commanders of the Brigadier's intention. He explained that Middleburg was something of an island and with its high ground dominated the surrounding area. If we did take on Middleburg successfully R de Mais would not have to cross over. The Battalion was to be on 2 hours notice from 0630 hours. Weasels and assault boats were to used. Companies were warned to prepare to \"man-carry\" the ammunition for the crossing. Coy Commanders reassembled at 1815 hours to discuss latest developments. They were informed that R.H.L.I. would be crossing at high tide the 31st instead of the Essex. The Calgary Highlanders were still to play their part. The General plan was clear. Once over onto the island, Coy Commanders appreciating local conditions, would be responsible for some quick planning. If stiff opposition was encountered, the deliberate planning on the party of the Battalion would follow based on whether there was a wide or a narrow Bridgehead. To cope with such eventualities, it was decided that the Bn \"O\" Group would travel at the head of the column.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 88
  },
  {
    "date": "30 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland",
    "summary": "News of the day consisted of word that Capt. Sandy Pearson was in England and that Lt. Art Rice Jones was faring quite well.\nLieuts Jack McInstry, Pioneer Officer came in to prominence when he reported capturing 5 robot tanks.\nThe South Beveland national costume worn by women provoked considerable interest.\nWith patrolling at a minimum and confined largely to liasion, the Battalion profited from the absence of immediate contact with the enemy to rest up as much as possible. \"I\" Section as usual was swampted with work.",
    "weather": "Fair to cloudy. Visibility - Poor with mist and local fog in the morning, improving gradually from moderat to good.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 89
  },
  {
    "date": "31 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland",
    "summary": "Nothing unusual occurred during the early hours of the morning. However, I Section worked until the small hours of the morning, preparing maps and air photos. Local liaison was maintained. The Battalion was on a one-third stand-to, and with Reveille at 0800 hours the majority enjoyed a good night's rest.\nA Bde \"Huddle\" Red was called for 1000 hours. A/C.O. Major Ellis, 5 Fd RCA - Major Harrison, and the I. O. attended. Brigadier McGill announced that the plan for 2 Div had been changed early in the morning. He explained that the Royal Regiment of Canada was established at the eastern end of the Causeway and that there were no apparent signs of mines. The RHC were moving one Coy to push a strong fighting patrol on to the other side of the Causeway to get a Bridgehead on Walcheren Island. The main plot was therefore to establish by first light a Bridgehead area. We were informed that there were storm-boats available for the actual assault. Moreover a Field Coy from Corps troops would arrange to deliver them. It was thought that the initial assault would be made just before high water , ie. midnight as this period it measured 14 ft. the hightest level for the month. H hour could not be set at a definite time. It was decided however that The Calgary Highlanders would initiate the Bridgehead as phase 1. In phase 2, the R de Mais would be ferried across to the Bridgehead and would assault North from the line of the railway (sheet 14 NW). The 3rd phase involved [entry cut off]",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 89
  },
  {
    "date": "31 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland",
    "summary": "an exploitation by the Calgary Highlanders to the edge of Arnemuiden,. The Inter-Battalion boundary was to be the railway. Naturally the plan was subject to change or amendment. The allotment of storm boats to the Divsion was 35 and they were all available for The Calgary Highlanders. We were informed also that the Bde had all the Weasels on hand. Arty wireless was to be packed the same way as in Exercise Kate. The function of the Weasels was (a) as an essential wireless-line after the assault (b) for build-up of ammunition. The plan was to have men carry some extra ammunition over and the dump it when they landed. As far as the 3\" mortar and 4.2 mortars, they were to remain in South Beveland. A Mortar representative to travel with each Bn.\n\nFire support, briefly was to consist of barrage or time concentration, made up of a series of stonks. For this purpose 4 Field Regts could be available. Unit Commanders were to advise Brigade at 1315 hours what fire support was required. No A/T Guns and no carriers were to be taken over. MMG were to be used to neutralize the enemy on the right and the left flanks. A troop of tanks was to be on hand to support the daylight exploitation to Arnemuiden.\n\nStorm Boat Troop Commanders and Flotilla Commanders were to contact us at 1700 to rehearse carrying dryshod. Major Carsen, RCE was to contact us re lights and markers. Major Ellis suggested that the initial landing be staged as originally planned and that it included the use of LVTs. The Brigadier explained that there were none on hand. The plan then was that if the Black Watch were successful, then the Calgary Highlanders would \"swoosh\" through to Arnemuiden and R de Mais would have no set task, until later. The Brigadier said he expected the \"form\" would be definite about 1400 hours. And therefore there would be an \"O\" Group at 1500 hours.\n\nBefore leaving Bde A/C.O. Major R. L. Ellis had phoned to the Adjt. to have the Coy Commanders assembled. They were waiting when we arrived and were given the proposed plan.\n\nAt 1300 hours A/C.O. Major Ross Ellis was on his way again to Bde to talk over the Fire paln for the night's operations.",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 90
  },
  {
    "date": "31 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland, Farm at 25287",
    "summary": "Leaving Bde at 1500 hours our \"swash buckling\" swoosher A/Co. returned to Tac H to hold a meeting of Company Commanders. Representatives of the the Corps Troops, Fd Coy were on hand to put Baker Coy through its paces in handling the assault boats. Instructions were given to Ptes Thompson and Fox as they were to drive the Weasels. As the definite plan for crossing had not yet been formulated, discussion centred more on the subject of the attack once we had landed on Walcheren Island. Scout officer Lieut. Sellar had gone up ahead to study the situation from close angles and to observe and report on the Black Watch progress. He found that they were held up due to heavy enemy resistance from Mortar, MMG and heavy guns.\nDuring Major Ellis' visit to Bde the Coy Commanders went up to Recce the area 2130. The Bn. O Group was cut short as Major Ellis again had to return to Bde to attend further briefing on the subject of the crossing.\nAfter supper the Coy Commanders returned to Tac H to get the final picture. At 1830 hours Major Ellis broke the news that there would be no \"boating\", but that we would cross the Causeway on foot at 2400 hours. The order of approach was to be Baker, Dog, Able and Charlie and eventually Tac H.Q. Baker Coy was to cross the start point at 2400 hours, ie. set foot on the eastern extremity of the Causeway, Baker Coy was to move offr from its Coy area at 2245 hours and the other Coys were to gauge their time from the leading Coys. The inital plan was that Baker Coy would traverse the Causeway and fan out North, South and West to include the area from 202300 to 203306. Dog Coy was to pass through Baker and go South to area 197294. Once these two had signalled their success, then Able Coy was to be on its way to area 199313. Charlie Coy was then to push through Baker to area 194304. At first light Baker was to go through Charlie to the village of Arnemuiden, followed by Charlie which would base its move on Able Coy securing second objective at 190315. Mobile Fire Controllers were to operate with Charlie, Dog, and Able. A section of pioneers was allotted to Baker, Dog and Able. Bde arranged to procure for us the Mortar Platoon of the Camerons. And together with the Black Watch and our own an comprehensive fire plan was outlined. The bulk of the Support before and during the crossing was to be provided by Arty, Bofors, Medium Arty and 4.2 Mortars and to start at H - 20. The code word 'Robin' was to be used to notify Arty that three Companies had crossed and that Charlie Coy was on its way over. Major Ellis stated",
    "weather": null,
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 91
  },
  {
    "date": "31 Oct 44",
    "date_inferred": false,
    "date_span": null,
    "place": "Holland",
    "summary": "that he would hold another Huddle before pushing north. The sequel to our operation was that R de Mais would follow us and enlarge the Bridgehead Southward. In the meantime the 157 British Div would come up from the south. Advance Tac H was to be mobile with Major Ellis directing operations from a Weasel. Rear Tac H was to be established at the same locale as that occupied by RHC namely Farm at 224294.\nCapt. Clarke caused certain consternation when he announced at 2145 hours that his Coy was on the move. One other Company took up the signal and started to \"Green\". After a few humourous exchanges on the blower, Major Ellis finally succeeded in halting the column. The explanation was that the men were suffering from sore feet and it was decided that it would be a help to have them move early and slowly so as to be on the start line on time with a minimum of effort. Promptly seizing advantage of the situation, Major Ellis had Capt Clarke and his Pl Commanders in to Tac H for a last minute briefing. The Black Watch having had an unpleasant time all afternoon and night was thinning out to allow us in. Promptly at 2340 hours as per schedule the Fire Programme unfolded and it was quite spectacular. By this time Tac H was in position and a 'going-concern'. At 2350 hours Baker Coy once again started its listeners by announcing \"Baker Coy reports Merry Christmas\".\nAt 2400 hours Baker Coy started out along the Causeway. While every one waited almost with bated breath for their first report.\nItems also worthy of mention during the day included a visit by Capt. Percy to Tac H where his word of good cheer was very appropriate. In his usual customary thoughtful way he brought some cigarettes.\nMajor D. K. Robertson came up the Battalion and sat in on Major Ellis' \"O\" Group. Our efficient and hard working Adjutant, Capt. Dore brought up some liquid cheer in the form of 2 bottles of Cognac per officer.\nCapt. Newman, our very good Arty fellow-worker put in an appearance once again eager to go to work.\nMore than one remarked that Jerry would not forget the Hallowee'n party which the Calgary Highlanders calculated to put on for Jerry's benefit!\nWeather - Generally overcast with local intermittent drizzle\nVisibility - Poor generally",
    "weather": "Generally overcast with local intermittent drizzle. Visibility - Poor generally.",
    "no_change": false,
    "source_page": 92
  }
]