# Calgary-Highlanders_War-Diary_Sep44_olmocr
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## Page 7

1 Sep — France / Totes / MR / Sheet / Ste. Foy / MR 2553 / Sheet 861
Hour: 44

After an excellent night's sleep and a few eggs purchased from local inhabitants
of our Bn area, slightly on the outskirts of Totes, we found ourselves on the move,
once again, northwards to Ste Foy. Ste. Foy is approx 7 miles south of Dieppe and we
moved in a very orderly manner via Longueville 2353.
We were greeted by great hand clapping, showers of grand flowers and food as we
passed along the route, even at the early hour of 0630hrs.
At approx 0930hrs we arrived in the little village of Ste. Foy, east of
Longueville.
Capt. Mark Tennant, once again as recce party officer, had our area laid out
completely and we moved into our respective places. The civilians simply swamped us
and the next few hours were very enjoyable ones.
In Bn HQ we were very fortunate in having part of an occupied home as HQ and the
inhabitants couldn't do enough for the comfort of the officers of HQ. Madame even
roasted a grand rabbit and cooked chicken and this was greatly enjoyed by those concerned.
At 1130hrs Bde held an "O" group in order to give the C.O. his orders to attack and take
a section of the city of Dieppe and to move forward with the RBC doing the same move-
ment of the right flank.
Just as those orders were given, word arrived that the 4th Bde, assisted by the
6th Bde, had just "moved in" to Dieppe and little or no opposition.
Our orders then were to sit tight and remain in our present area of Ste. Foy.
The afternoon was spent cleaning up and at 1930hrs word came for another meeting
at Bde.
Good news this time because we are to move into Dieppe in the morning and con-
centrate with 3 days off work. The only thing we are to do is prepare for a March Past
during the second day and General Crerer, Army Commander, is to take the salute.
We are to move tomorrow morning sometime and the hour will be settled later.
And so to bed for a good night's rest.

Remarks: H
13
W

Weather Fair and warm

## Page 8

2 Sep 44 — France / Ste. Foy / MR 2553 / Sheet SEL / Neuville les / Dieppe (out- / skirts Dieppe) / MR 2466 / Sheet

We moved from Ste. Foy to Neuville les Dieppe around 0930hrs and found ourselves
passing through heavily mined and fortified areas.
Jerry sure intended to hold the town from the appearance of everything. He has
made "mincemeat" of all his pill boxes, etc. by demolitions and generally made a mess
of the docks and quays.
Our area is a Former German defended locality and as is usual our Bn HQ is in a
former German HQ building. Somehow we always manage to do this same thing and many
times it hasn't proven very wise, anyway.
We are not in defense yet anyway and all occs and ecpt are in their own groups
and in no way dispersed other then freedom of movement. To-day was proclaimed a
holiday by Division and the day is to be spent on cleaning up and maintenance.of
vehicles is practically the only work going on. To-morrow all Dieppe veterans are to
attend a memorial service at the Canadian Dieppe Cemetery. In the afternoon is our
March Past for General Montgomery. Of course is the normal confusion over this issue.
Example - webbing - re-webbing off, soft hats worn - tin hats worn. This will all
straighten itself out before to-morrow.
One thing we are still assured of is our three day rest and everybody is keeping
their fingers crossed.
Dieppe is not "out of bounds" and the troops may go into town providing they are
home by 2200hrs. It is quite OK though because there is nothing to buy nor anything
to drink. Quite a safe bet for the powers that be in making this decision.
The balance of the day was very quiet and no excitement.

Remarks: / 3

Weather Fair and warm, rain later in the day.

## Page 9

3 Sep — France / NEUVILLE les / DIEPPE / MR 2568 / Sheet

To-day started off as another very dull Sunday but brightened up as the day
progressed. Our Battalion church parade was postponed until this evening, due to
several intervening things.
At 1000hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan, accompanied by Major Ross Ellis, went
to the Dieppe Canadian Cemetery to attend a memorial service at 1100hrs. A 15cwt
truck also went from the Bn, taking along the few remaining chaps in the Bn who took
part in the Dieppe attack in 1942.
Information received reports the service to have been very nice and many lads are
very sorry that they missed the opportunity of attending. Unfortunately only
a limited number could be allowed and the space was reserved for those who had
taken part in the Dieppe battle two years ago.
At 1200hrs the Bn formed up under 21C, of Major Robinson, and for a change we
were placed into sixes. Reason for sixes is the limited arm for the whole division
in the city and the column would be too long for the march past if formed up in
normal column or rows.
At 1300hrs the Bn moved off on foot down hills and across the foot bridge in the
canal and then uphill to the high road running north and south on the west side of
Dieppe. It was a long hot march and yet it really was well worth the effort. It was
a very impressive column of troops who passed through the cheering throngs of
civilians along the streets and to see General Greer take the salute from those battle
scarred veterans. A noticeable thing was the "eyes left" instead of the usual "eyes
right".
On arrival beck in the Bn areas around 1600hrs and then another glorious supper
of the proverbial "stew".
At 1800hrs Padre Percy held a church service in the football field to our rear
and there was an excellent attendance, purely voluntary of course.
The balance of the evening was very quiet with only a very few of the lads going
into town where one little drink was unobtainable.

Remarks: 12
13

Weather Sultry and rain later

## Page 10

4 Sep — France / NEUVILLE LES / DIEPPE / MR 24.68 / Sheet
Hour: 44

The main topic for the morning is "stragglers parade" to the mobile bath. As per
normal we have to travel 10 miles from the present area to the site of the baths.
This time we have to travel 10 miles into 4 Bde area, past the Dieppe Canadian Military
Cemetery. A stragglers parade is necessary to-day because of a breakdown in operations
at the baths yesterday.
From all appearances we shall complete our 3 days rest and we may possibly be
lucky enough to get an additional 24 hours.
The Coys carried out training to-day along battle drill lines. Section and platoon
movements were taught to the new men and we are taking care that every moment is put
to good use.
Major Warren, our dental officer, was kept very busy during the day making
adjustments to the odd tooth and he has helping hmy Capt. Sproule with another mobile
dental office.
Capt Lannan our auxiliary services officer was alsokept busy and is planning
another show for the boys to-night.
Capt. Roy Higgins, our paymaster, paid a small number of the boys to-day and it
sure is a pity there is nothing to spend any on around town. When "Roly" shows up,
around the En area, it is a sure sign that the base hospital is ahead of us.
This morning we received 138 ORs and 2 officers as reinforcements. The officers
are Lieut. Carl Salles and Lieut. H. Podelesuk. We are slowly getting back to strength
with the arrival of this group.
During the evening there was a movie at the RAP HQ given by the Aux Services
entitled "Jack London". The area was quiet and many of the lads climbed into bed real
early, still trying to catch up on lost sleep.
At 1800Hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan held a company commanders meeting and
problems of personnel and equipment were discussed at length. The C.O.
also covered "Wood Clearing" and "Passage Through A Wood" as a refresher and carried
this out in a very able manner. Foret de Maislette is the reason for this
refresher and the C.O. used the RHC as an example for us to follow in this respect.

Weather Fair and warm, slight rain later.

## Page 11

5 Sep 44 — France / NEUVILLE Les / DIEPPE / MR 2468 / Sheet

The Battalion carried on with special training for the benefit of the new per-
sonnel throughout the day. This training consisted of section and platoon battle-
drill and some Bren guns which had just been repaired were tested for efficiency.
Major S.O. Robinson, our 2i/c, located an area where the P.I.A.T. could be fired
and those personnel who had not as yet fired the weapon were put through their paces.
During the day Briz. McGill visited Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan and reassured
us that we would move some time during the latter notion of the day. This move is an
expected one and we are in no way surprised by it.
At 1700hrs the C.O. attended a conference of C.Os. at Main Div HQ, where
problems and tactical lessons learned, were discussed. At 0645hrs the C.O., while
at Div, was informed that we were on one hour's notice to move and at the same time
the Bn was warned through the Rne.
Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan came back to the Bn at once and in the meantime
Major own Ellie had the Bn in preparation. Troubles galore arose because many
of the lads had gone down town into Dieppe for the evening and all means of
communication were used to "herd" all the boys together and back into our own area,
to await final orders to move.
The C.O. held an "O" Group and put all in the picture, including supporting arms
who had by now joined us again after their rest. We were to have T.C.V.s, and this is
what caused an ensuing delay. The T.C.V.s became lost and at 2330hrs, our "H" hour,
with the companies to lead, there still were no T.C.V.s. "H" hour was pushed back
a half hour three different times and at 0100hrs they had arrived and we were on our
way. Our ultimate objective is Zeebrugge, north of Bruges in Belgium, and near the
Dutch border.
We are on the "no sleep" list once again.

Remarks: (M)

Weather Rain and cool

## Page 12

6 Sep 44 — France / NEUVILLE LES / DIEPPE / MR 24 68 / Sheet / MONTREUIL / MR 7725 / Sheet / NORDAMQUES / MR 001850 / Sheet / ST. FOLQUIN / MR 0675 / Sheet

To-day the Battalion travelled many miles, in two steps, over pretty countryside
and through villages teeming with seemingly sincere populace. The total distance
amounts to 116 miles from Dieppe to St. Folquin.
We started at 0100hrs and by 0900hrs We were in an area close to Montreuil. The
trip was a fairly trying one for everyone concerned because we took one particular
right turn in Bn instead of a left turn and had to travel a few miles extra, through
Beaucampes then northwards to get back on our own route,
When we arrived in the area we were greeted by breakfast and then one and all,
except the C.O., Adj t. I.O., and recee party officer, Capt. Mark Tennant, curled up
in a blanket and scored a few hours sleep. This movement was a very popular one
because of the fact, we had no sleep whatever, last night. Our stay here proved to be
fairly short however because after an early get up at Bde we were warned to move by 1300
hrs to the area of the town around Bourbourgville.
Capt Mark Tennant and his recee party once again preceded us and prepared the new
Bn position. The balance of our trip was quite uneventful except for the overwhelming
hospitality of the French civilians as we passed through the towns and villages. The
Dieestel Theels the town of Folquin is the best one yet, because along with many
others in the Bn, including C.O. and Maj Lyn, they had kisses blown at them
from very beautiful Misses and Miles. Why a pity we had to move on.
At no time during the trip did we contact the enemy. From all appearances he has
drawn back a great deal.
At the cross-roads in Nordamques the battalion has debussed and due to a very
grave mistake on the part of the I.O. the Bn took a right turn once again by mistake,
this time, instead of going straight ahead.
After travelling some 2 miles in the wrong direction Brig. McGill ordered the
RHC, who were following us, to halt and had just reached the cross-roads still embussed, to pass
through to the correct objective along the correct route.
The I.O. certainly holds his head high since along the route he had marked was
taken directly from the Brig map and certainly should have been right. However it
wasn't and the I.O. will go down in history as the cause of a lot of concern for the
C.O.
At 1900hrs the RHC started up thus to take Bourbourgville and to be followed
by the R de Mais who will curl up at St. Folquin slightly west of Bourbourgville.
In the meantime, in order to clear the way for the RHC, we were curled up on both
sides of the correct axis of advance.

Remarks: 15

## Page 13

6 Sep 44 — France / NEUVILLE LES / DIEPPE / MR 2468 / Sheet / MONTREUIL / MR 7725 / Sheet / NORDMAQUES / MR 001830 / Sheet / ST. FOLQUIN / MR 0675 / Sheet

The minutes dragged into hours and we were finally told to stay in this curled up
area until morning and then move to St. Folquin at first light. By this time we were up
all fit to kill somebody because it was 0300hrs and raining very hard.
When Bn HQ arrived at their temporary area we found a group of farm buildings and
in one corner a pile of straw. It did not take long to find everybody curled up in
this priceless bedding and away into dreamland for a little rest before the move at
first light to-morrow morning.
Weather Cold with rain

Remarks: (S)

7 Sep 44 — France / ST. FOLQUIN / MR 0675 / Sheet / BOURBOURG-VILLE / MR 1175 / Sheet

At first light, amidst pouring rain, the Bn moved northwards a few kilometres to
St. Folquin. Our new area was situated in the tiny village completely surrounded by
evil smelling flood land and bordered on one side by a canal. All of the fields from
Nordmaques to here, and on to Bourbourgville are completely inundated with water
varying in depth from a few inches to several feet. The Hun had blown the dykes in
many places. Our first greeting was that everything in the inundated vicinity had
been mined and although the roads were reported clear, there were no chances.
We took up headquarters in an occupied farm house and the companies tightened in
around the neighbouring farms and houses. The people were overwhelmingly nice to us
and, as in most cases, they couldn't do enough for us.
Bn HQ was fortunate in being treated as guests in the home of a farmer and his wife
and were given practically all the comforts of home including good coffee and real
lump sugar. These articles had been hidden from the Hun and we were the lucky
recipients.
The reports were that the RHC had bumped into heavy opposition last night
attempting their advance into Bourbourgville and that at 1300hrs the R de Mais were to
attempt a further attack on the village. We were to follow the R de Mais attack and
pass through them to Loon Plage. All this depends greatly on whether or not the
engineers' bridge is through, from our side of Bourbourg across the canal into town.

Remarks: Calgary H

Weather Cold with rain</td>

## Page 14

7 Sep 44 — France / ST. FOLQUIN / MR 0875 / Sheet / BOURBOURG- / VILLE / MR 1175 / Sheet

This bridge was to be finished by 1500hrs.
However, the heavy rain and wind continued throughout the day and more or less
dampened the whole plan. The R de Mais started forward into the attack around 1500hrs
and after advancing some 1000 metres were pinned down by enemy shell, mortar and M.G.
fire. They were reported working steadily forward and Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan was
ordered to have the battalion move into position along the St. Folquin - Bourbourgville
road and be prepared to move forward through the town of Bourbourgville as soon as the
R de Mais had gotten across the bridge and had secured the town. We
moved into position alright and then we were told the town had been secured
by the R de Mais and we could proceed ahead as was previously ordered. As soon as our
leading company approached the town they were surprised to see the R de Mais still
trying to get into town and liaised with their C.O. He was soon told that the R de Mais
had not secured the town in any way and when this report arrived back at Bn HQ, Lieut-
Col. D.G. MacLachlan proceeded at once back to Bn HQ. This information caused
considerable concern at Bn because the reports received were there, and had been,
considerably different.
Around 1000hrs we were told the R de Mais had succeeded in getting one coy across
the canals towards the southern part of town and one coy had managed to get partially
into the northern part.
We were told to move in anyway and get our Bn into the northern part of the town
around the Rly Stn.
Our Stn was certainly a very slow, tedious and costly job and many hours passed
by until finally one four companies reported in position.
The whole column, during all the evening and hours of darkness, was subjected to
very heavy long range shelling and more than once prayers were said quite openly. The
column was under no cover and on the open road immediately west of Bourbourgville,
LieutCol. D.G. MacLachlan had a very narrow escape, with a host of others, when a
shell hit the very building they were standing near and caused the C.O. to spin around
two or three times.
At 0330hrs the Brig. ordered us to sit tight and the companies dug in and held
their area against exceptionally heavy shelling and machine gun fire.
The populace here was found to be a little on the "cold" side but this was probably
due to the hour of the night when our presence caused their homes to be shelled by the
enemy.

## Page 15

7 Sep 44 — France / ST. FOLQUIN / MR 0675 / Sheet / BOURBOURG-VILLE / MR 1175 / Sheet / LOON PLACE / MR 1380 / Sheet

Bn HQ had set up HQ in a house up behind the troops and when 88s came screaming past the windows and heavy shells shook the ground and houses, thoughts turned to outside trenches. We sat tight all night all night and awaited first light when we were to start a plan of moving northwards to Loon Place, 1380.
Once again false information caused us serious delay and many anxious moments. Our casualties amounted to 30 with 1 dead and 2 officers wounded. (Capt Turner and Lieut. Wilson).
It seems to be our luck to draw the "jack-pot" on a great number of attacks and it is all the result of false information.
Every man in the Bn can be given credit for the grand success of the Bn in taking and holding our position of Bourbourgville which, by the way, was the important part and paved our way for the advance to-morrow morning.
Weather Heavy rain and very cold

Remarks: 4/L
2
1/L

8 Sep 44 — France / BOURBOURG-VILLE / MR 1175 / Sheet / FARM / MR 1277 / Sheet

During the early hour of the morning the Bn continued to hold fast and wait, with all very much wide awake, we awaited 0700hrs to push on. "D" Coy, followed by "C", followed by "B" and then "A", in a plan of coy "bites", started the move at the its appointed year of 0700hrs.
"D" Coy passed its S.P. dead on time and was on its objective, Les Planches 1278, by 0840hrs. This report simply astounded command SP but nevertheless was true. Charlie Coy was then given "green" and away they went arriving at their objective, the second bite, road junction 1278 north of Les Planches, in record time but bumping into stiff opposition along the route.
Baker and Able companies were then ordered ahead to their objectives but this was just about changed when weather, later proven false, report arrived saying Loon Place was clear and the "coast on". Lieut-Col. D. G. Maclauchlan feeling this report, through other sources, was not true, and certainly at the time conflicting with our own position of the 2 coys in position, hesitated and rightly so. The report was soon reported untrue and instead of running headlong into a hornets' nest we continued on with our original plan. Charlie and Dog companies came under terrific shell-fire but hung on. Soon Baker company was on its way and then it came even with Charlie company the enemy turned everything, within the vicinity, loose upon the crossroads. Movement forward then became very slow and tedious.

Remarks: 1/L

## Page 16

8 Sep 44 — France / BOURGBOURG- / VILLE / MR 1175 / Sheet / FARM / MR 1277 / Sheet / LOON PLAGE / MR 1380 / Sheet

Higher formation kept bothering us to "crack on", little realizing the difficulty
being experienced. Able company kept tight on Baker company's heels throughout the
advance.
We must give great credit to the artillery and heavy mortars, plus our own mortars,
for the very valuable support they gave us throughout the attack. They were hampered
somewhat by ammo shortage and it is hoped this situation will be rectified shortly.
Our Anti-Tank platoon had their first real workout to-day and had a regular field
day. They sniped everything in sight and Major Del Harrison is still boasting about
the grand job the 6 pdr did when he drew their fire on to the church in Loon Plage
which he suspected as an enemy O.P.
The Anti-Tank ran short of ammo and Capt Mant Tennant rushed a further supply to
their position.
Finally, advance became so slow because of the heavy MG and shell-fire from almost
directly north and south Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan ordered Dog company, who were
bedded in around Les Planches, to push around the left flank and attempt an attack on
Loon Plage from the west.
Dog Coy did very well and managed to get into an area 500 metres from their
original objective in the centre of Loon Plage. However, this advance was not without
casualties and they finally consolidated in and around farm buildings, 120800. Jerry
shelled this spot and poured machine gun fire into the building itself.
The R de Mais were then ordered to assist us by moving 3 Coys from Bourgbourgville
northwards along the road remaining clear to our right until they hit 1000 metres east of
us. They took some five hours to even get to a point 1500 metres up the road from
Bourgbourgville. They did not assist us in any way to clean up our trouble from this
right flank and we had to continue without help.
Soon, around 2400hrs, we pulled our 3 most forward coys, A, B, and D, back to
a more restricted area and consolidated, ending up with Charlie coy on its original spot,
road junction 1278, "D" Coy 1200 metres on its left rear and "B" A 500 metres
north of the other two respective positions.
This draw back was necessary from several angles, one of which was the low coy
strengths, A, B, and D Coys strength each about 30. Another, the men had to be fed as
it was some 44hrs since they had been fed and they could not be fed in the forward
position. They could not possibly get any further south so Brig. McGill drew us to a
spot, as stated above, a distance of a few hundred metres back and here the men were fed
and received a few hours attempted sleep by a series of shifts.

Remarks: 15

## Page 17

8 Sep 44 — France / BOURBOURG- / VILLES / MR 1175 / Sheet / FARM / MR 1277 / Sheet / LOON PLAGE / MR 1380 / Sheet

The enemy had been seen digging in along the railroad running parallel to our
axis, some 300 metres east and this flank was watched very cautiously. The only
trouble experienced from here was continual machine gun fire and our companies took
heavy toll of snipers as they tried to work into our lines.
Capt George Stott and Lieut Bacon, of Support Coy, deserve a lot of credit for
the fine job they performed in getting forward around 2300hrs to the isolated companies
and leading them to their rear areas.
Weather Strong wind and heavy rain, cold.

9 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLAGE / MR 1380 / Sheet

At approx 0615hrs Major Ross Ellis was called to be the #18 Set and was almost
struck dumb found he to hear Major Delt Heyland ask if he be allowed to send a platoon and
section of carriers into Loon Plage because he had heard 200 enemy were somewhere
around and round they be taken as prisoners. Also, Major Heyland understood things had
definitely quieted down within the town. Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan was in conference
with Brig. Moxon till the time at Bn HQ and immediately said "Go ahead".
Major Heyland shortly reported to the C.O. that the town was clear and had
secured it with the platoon commanded by Lieut. Thompson, of 14 pl, and the section
of carriers under Sgt. Baker.
Capt Mark Tennant soon on his way to raise a new Bn HQ in Loon Plage and at
the same time the C.O. ordered the rifle companies to proceed at once into Loon Plage.
Bn HQ proceeded the companies into the town and took up a HQ in a former German command
post. This building was a very heavily fortified "Pill Box", cleverly camouflaged to
resemble a large barn and entirely equipped with electrical ventilation system and
electric lights, not working as all wires had been cut. This HQ was soon evacuated
however because the air was bad and in complete darkness and HQ was moved to a house
in its immediate vicinity.
The companies soon entered town and were greeted to cheers and the famous wine
and bread and soon had taken up their own areas as laid on by the C.O.
Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan had issued a previous order that, because he expected
the Bn to be subjected to very heavy shell fire, the companies would dig in securely
as priority of tasks.

Remarks: 15

## Page 18

9 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLAGE / MR 1380 / Sheet

At 1400hrs the C.O. sent out the carrier platoon to patrol all areas following
main roads and laterals, from our position, northwards to the sea, westwards to Grave-
lines, 0680, and eastwards, if possible, to grid line 16. At the same time an infantry
platoon, under Lieut. Thompson, was sent out on a fighting patrol 1500 metres along the
main road from Loon Plage to Dunkerque and to investigate a suspected gun position,
1681, near the windpump. The carrier platoon made a complete patrol of the area
allotted to them, descending the sector downwards from grid line 14 to grid line 16,
and reported the area clear. They did, however, report enemy positions in the eastern
sector, not recce'd but observed, and the information obtained will be very helpful to
our supporting arms and also our own patrols.
The infantry patrol platoon working eastwards from Loon Plage to 1681 however were
not quite so lucky and suffered casualties and slow advance as a result, because of
heavy shell-fire to the front.
They worked forward slowly under these conditions and at 2200hrs reported 200 yards
short of their objective. Our arty was continually patrolling on suspected and confirmed
spots and assisted at times in keeping down the enemy fire.
At 1000hrs Brig Modigliani arrived at HQ and laid his plans before the C.O. We
are to continue harassing the enemy from the east, continuing him up to prevent his
possible infiltration back along the coast, to our north, in an attempt to move west-
wards. The infantry patrol under Lieut Thompson will be relieved by a section of
infantry as quickly as possible and this section will keep a continual annoying fire
from several points on to enemy positions already known and others suspected. This
section will be relieved tomorrow morning by another section who will
remain out all day and be relieved at least light by another section.
This plan will continue throughout our stay here and communication will be main-
tained by telephone, radio and scout intermedistes.
Even at 2400hrs the enemy were still shelling our area, in Loon Plage, and it is
hoped he will soon be discouraged by the continual pin-pricking fire being directed
on him by the patrols. Further information at this time is that the C.O. intends to
continue carrier patrols, as well as infantry patrols, throughout to-morrow.

Remarks: 15

Weather Fair and Cool

## Page 19

10 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLACE / MR 1380 / Sheet

To-day was one of little activity. During the night we were shelled several times
and some certainly landed much too close for comfort andit was great relief to everyone
to find the day quiet, and free from enemy shelling and mortaring.
In the morning, scouts were employed as patrols throughout the area, previously
reported clear, and confirmed the report by reporting the patrol area still free.
Our standing patrol at 1681 remained in observation and throughout the day sent in
periodic reports on enemy movement to their front. Snipers were employed on the flanks
of this patrol and they too also sent in valuable information. Snipers were employed on the flanks
of this patrol and they too also sent in valuable information.
Artillery played fire on targets of opportunity and suspected positions and there
is certainly no question as to their successes.
4.2" Mortars, after bringing fire on some of our more important enemy locations,
were ordered to "cease fire" by their own Surrey because of ammunition shortage. This
order to "cease fire" to the mortars cause Capt Morgan of the Tor Scotts to tear his
hair because it happened just as he was really chasing Jerry and causing the enemy
some worry.
In the afternoon some scouts were again sent on patrols and the Pioneers proceeded
to check and confirm mine fields as are marked on the Def overprint, of the areas from
Le Citron Westwards some 4000 metres along the coast. Cpl. Jack Malkin of the "T" Sec
with Pte. Sandy McLellan of "T" Sec. took a particular patrol and checked all main
roads and laterals north and north-west of Loon Place, to the coast. These roads were
previously reported clear and were confirmed by this roving M/C patrol. The one
peculiar thing here was that they took a prisoner in the Casino at 127834 and yet the
Casino had previously been reported clear.
This scout reported that the prisoner was in good time with the story that the areas
they were to search were clear of enemy but this report soon had to be discounted
because it was found that they didn't know exactly where they had been, and as it could
have been one of 2 places some 1000 metres apart, their story was washed out.
The Pioneers reported on the mine-fields and confirmed one long stretch and washed
out another. They also brought back valuable information re ammo dumps and weapons
found deserted and some in 2 French villages. Some mine-fields found in the German mine-
fields. They were in very poor condition and had been underground for a long time.
Orders from Bde are simply that we are to continue pricking at the enemy wherever
he is and whenever we see him. Our patrols certainly are carrying this order out to
the fullest.

Remarks: 15

## Page 20

10 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLACE / MR 1380 / Sheet

During the evening a great number of the Maquis and civilians grouped in Loon
Place, armed with a little of everything and proclaimed the fact, they were going to
take Dunkerque. They made great noise and went around firing weapons and generally
made a nuisance of themselves.
At 0845hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan travelled to Bde to attend a C.O.s. meeting
and while there Brigadier D.G McGill put all attending into the present picture and only
one order to move. The R de Mais are the only ones to move their Bn position and the
Calgarys and RHC remain tight. For once we actually got a break in one way and yet in
another way we didn't because we are firing on the enemy in the distance at Coppenrafort,
163759. Our Bn position now extends over an area of so many thousands of metres that
it is hard to believe and particularly with such a depleted Bn. Our strength is
practically rock bottom and yet we are entrusted to do this big Job. One very bright
remark made was, "Give us two more men and we'll take Holland".
Upon returning to Bn HQ the C.O. told me that during the night the shelled the larger
party of Maquis as they proceeded from Loon Place to Dunkerque and just as the party was
passing through Baker Coy lines. Many of the Maquis were wounded and an unknown number
killed but worst of all one Baker Coy man was killed and 4 wounded. Once again Major
Ross Ellis was in the centre of things and assisted by others from Bn HQ and Baker Coy
helped in the evacuation of wounded and much to his own peril, because he was under
shell-fire during the whole time.
At 2315hrs the C.O. held a Coy Commanders' meeting and due to an incident at the
Bn HQ gate with the guards, the C.O. was not in a good mood. The C.O. and I.O. did
not know the pass word and the guards did the wrong thing by coming up to the Jeep
when asked to do so and when the C.O. found out they didn't know their duties all "hell"
let loose.
The meeting lasted until 2400hrs and during this time the enemy continued to shell
the area.

Remarks: 15

Weather Fair and Warm

## Page 21

11 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLAGE / MR 13860 / Sheet

Four patrols were sent out last night to cover 4 areas from the coast and Loon
Plage grid line 14 to the coast and canel grid line 16.
One patrol was to comb the beach area directly north of us and make sure the area
was clear. The second to specifically take out a mortar position at 143836. The third
to confirm reported enemy movement and the fourth to make sure the area south to the
main road was clear of enemy from the near side of the canal to our own area.
The patrols may be called "a" "b" "c" and "d" for simplicity though #1 and #2 had difficulty and
did not complete their tasks. #1 and #2 patrols met just as an enemy horse drawn
ammo column was sighted on the beach road between Le Clifton and Mardick and decided to
ambush the tail vehicle. This was not a good idea because the enemy took objection
and messed the patrol up by causing Lieut G.W. Atkinson to become a casualty. These
patrols then proceeded to their objectives as usual.
During the morning the men cleaned up and generally got tidied up because the
C.O. did not like their "casual" appearance. They had several days to get cleaned up
and had not done so, therefore the Blitz.
Bn HQ was the scene of commotion throughout the day as "T" Sec was besieged with
French informers and inhabitants. Information was received by supplied those people. There was some success
and a few funny moments as well. Much laughter went up as two 'teen age boys, with
rifles, brought in 3 German prisoners from Le Clifton.
Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and Major Ross Ellis attended a cocktail party at
Monsieur Le Maitre's house at 143836hrs. They were served by bevies of beautiful
girls and glasses of champagne of all types and a large beautiful bouquet of fresh
flowers. All this information is from the C.O. and Adj however, and is repeated here
as rumoured.
At 1400hrs the carrier platoon were sent out on several jobs as patrols. One
section went to travel the north road from Le Clifton to Mardick and report upon
rumoured enemy patrols. Another section went to 13834 and are to remain there as a
standing patrol with 2 scouts at the cross roads, 500 metres north of the standing
patrol and 2 scouts at the cross roads, 500 metres south of the standing patrol, with
38 Set wireless link between them and an 18 Set link from the base back to Bn HQ. This
patrol will ease the strain of sending patrols continually from Bn HQ to investigate
rumours along these north roads.

Remarks: 15

## Page 22

11 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLACE / MR 1380 / Sheet

The standing patrol at the canal road junction 1581 are still in observation and
are reporting periodically to Bn HQ. The enemy appears quiet in this area now, after
an Arty pounding this morning. The Arty ceased 8 half-track enemy vehicles out of the
windmill area across the canal from one position.
In the evening the Gun pounded our positions with Arty and mortar, causing some
concern. We do become somewhat "jumpy" in rest areas because we are so used to
continual pounding in the front and there it seldom bothers us.
Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan had a conference with M. Horchard, the F.F.I. commander
within the area, and arranged for a certain help from the F.F.I. on tasks as laid down
by the C.O.
We still feel that trouble is possible wherever the F.F.I. are located. They are
a blood thirsty lot and can be of great help but they are also anything but careful in
their movements.
Another fairly large mail arrived to-day and many lads were seen moving around with
six or seven letters in their hands. Once again the odd parcel is turning up, much to
the welcome cheers of the boys.
Patrols were again sent out to recee other areas and others to prevent infiltration. We
are very interested in the near side of the canal and although many attempts have been
made so far to obtain this information we are more or less still in the dark. This is
mostly due to continual enemy fire on the route to the canal.
Two of the recee patrols saw enemy and in one case the enemy was moving in a party
of 3 with an LMG towards the west, not particularly into our own positions but bypassing
them.
An interesting feature was a great conflagration caused when some 8 haystacks
across the canal, almost simultaneously, burst into flame. They lighted the whole
countryside and patrols found great difficulty in moving about their routes.
There was considerable enemy movement, heard by patrols, coming from the far side
of the canal and it is felt that the hay stacks were fired to screen their movements
and prevent patrolling on our side.
A scout patrol of two men, Cpl. Geersen and Rosenberger, failed to return from a
recee patrol in the vicinity of the village Mme Geersen. Up until the time the diary is being
written they are still absent and considerable anxiety is felt for their safety.
The standing patrol 1581 cross roads canal and report a bad haystack fire 25 feet
from their right gunner and considerable enemy rifle, MG and grenade fire pouring into
their position. No casualties reported.

Remarks: 15
2

## Page 23

11 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLACE / MR 1380 / Sheet

The carrier patrol at cross roads Fmn Degenberg 135835 reported no enemy activity whatever in their areas.
At 2400hrs considerable MG fire was heard coming from the forward areas of "c" Coy. At the time Major Dalt Eyeland, commanding "c" Coy, was at Hq and phoned his company to make a check, but was informed a check was already being made. Soon a report came through that F.P.I. attempting to move through line to Mardick to clear a suspected mortar position there, had been challenged by our outpost and had returned sten gun fire. The Charlie Coy lad was shot dead in his slit trench. The four F.P.I. were brought to Hq and disarmed, interrogated and placed in custody for the night. M. Horchard, their commander, was notified to report to-morrow morning to Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan regarding the F.P.I. incident.
Patrols are operating in the area. Some discrepancies and head-aches because of different people briefing them and discrepancies in stories and reports. The I.O. is always glad to see the end of the day and the patrol report in the hands of Bde.


Weather Fair and Warm

12 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLACE / MR 1380 / Sheet

Another fairly quiet day for us. There was little or no shelling within the area and general cleaning up was the order of the day. All the lads are slowly but surely abreast to normal living.
M. Horchard, the F.P.I. commander, arrived at 0930hrs and talked with Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan about the shooting episode of last night. He has promised to co-operate in every way to prevent any such re-occurrences.
At 1030hrs 9 F.P.I. uniformed men arrived and it is understood they will more or less police the area and relieve the Bn of some of the civilian refugee troubles. They will also assist in the guarding of the routes in and out of town.
Patrolling continues as usual. Only a few patrols. Little more stress on observation. Some scouts were sent out in pairs to establish OPs on 3 roads leading towards Dunkerque and near Fmn Geersen. This operation took a long time but excellent information was forthcoming when their OPs were firmly established. One patrol managed to get into Fmn Geersen and out again. This was certainly a very interesting feat. Another patrol investigated the ground south of the Fmn Geersen to confirm or deny the presence of an enemy tank and MG den more over our patrol areas during the night. The report was denied. "C" sent an "Man" and a scout to Casino, 12853, to establish an OP and report on beach conditions. The casino was not good enough for

Remarks: 5

## Page 24

12 Sep — France / LOON PLACE / MR 1360 / Sheet
Hour: 44

an OP and the pair moved along the beach a few hundreds yards to an unoccupied German
artillery OP on the sand dunes. From here observation is excellent when visibility
remains OK. Fog from the sea continually rolls landward and at times visibility is nil.
The carrier patrol continues to report Coppensnoxten clear.
The C.O. visited Brig. McGill during the afternoon and returned to Bn HQ in a happy
mood. Evidently the patrolling system being employed by the Bn is satisfactory. It
certainly should be however, because we have gathered a wealth of information from all
sources and a new line of advance over point could be made quite easily from our maps and we
certainly have plenty maps set up.
Technical representatives arrived and are listing and collecting enemy equipment
and ammo from our areas. Loon Place is a veritable dump in itself.
"C" Coy took over from Sct. Sadler's carrier section at the cross roads, 135635,
and experienced no trouble whatever in taking over. Two sections of carriers have
replaced Charlie Coy within Loon Place. This is our first step towards securing Mardick
a very strong enemy point.
Dog company received orders from the C.O. to also move north and by successive
platoons "bite" take and hold as firm base, The Geersen. They are to move during
the early hours tomorrow morning, although The Geersen is reported clear at the
present moment, through scout sources, we are not taking any chances on this and
adequate precautions will be made to ensure our alertness in attacking the Fme and
surrounding territory. The Hun has a habit of allowing reconnaissance patrols and then
when the main body arrives he puts up a considerable fight.
Dog company area is to be held by a skeleton force consisting of a section from
Able coy. This section will only man the road block into town as a precaution against
through traffic.
There is one prime thing sticking in our minds at the moment and it is the result
of a conversation this morning between Brig. McGill and the C.O. With a series of
handsweeping movements a broad plan was disclosed by the Brig for our attack on
Dunkerque in the near future. It was then explained earlier to the G.O.C. that our
strength was low, he remarked, "The Bulgarians are coming 178 reinforcements". From
this type of conversation it would appear that shortly, S. C.I.B. will take Germany all
by itself.
When Dunkerque is seen from the OPs and the defensions shown on the def overprints
are studied, it becomes even more forbidding and formidable as a fortress.
During the evening heavy bombers were heard roaring out towards German territory

## Page 25

12 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLAGE / MR 1380 / Sheet

and heavy shelling and mortaring were heard coming from the direction of Dunkerque.
Weather Fair and Warm

13 Sep 44 — France / LOON PLAGE / MR 1380 / Sheet

At approx 2400hrs Dog Coy attacked Eme Geersen at 150832. Charlie Coy had taken
over the road junction at 135834 as our first step towards taking Mardick 155830, and
now Dog Coy attacked Eme Geersen as our second step or "bit" as we so familiarly call
movements of this type.
Mardick has been a hot spot, consistently, and it is a very necessary step we
must finish before proceeding on to Dunkerque within the next few days. Eme Geersen
and Mardick must therefore, necessarily be taken and held, to secure our start line.
A series of check lines, blue, red and green had been arranged previously by the
C.O. and as Dog Coy progressed, they were to report to the check line or so many yards
plus or minus of it. By this method it is possible to tell almost exactly where any
attacking formation is at the time.
At 0240hrs Dog Coy reported "blue" and asked for arty on task 12. At 0300hrs this
fire was stopped.
Apparently up until now very little opposition had been met and the coy continued
pushing, until at 0320hrs they reported "red" and very shortly afterwards "green".
Their objective had been reached and still little or no opposition. At 0410hrs Dog
Coy requested another Minute of Arty on task 12.
During all this time Bde had been bothering us for information and at 0430hrs
Major Ogilvie reported our progress to Capt. Bob Porter, Bde L.O.
However all the mood changed suddenly because around 0510hrs the enemy started
taking a strong dislike to Dog Coy's presence and forced Dog Coy from "green" to "red".
Enemy fire became very heavy on green and a report arrived at compound post that the
enemy were pushing from green to red. Sunray of Mike 4, Major Del Harrison, then
called for Arty on T 12, T 20 and task 16. Dog Coy held on to report line "red" despite
the opposition and reported to the C.O. that they had held the enemy position. Sounds from
enemy lines indicated that our Arty had been effective and enemy had been wounded.
Throughout the day Dog Coy remained quiet and reported their company position,
around the houses, at 146835. They were continually sniped by Scheisezer and rifle and
at times the mortaring and shelling was very heavy.

Remarks: 15

## Page 26

13 Sep — France / LOON PLACE / MR 1380 / Sheet
Hour: 44

Charlie Coy experienced no trouble throughout the day and were comparatively quiet. Their section posts north and south of the main company position reported nil enemy activity.
Patrols were very active on our part, from early morning until the hours of darkness. Five patrols were sent out on OP work on parallel lines to the main road Loon Place and Dunkerque between the sea and this main road. Their tasks were to work forward to a point of vantage and establish an OP from where they could study the ground and report upon known defences plus obtaining first hand information of points unknown. They were fairly successful and a wealth of information was turned in "I" Sec. This information plus log reports from "I" Sec OP on the coast itself is being collected for C.O. and to be sent to Bde HQ. The summary will be turned in Bde HQ to tomorrow morning. The information it is hoped will assist Brig. Gen. McGill in structuring his appreciation for our attack on Dunkerque.
During the day we received some mortars and ammunition but with no casualties. Reinforcements for the Bn now total 150. They have arrived over the last two days and under Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan's guidance, they have been distributed amongst the companies. A draw back at the present moment is the unsuccessful attempt to get signaller reinforcements. They are in very short supply and, using entirely green men, causes grey hairs to the Sig. O. when attempting to get through, even to exchange itself. He often finds himself talking to none other than himself and the patience exercised here is amazing.
Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan called two Coy Commanders meeting at 1900hrs and during this meeting ordered Dog Coy to attack and take Fme Geersen to-night. Clear specific plans were laid on and Dog Coy was given Arty in support plus their own A/T 6pdr guns and mortars. "H" hour was set for 2315hrs. Major Del Harrison had been wounded during the day but as his wounds were not serious he is carrying on.
At approx 2300hrs Maj. Del Harrison reported approx 60 enemy forming up to hit south-east flank. He called for Arty and task 16 was brought down. The results are not known at present.
At 2315hrs they were away on the attack. MG and Schmieser fire continued and at 2400hrs the company had advanced to the cross roads on the immediate west fringe of Fme Geersen.
Maj. Gen Ross Ellis was a guest for dinner to-night at the home of some local farmer.

Remarks: JS

Weather Fair and Warm

## Page 27

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