# Calgary-Highlanders_War-Diary_Sep44
OCR by olmOCR (allenai/olmOCR-2-7B-1025) via DeepInfra
Source: Calgary-Highlanders_War-Diary_Sep44.pdf — pages 7–27

## Page 7

Page 1

Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.

Title pages will be prepared.

The Calgary Highlanders, CA (O)

WAR DIARY<br>
OR<br>
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY<br>
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11<br>
40/P & 3/87

Original, duplicate and triplicate<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disp.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references<br>to Appendices and<br>initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>Totes<br>MR<br>Sheet<br>Ste. Foy<br>MR 2553<br>Sheet 861</td>
<td>1 Sep</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>After an excellent night's sleep and a few eggs purchased from local inhabitants<br>
of our Bn area, slightly on the outskirts of Totes, we found ourselves on the move,<br>
once again, northwards to Ste Foy. Ste. Foy is approx 7 miles south of Dieppe and we<br>
moved in a very orderly manner via Longueville 2353.<br>
We were greeted by great hand clapping, showers of grand flowers and food as we<br>
passed along the route, even at the early hour of 0630hrs.<br>
At approx 0930hrs we arrived in the little village of Ste. Foy, east of<br>
Longueville.<br>
Capt. Mark Tennant, once again as recce party officer, had our area laid out<br>
completely and we moved into our respective places. The civilians simply swamped us<br>
and the next few hours were very enjoyable ones.<br>
In Bn HQ we were very fortunate in having part of an occupied home as HQ and the<br>
inhabitants couldn't do enough for the comfort of the officers of HQ. Madame even<br>
roasted a grand rabbit and cooked chicken and this was greatly enjoyed by those concerned.<br>
At 1130hrs Bde held an "O" group in order to give the C.O. his orders to attack and take<br>
a section of the city of Dieppe and to move forward with the RBC doing the same move-<br>
ment of the right flank.<br>
Just as those orders were given, word arrived that the 4th Bde, assisted by the<br>
6th Bde, had just "moved in" to Dieppe and little or no opposition.<br>
Our orders then were to sit tight and remain in our present area of Ste. Foy.<br>
The afternoon was spent cleaning up and at 1930hrs word came for another meeting<br>
at Bde.<br>
Good news this time because we are to move into Dieppe in the morning and con-<br>
centrate with 3 days off work. The only thing we are to do is prepare for a March Past<br>
during the second day and General Crerer, Army Commander, is to take the salute.<br>
We are to move tomorrow morning sometime and the hour will be settled later.<br>
And so to bed for a good night's rest.</td>
<td>H<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>13<br>W</td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Fair and warm

## Page 8

Page 2
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.P.M. 11
F 8/3 S/7

Original, duplicate and triplicate be
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

Title pages will be prepared.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references<br>to Appendices<br>and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>Ste. Foy<br>MR 2553<br>Sheet SEL<br>Neuville les<br>Dieppe (out-<br>skirts Dieppe)<br>MR 2466<br>Sheet</td>
<td>2 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>We moved from Ste. Foy to Neuville les Dieppe around 0930hrs and found ourselves<br>passing through heavily mined and fortified areas.<br>Jerry sure intended to hold the town from the appearance of everything. He has<br>made "mincemeat" of all his pill boxes, etc. by demolitions and generally made a mess<br>of the docks and quays.<br>Our area is a Former German defended locality and as is usual our Bn HQ is in a<br>former German HQ building. Somehow we always manage to do this same thing and many<br>times it hasn't proven very wise, anyway.<br>We are not in defense yet anyway and all occs and ecpt are in their own groups<br>and in no way dispersed other then freedom of movement. To-day was proclaimed a<br>holiday by Division and the day is to be spent on cleaning up and maintenance.of<br>vehicles is practically the only work going on. To-morrow all Dieppe veterans are to<br>attend a memorial service at the Canadian Dieppe Cemetery. In the afternoon is our<br>March Past for General Montgomery. Of course is the normal confusion over this issue.<br>Example - webbing - re-webbing off, soft hats worn - tin hats worn. This will all<br>straighten itself out before to-morrow.<br>One thing we are still assured of is our three day rest and everybody is keeping<br>their fingers crossed.<br>Dieppe is not "out of bounds" and the troops may go into town providing they are<br>home by 2200hrs. It is quite OK though because there is nothing to buy nor anything<br>to drink. Quite a safe bet for the powers that be in making this decision.<br>The balance of the day was very quiet and no excitement.</td>
<td>/ 3</td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Fair and warm, rain later in the day.

## Page 9

Page 3

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
40/P & S/37

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries; (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.

Title pages will be prepared.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>NEUVILLE les<br>DIEPPE<br>MR 2568<br>Sheet</td>
<td>3 Sep</td>
<td></td>
<td>To-day started off as another very dull Sunday but brightened up as the day<br>progressed. Our Battalion church parade was postponed until this evening, due to<br>several intervening things.<br>At 1000hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan, accompanied by Major Ross Ellis, went<br>to the Dieppe Canadian Cemetery to attend a memorial service at 1100hrs. A 15cwt<br>truck also went from the Bn, taking along the few remaining chaps in the Bn who took<br>part in the Dieppe attack in 1942.<br>Information received reports the service to have been very nice and many lads are<br>very sorry that they missed the opportunity of attending. Unfortunately only<br>a limited number could be allowed and the space was reserved for those who had<br>taken part in the Dieppe battle two years ago.<br>At 1200hrs the Bn formed up under 21C, of Major Robinson, and for a change we<br>were placed into sixes. Reason for sixes is the limited arm for the whole division<br>in the city and the column would be too long for the march past if formed up in<br>normal column or rows.<br>At 1300hrs the Bn moved off on foot down hills and across the foot bridge in the<br>canal and then uphill to the high road running north and south on the west side of<br>Dieppe. It was a long hot march and yet it really was well worth the effort. It was<br>a very impressive column of troops who passed through the cheering throngs of<br>civilians along the streets and to see General Greer take the salute from those battle<br>scarred veterans. A noticeable thing was the "eyes left" instead of the usual "eyes<br>right".<br>On arrival beck in the Bn areas around 1600hrs and then another glorious supper<br>of the proverbial "stew".<br>At 1800hrs Padre Percy held a church service in the football field to our rear<br>and there was an excellent attendance, purely voluntary of course.<br>The balance of the evening was very quiet with only a very few of the lads going<br>into town where one little drink was unobtainable.</td>
<td>12<br><br><br>13<br><br><br><br><br><br></td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Sultry and rain later

## Page 10

Page 11
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries: (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.

Title pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
40/P & S/37

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O.i.c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>NEUVILLE LES<br>DIEPPE<br>MR 24.68<br>Sheet</td>
<td>4 Sep</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>The main topic for the morning is "stragglers parade" to the mobile bath. As per<br>normal we have to travel 10 miles from the present area to the site of the baths.<br>This time we have to travel 10 miles into 4 Bde area, past the Dieppe Canadian Military<br>Cemetery. A stragglers parade is necessary to-day because of a breakdown in operations<br>at the baths yesterday.<br>From all appearances we shall complete our 3 days rest and we may possibly be<br>lucky enough to get an additional 24 hours.<br>The Coys carried out training to-day along battle drill lines. Section and platoon<br>movements were taught to the new men and we are taking care that every moment is put<br>to good use.<br>Major Warren, our dental officer, was kept very busy during the day making<br>adjustments to the odd tooth and he has helping hmy Capt. Sproule with another mobile<br>dental office.<br>Capt Lannan our auxiliary services officer was alsokept busy and is planning<br>another show for the boys to-night.<br>Capt. Roy Higgins, our paymaster, paid a small number of the boys to-day and it<br>sure is a pity there is nothing to spend any on around town. When "Roly" shows up,<br>around the En area, it is a sure sign that the base hospital is ahead of us.<br>This morning we received 138 ORs and 2 officers as reinforcements. The officers<br>are Lieut. Carl Salles and Lieut. H. Podelesuk. We are slowly getting back to strength<br>with the arrival of this group.<br>During the evening there was a movie at the RAP HQ given by the Aux Services<br>entitled "Jack London". The area was quiet and many of the lads climbed into bed real<br>early, still trying to catch up on lost sleep.<br>At 1800Hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan held a company commanders meeting and<br>problems of personnel and equipment were discussed at length. The C.O.<br>also covered "Wood Clearing" and "Passage Through A Wood" as a refresher and carried<br>this out in a very able manner. Foret de Maislette is the reason for this<br>refresher and the C.O. used the RHC as an example for us to follow in this respect.</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Fair and warm, slight rain later.

## Page 11

Page 5
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries; (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

M.P.M. 11<br>
40/P & 3/7

(Erase heading not required)

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

Titles page will be prepared.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>NEUVILLE Les<br>DIEPPE<br>MR 2468<br>Sheet</td>
<td>5 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>The Battalion carried on with special training for the benefit of the new per-<br>sonnel throughout the day. This training consisted of section and platoon battle-<br>drill and some Bren guns which had just been repaired were tested for efficiency.<br>Major S.O. Robinson, our 2i/c, located an area where the P.I.A.T. could be fired<br>and those personnel who had not as yet fired the weapon were put through their paces.<br>During the day Briz. McGill visited Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan and reassured<br>us that we would move some time during the latter notion of the day. This move is an<br>expected one and we are in no way surprised by it.<br>At 1700hrs the C.O. attended a conference of C.Os. at Main Div HQ, where<br>problems and tactical lessons learned, were discussed. At 0645hrs the C.O., while<br>at Div, was informed that we were on one hour's notice to move and at the same time<br>the Bn was warned through the Rne.<br>Lieut-Col. D.G. Maclauchlan came back to the Bn at once and in the meantime<br>Major own Ellie had the Bn in preparation. Troubles galore arose because many<br>of the lads had gone down town into Dieppe for the evening and all means of<br>communication were used to "herd" all the boys together and back into our own area,<br>to await final orders to move.<br>The C.O. held an "O" Group and put all in the picture, including supporting arms<br>who had by now joined us again after their rest. We were to have T.C.V.s, and this is<br>what caused an ensuing delay. The T.C.V.s became lost and at 2330hrs, our "H" hour,<br>with the companies to lead, there still were no T.C.V.s. "H" hour was pushed back<br>a half hour three different times and at 0100hrs they had arrived and we were on our<br>way. Our ultimate objective is Zeebrugge, north of Bruges in Belgium, and near the<br>Dutch border.<br>We are on the "no sleep" list once again.</td>
<td>(M)</td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Rain and cool

## Page 12

Page 6
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries; (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.

Title pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11<br>
40/P & S/37

Original, duplicate and triplicate be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>NEUVILLE LES<br>DIEPPE<br>MR 24 68<br>Sheet<br>MONTREUIL<br>MR 7725<br>Sheet<br>NORDAMQUES<br>MR 001850<br>Sheet<br>ST. FOLQUIN<br>MR 0675<br>Sheet</td>
<td>6 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>To-day the Battalion travelled many miles, in two steps, over pretty countryside<br>
and through villages teeming with seemingly sincere populace. The total distance<br>
amounts to 116 miles from Dieppe to St. Folquin.<br>
We started at 0100hrs and by 0900hrs We were in an area close to Montreuil. The<br>
trip was a fairly trying one for everyone concerned because we took one particular<br>
right turn in Bn instead of a left turn and had to travel a few miles extra, through<br>
Beaucampes then northwards to get back on our own route,<br>
When we arrived in the area we were greeted by breakfast and then one and all,<br>
except the C.O., Adj t. I.O., and recee party officer, Capt. Mark Tennant, curled up<br>
in a blanket and scored a few hours sleep. This movement was a very popular one<br>
because of the fact, we had no sleep whatever, last night. Our stay here proved to be<br>
fairly short however because after an early get up at Bde we were warned to move by 1300<br>
hrs to the area of the town around Bourbourgville.<br>
Capt Mark Tennant and his recee party once again preceded us and prepared the new<br>
Bn position. The balance of our trip was quite uneventful except for the overwhelming<br>
hospitality of the French civilians as we passed through the towns and villages. The<br>
Dieestel Theels the town of Folquin is the best one yet, because along with many<br>
others in the Bn, including C.O. and Maj Lyn, they had kisses blown at them<br>
from very beautiful Misses and Miles. Why a pity we had to move on.<br>
At no time during the trip did we contact the enemy. From all appearances he has<br>
drawn back a great deal.<br>
At the cross-roads in Nordamques the battalion has debussed and due to a very<br>
grave mistake on the part of the I.O. the Bn took a right turn once again by mistake,<br>
this time, instead of going straight ahead.<br>
After travelling some 2 miles in the wrong direction Brig. McGill ordered the<br>
RHC, who were following us, to halt and had just reached the cross-roads still embussed, to pass<br>
through to the correct objective along the correct route.<br>
The I.O. certainly holds his head high since along the route he had marked was<br>
taken directly from the Brig map and certainly should have been right. However it<br>
wasn't and the I.O. will go down in history as the cause of a lot of concern for the<br>
C.O.<br>
At 1900hrs the RHC started up thus to take Bourbourgville and to be followed<br>
by the R de Mais who will curl up at St. Folquin slightly west of Bourbourgville.<br>
In the meantime, in order to clear the way for the RHC, we were curled up on both<br>
sides of the correct axis of advance.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 13

Page 7
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries, (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.P. 11
40/P & 3/87

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

Title pages will be prepared.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>NEUVILLE LES<br>DIEPPE<br>MR 2468<br>Sheet<br>MONTREUIL<br>MR 7725<br>Sheet<br>NORDMAQUES<br>MR 001830<br>Sheet<br>ST. FOLQUIN<br>MR 0675<br>Sheet</td>
<td>6 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>The minutes dragged into hours and we were finally told to stay in this curled up<br>
area until morning and then move to St. Folquin at first light. By this time we were up<br>
all fit to kill somebody because it was 0300hrs and raining very hard.<br>
When Bn HQ arrived at their temporary area we found a group of farm buildings and<br>
in one corner a pile of straw. It did not take long to find everybody curled up in<br>
this priceless bedding and away into dreamland for a little rest before the move at<br>
first light to-morrow morning.<br>
Weather Cold with rain</td>
<td>(S)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>ST. FOLQUIN<br>MR 0675<br>Sheet<br>BOURBOURG-VILLE<br>MR 1175<br>Sheet</td>
<td>7 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>At first light, amidst pouring rain, the Bn moved northwards a few kilometres to<br>
St. Folquin. Our new area was situated in the tiny village completely surrounded by<br>
evil smelling flood land and bordered on one side by a canal. All of the fields from<br>
Nordmaques to here, and on to Bourbourgville are completely inundated with water<br>
varying in depth from a few inches to several feet. The Hun had blown the dykes in<br>
many places. Our first greeting was that everything in the inundated vicinity had<br>
been mined and although the roads were reported clear, there were no chances.<br>
We took up headquarters in an occupied farm house and the companies tightened in<br>
around the neighbouring farms and houses. The people were overwhelmingly nice to us<br>
and, as in most cases, they couldn't do enough for us.<br>
Bn HQ was fortunate in being treated as guests in the home of a farmer and his wife<br>
and were given practically all the comforts of home including good coffee and real<br>
lump sugar. These articles had been hidden from the Hun and we were the lucky<br>
recipients.<br>
The reports were that the RHC had bumped into heavy opposition last night<br>
attempting their advance into Bourbourgville and that at 1300hrs the R de Mais were to<br>
attempt a further attack on the village. We were to follow the R de Mais attack and<br>
pass through them to Loon Plage. All this depends greatly on whether or not the<br>
engineers' bridge is through, from our side of Bourbourg across the canal into town.</td>
<td>Calgary H</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 14

Page 8
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries; (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.

Titles pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. '11
40/P & 3/7

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nde Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>ST. FOLQUIN<br>MR 0875<br>Sheet<br>BOURBOURG-<br>VILLE<br>MR 1175<br>Sheet</td>
<td>7 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>This bridge was to be finished by 1500hrs.<br>However, the heavy rain and wind continued throughout the day and more or less<br>dampened the whole plan. The R de Mais started forward into the attack around 1500hrs<br>and after advancing some 1000 metres were pinned down by enemy shell, mortar and M.G.<br>fire. They were reported working steadily forward and Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan was<br>ordered to have the battalion move into position along the St. Folquin - Bourbourgville<br>road and be prepared to move forward through the town of Bourbourgville as soon as the<br>R de Mais had gotten across the bridge and had secured the town. We<br>moved into position alright and then we were told the town had been secured<br>by the R de Mais and we could proceed ahead as was previously ordered. As soon as our<br>leading company approached the town they were surprised to see the R de Mais still<br>trying to get into town and liaised with their C.O. He was soon told that the R de Mais<br>had not secured the town in any way and when this report arrived back at Bn HQ, Lieut-<br>Col. D.G. MacLachlan proceeded at once back to Bn HQ. This information caused<br>considerable concern at Bn because the reports received were there, and had been,<br>considerably different.<br>Around 1000hrs we were told the R de Mais had succeeded in getting one coy across<br>the canals towards the southern part of town and one coy had managed to get partially<br>into the northern part.<br>We were told to move in anyway and get our Bn into the northern part of the town<br>around the Rly Stn.<br>Our Stn was certainly a very slow, tedious and costly job and many hours passed<br>by until finally one four companies reported in position.<br>The whole column, during all the evening and hours of darkness, was subjected to<br>very heavy long range shelling and more than once prayers were said quite openly. The<br>column was under no cover and on the open road immediately west of Bourbourgville,<br>LieutCol. D.G. MacLachlan had a very narrow escape, with a host of others, when a<br>shell hit the very building they were standing near and caused the C.O. to spin around<br>two or three times.<br>At 0330hrs the Brig. ordered us to sit tight and the companies dug in and held<br>their area against exceptionally heavy shelling and machine gun fire.<br>The populace here was found to be a little on the "cold" side but this was probably<br>due to the hour of the night when our presence caused their homes to be shelled by the<br>enemy.</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 15

Page 9
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.
Title pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
45/P & 2/37

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references
to Appendices and
initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>ST. FOLQUIN<br>MR 0675<br>Sheet<br>BOURBOURG-VILLE<br>MR 1175<br>Sheet<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>7 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>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.<br>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).<br>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.<br>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.<br><br>Weather Heavy rain and very cold</td>
<td>4/L<br><br>2<br><br>1/L</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>BOURBOURG-VILLE<br>MR 1175<br>Sheet<br>FARM<br>MR 1277<br>Sheet</td>
<td>8 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>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.<br>"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.<br>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.</td>
<td>1/L</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 16

Page 10
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries (which will be kept from first
lay of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.
Titles pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
40/P & 3/37

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>BOURGBOURG-<br>VILLE<br>MR 1175<br>Sheet<br>FARM<br>MR 1277<br>Sheet<br>LOON PLAGE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>8 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>Higher formation kept bothering us to "crack on", little realizing the difficulty<br>being experienced. Able company kept tight on Baker company's heels throughout the<br>advance.<br>We must give great credit to the artillery and heavy mortars, plus our own mortars,<br>for the very valuable support they gave us throughout the attack. They were hampered<br>somewhat by ammo shortage and it is hoped this situation will be rectified shortly.<br>Our Anti-Tank platoon had their first real workout to-day and had a regular field<br>day. They sniped everything in sight and Major Del Harrison is still boasting about<br>the grand job the 6 pdr did when he drew their fire on to the church in Loon Plage<br>which he suspected as an enemy O.P.<br>The Anti-Tank ran short of ammo and Capt Mant Tennant rushed a further supply to<br>their position.<br>Finally, advance became so slow because of the heavy MG and shell-fire from almost<br>directly north and south Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan ordered Dog company, who were<br>bedded in around Les Planches, to push around the left flank and attempt an attack on<br>Loon Plage from the west.<br>Dog Coy did very well and managed to get into an area 500 metres from their<br>original objective in the centre of Loon Plage. However, this advance was not without<br>casualties and they finally consolidated in and around farm buildings, 120800. Jerry<br>shelled this spot and poured machine gun fire into the building itself.<br>The R de Mais were then ordered to assist us by moving 3 Coys from Bourgbourgville<br>northwards along the road remaining clear to our right until they hit 1000 metres east of<br>us. They took some five hours to even get to a point 1500 metres up the road from<br>Bourgbourgville. They did not assist us in any way to clean up our trouble from this<br>right flank and we had to continue without help.<br>Soon, around 2400hrs, we pulled our 3 most forward coys, A, B, and D, back to<br>a more restricted area and consolidated, ending up with Charlie coy on its original spot,<br>road junction 1278, "D" Coy 1200 metres on its left rear and "B" A 500 metres<br>north of the other two respective positions.<br>This draw back was necessary from several angles, one of which was the low coy<br>strengths, A, B, and D Coys strength each about 30. Another, the men had to be fed as<br>it was some 44hrs since they had been fed and they could not be fed in the forward<br>position. They could not possibly get any further south so Brig. McGill drew us to a<br>spot, as stated above, a distance of a few hundred metres back and here the men were fed<br>and received a few hours attempted sleep by a series of shifts.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 17

Page 11
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries (which will be kept from first<br>
ty of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
f/p 8/37

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

Titles page will be prepared.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references<br>to Appendices and<br>initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>BOURBOURG-<br>VILLES<br>MR 1175<br>Sheet<br>FARM<br>MR 1277<br>Sheet<br>LOON PLAGE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>8 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>The enemy had been seen digging in along the railroad running parallel to our<br>axis, some 300 metres east and this flank was watched very cautiously. The only<br>trouble experienced from here was continual machine gun fire and our companies took<br>heavy toll of snipers as they tried to work into our lines.<br>Capt George Stott and Lieut Bacon, of Support Coy, deserve a lot of credit for<br>the fine job they performed in getting forward around 2300hrs to the isolated companies<br>and leading them to their rear areas.<br><br>Weather Strong wind and heavy rain, cold.</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLAGE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>9 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>At approx 0615hrs Major Ross Ellis was called to be the #18 Set and was almost<br>struck dumb found he to hear Major Delt Heyland ask if he be allowed to send a platoon and<br>section of carriers into Loon Plage because he had heard 200 enemy were somewhere<br>around and round they be taken as prisoners. Also, Major Heyland understood things had<br>definitely quieted down within the town. Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan was in conference<br>with Brig. Moxon till the time at Bn HQ and immediately said "Go ahead".<br>Major Heyland shortly reported to the C.O. that the town was clear and had<br>secured it with the platoon commanded by Lieut. Thompson, of 14 pl, and the section<br>of carriers under Sgt. Baker.<br>Capt Mark Tennant soon on his way to raise a new Bn HQ in Loon Plage and at<br>the same time the C.O. ordered the rifle companies to proceed at once into Loon Plage.<br>Bn HQ proceeded the companies into the town and took up a HQ in a former German command<br>post. This building was a very heavily fortified "Pill Box", cleverly camouflaged to<br>resemble a large barn and entirely equipped with electrical ventilation system and<br>electric lights, not working as all wires had been cut. This HQ was soon evacuated<br>however because the air was bad and in complete darkness and HQ was moved to a house<br>in its immediate vicinity.<br>The companies soon entered town and were greeted to cheers and the famous wine<br>and bread and soon had taken up their own areas as laid on by the C.O.<br>Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan had issued a previous order that, because he expected<br>the Bn to be subjected to very heavy shell fire, the companies would dig in securely<br>as priority of tasks.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 18

Page 12
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.
Title pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
M/P 8/37
Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O. i/e 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLAGE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>9 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>At 1400hrs the C.O. sent out the carrier platoon to patrol all areas following<br>main roads and laterals, from our position, northwards to the sea, westwards to Grave-<br>lines, 0680, and eastwards, if possible, to grid line 16. At the same time an infantry<br>platoon, under Lieut. Thompson, was sent out on a fighting patrol 1500 metres along the<br>main road from Loon Plage to Dunkerque and to investigate a suspected gun position,<br>1681, near the windpump. The carrier platoon made a complete patrol of the area<br>allotted to them, descending the sector downwards from grid line 14 to grid line 16,<br>and reported the area clear. They did, however, report enemy positions in the eastern<br>sector, not recce'd but observed, and the information obtained will be very helpful to<br>our supporting arms and also our own patrols.<br><br>The infantry patrol platoon working eastwards from Loon Plage to 1681 however were<br>not quite so lucky and suffered casualties and slow advance as a result, because of<br>heavy shell-fire to the front.<br><br>They worked forward slowly under these conditions and at 2200hrs reported 200 yards<br>short of their objective. Our arty was continually patrolling on suspected and confirmed<br>spots and assisted at times in keeping down the enemy fire.<br><br>At 1000hrs Brig Modigliani arrived at HQ and laid his plans before the C.O. We<br>are to continue harassing the enemy from the east, continuing him up to prevent his<br>possible infiltration back along the coast, to our north, in an attempt to move west-<br>wards. The infantry patrol under Lieut Thompson will be relieved by a section of<br>infantry as quickly as possible and this section will keep a continual annoying fire<br>from several points on to enemy positions already known and others suspected. This<br>section will be relieved tomorrow morning by another section who will<br>remain out all day and be relieved at least light by another section.<br><br>This plan will continue throughout our stay here and communication will be main-<br>tained by telephone, radio and scout intermedistes.<br><br>Even at 2400hrs the enemy were still shelling our area, in Loon Plage, and it is<br>hoped he will soon be discouraged by the continual pin-pricking fire being directed<br>on him by the patrols. Further information at this time is that the C.O. intends to<br>continue carrier patrols, as well as infantry patrols, throughout to-morrow.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Fair and Cool

## Page 19

Page 13
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs Vol. I.

Titles pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
40/P & 8/37

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>10 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>To-day was one of little activity. During the night we were shelled several times<br>
and some certainly landed much too close for comfort andit was great relief to everyone<br>
to find the day quiet, and free from enemy shelling and mortaring.<br>
In the morning, scouts were employed as patrols throughout the area, previously<br>
reported clear, and confirmed the report by reporting the patrol area still free.<br>
Our standing patrol at 1681 remained in observation and throughout the day sent in<br>
periodic reports on enemy movement to their front. Snipers were employed on the flanks<br>
of this patrol and they too also sent in valuable information. Snipers were employed on the flanks<br>
of this patrol and they too also sent in valuable information.<br>
Artillery played fire on targets of opportunity and suspected positions and there<br>
is certainly no question as to their successes.<br>
4.2" Mortars, after bringing fire on some of our more important enemy locations,<br>
were ordered to "cease fire" by their own Surrey because of ammunition shortage. This<br>
order to "cease fire" to the mortars cause Capt Morgan of the Tor Scotts to tear his<br>
hair because it happened just as he was really chasing Jerry and causing the enemy<br>
some worry.<br>
In the afternoon some scouts were again sent on patrols and the Pioneers proceeded<br>
to check and confirm mine fields as are marked on the Def overprint, of the areas from<br>
Le Citron Westwards some 4000 metres along the coast. Cpl. Jack Malkin of the "T" Sec<br>
with Pte. Sandy McLellan of "T" Sec. took a particular patrol and checked all main<br>
roads and laterals north and north-west of Loon Place, to the coast. These roads were<br>
previously reported clear and were confirmed by this roving M/C patrol. The one<br>
peculiar thing here was that they took a prisoner in the Casino at 127834 and yet the<br>
Casino had previously been reported clear.<br>
This scout reported that the prisoner was in good time with the story that the areas<br>
they were to search were clear of enemy but this report soon had to be discounted<br>
because it was found that they didn't know exactly where they had been, and as it could<br>
have been one of 2 places some 1000 metres apart, their story was washed out.<br>
The Pioneers reported on the mine-fields and confirmed one long stretch and washed<br>
out another. They also brought back valuable information re ammo dumps and weapons<br>
found deserted and some in 2 French villages. Some mine-fields found in the German mine-<br>
fields. They were in very poor condition and had been underground for a long time.<br>
Orders from Bde are simply that we are to continue pricking at the enemy wherever<br>
he is and whenever we see him. Our patrols certainly are carrying this order out to<br>
the fullest.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 20

Page 14
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.

Title pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11
40/P & S/37
Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O. 1/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references
to Appendices and
initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>10 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>During the evening a great number of the Maquis and civilians grouped in Loon<br>Place, armed with a little of everything and proclaimed the fact, they were going to<br>take Dunkerque. They made great noise and went around firing weapons and generally<br>made a nuisance of themselves.<br>At 0845hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan travelled to Bde to attend a C.O.s. meeting<br>and while there Brigadier D.G McGill put all attending into the present picture and only<br>one order to move. The R de Mais are the only ones to move their Bn position and the<br>Calgarys and RHC remain tight. For once we actually got a break in one way and yet in<br>another way we didn't because we are firing on the enemy in the distance at Coppenrafort,<br>163759. Our Bn position now extends over an area of so many thousands of metres that<br>it is hard to believe and particularly with such a depleted Bn. Our strength is<br>practically rock bottom and yet we are entrusted to do this big Job. One very bright<br>remark made was, "Give us two more men and we'll take Holland".<br>Upon returning to Bn HQ the C.O. told me that during the night the shelled the larger<br>party of Maquis as they proceeded from Loon Place to Dunkerque and just as the party was<br>passing through Baker Coy lines. Many of the Maquis were wounded and an unknown number<br>killed but worst of all one Baker Coy man was killed and 4 wounded. Once again Major<br>Ross Ellis was in the centre of things and assisted by others from Bn HQ and Baker Coy<br>helped in the evacuation of wounded and much to his own peril, because he was under<br>shell-fire during the whole time.<br>At 2315hrs the C.O. held a Coy Commanders' meeting and due to an incident at the<br>Bn HQ gate with the guards, the C.O. was not in a good mood. The C.O. and I.O. did<br>not know the pass word and the guards did the wrong thing by coming up to the Jeep<br>when asked to do so and when the C.O. found out they didn't know their duties all "hell"<br>let loose.<br>The meeting lasted until 2400hrs and during this time the enemy continued to shell<br>the area.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Fair and Warm

## Page 21

Page 15
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.

Titles page will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.P.M. 11
F/ 40 / S/ 37

Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O. 1/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLAGE<br>MR 13860<br>Sheet</td>
<td>11 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>Four patrols were sent out last night to cover 4 areas from the coast and Loon<br>Plage grid line 14 to the coast and canel grid line 16.<br>One patrol was to comb the beach area directly north of us and make sure the area<br>was clear. The second to specifically take out a mortar position at 143836. The third<br>to confirm reported enemy movement and the fourth to make sure the area south to the<br>main road was clear of enemy from the near side of the canal to our own area.<br>The patrols may be called "a" "b" "c" and "d" for simplicity though #1 and #2 had difficulty and<br>did not complete their tasks. #1 and #2 patrols met just as an enemy horse drawn<br>ammo column was sighted on the beach road between Le Clifton and Mardick and decided to<br>ambush the tail vehicle. This was not a good idea because the enemy took objection<br>and messed the patrol up by causing Lieut G.W. Atkinson to become a casualty. These<br>patrols then proceeded to their objectives as usual.<br>During the morning the men cleaned up and generally got tidied up because the<br>C.O. did not like their "casual" appearance. They had several days to get cleaned up<br>and had not done so, therefore the Blitz.<br>Bn HQ was the scene of commotion throughout the day as "T" Sec was besieged with<br>French informers and inhabitants. Information was received by supplied those people. There was some success<br>and a few funny moments as well. Much laughter went up as two 'teen age boys, with<br>rifles, brought in 3 German prisoners from Le Clifton.<br>Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and Major Ross Ellis attended a cocktail party at<br>Monsieur Le Maitre's house at 143836hrs. They were served by bevies of beautiful<br>girls and glasses of champagne of all types and a large beautiful bouquet of fresh<br>flowers. All this information is from the C.O. and Adj however, and is repeated here<br>as rumoured.<br>At 1400hrs the carrier platoon were sent out on several jobs as patrols. One<br>section went to travel the north road from Le Clifton to Mardick and report upon<br>rumoured enemy patrols. Another section went to 13834 and are to remain there as a<br>standing patrol with 2 scouts at the cross roads, 500 metres north of the standing<br>patrol and 2 scouts at the cross roads, 500 metres south of the standing patrol, with<br>38 Set wireless link between them and an 18 Set link from the base back to Bn HQ. This<br>patrol will ease the strain of sending patrols continually from Bn HQ to investigate<br>rumours along these north roads.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 22

Page 16 :
WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)
M.F.M. 11
40/F & S/7
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries; (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. 1.
Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.
Title pages will be prepared.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references<br>to Appendices and<br>initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>11 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>The standing patrol at the canal road junction 1581 are still in observation and<br>
are reporting periodically to Bn HQ. The enemy appears quiet in this area now, after<br>
an Arty pounding this morning. The Arty ceased 8 half-track enemy vehicles out of the<br>
windmill area across the canal from one position.<br>
In the evening the Gun pounded our positions with Arty and mortar, causing some<br>
concern. We do become somewhat "jumpy" in rest areas because we are so used to<br>
continual pounding in the front and there it seldom bothers us.<br>
Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLachlan had a conference with M. Horchard, the F.F.I. commander<br>
within the area, and arranged for a certain help from the F.F.I. on tasks as laid down<br>
by the C.O.<br>
We still feel that trouble is possible wherever the F.F.I. are located. They are<br>
a blood thirsty lot and can be of great help but they are also anything but careful in<br>
their movements.<br>
Another fairly large mail arrived to-day and many lads were seen moving around with<br>
six or seven letters in their hands. Once again the odd parcel is turning up, much to<br>
the welcome cheers of the boys.<br>
Patrols were again sent out to recee other areas and others to prevent infiltration. We<br>
are very interested in the near side of the canal and although many attempts have been<br>
made so far to obtain this information we are more or less still in the dark. This is<br>
mostly due to continual enemy fire on the route to the canal.<br>
Two of the recee patrols saw enemy and in one case the enemy was moving in a party<br>
of 3 with an LMG towards the west, not particularly into our own positions but bypassing<br>
them.<br>
An interesting feature was a great conflagration caused when some 8 haystacks<br>
across the canal, almost simultaneously, burst into flame. They lighted the whole<br>
countryside and patrols found great difficulty in moving about their routes.<br>
There was considerable enemy movement, heard by patrols, coming from the far side<br>
of the canal and it is felt that the hay stacks were fired to screen their movements<br>
and prevent patrolling on our side.<br>
A scout patrol of two men, Cpl. Geersen and Rosenberger, failed to return from a<br>
recee patrol in the vicinity of the village Mme Geersen. Up until the time the diary is being<br>
written they are still absent and considerable anxiety is felt for their safety.<br>
The standing patrol 1581 cross roads canal and report a bad haystack fire 25 feet<br>
from their right gunner and considerable enemy rifle, MG and grenade fire pouring into<br>
their position. No casualties reported.</td>
<td>15<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>2</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 23

Page 17
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries: (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.
Titles pages will be prepared.
WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)
M.F.M. 11
P/40 & S/37
Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O. 1/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>11 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>The carrier patrol at cross roads Fmn Degenberg 135835 reported no enemy activity whatever in their areas.<br>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.<br>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.</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>Weather Fair and Warm</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>12 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>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.<br>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.<br>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.<br>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</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 24

Page 18
Instructions regarding preparation of
War Diaries (which will be kept from first
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.
Titles page will be prepared.
WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)
M.F.M. 11
40/P & B/37
Original, duplicate and triplicate to be
forwarded to O. 1/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1360<br>Sheet</td>
<td>12 Sep</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>an OP and the pair moved along the beach a few hundreds yards to an unoccupied German<br>artillery OP on the sand dunes. From here observation is excellent when visibility<br>remains OK. Fog from the sea continually rolls landward and at times visibility is nil.<br>The carrier patrol continues to report Coppensnoxten clear.<br>The C.O. visited Brig. McGill during the afternoon and returned to Bn HQ in a happy<br>mood. Evidently the patrolling system being employed by the Bn is satisfactory. It<br>certainly should be however, because we have gathered a wealth of information from all<br>sources and a new line of advance over point could be made quite easily from our maps and we<br>certainly have plenty maps set up.<br>Technical representatives arrived and are listing and collecting enemy equipment<br>and ammo from our areas. Loon Place is a veritable dump in itself.<br>"C" Coy took over from Sct. Sadler's carrier section at the cross roads, 135635,<br>and experienced no trouble whatever in taking over. Two sections of carriers have<br>replaced Charlie Coy within Loon Place. This is our first step towards securing Mardick<br>a very strong enemy point.<br>Dog company received orders from the C.O. to also move north and by successive<br>platoons "bite" take and hold as firm base, The Geersen. They are to move during<br>the early hours tomorrow morning, although The Geersen is reported clear at the<br>present moment, through scout sources, we are not taking any chances on this and<br>adequate precautions will be made to ensure our alertness in attacking the Fme and<br>surrounding territory. The Hun has a habit of allowing reconnaissance patrols and then<br>when the main body arrives he puts up a considerable fight.<br>Dog company area is to be held by a skeleton force consisting of a section from<br>Able coy. This section will only man the road block into town as a precaution against<br>through traffic.<br>There is one prime thing sticking in our minds at the moment and it is the result<br>of a conversation this morning between Brig. McGill and the C.O. With a series of<br>handsweeping movements a broad plan was disclosed by the Brig for our attack on<br>Dunkerque in the near future. It was then explained earlier to the G.O.C. that our<br>strength was low, he remarked, "The Bulgarians are coming 178 reinforcements". From<br>this type of conversation it would appear that shortly, S. C.I.B. will take Germany all<br>by itself.<br>When Dunkerque is seen from the OPs and the defensions shown on the def overprints<br>are studied, it becomes even more forbidding and formidable as a fortress.<br>During the evening heavy bombers were heard roaring out towards German territory</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 25

Page 19
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>
War Diaries (which will be kept from first<br>
day of mobilization, creation or embodi-<br>
ment), are contained in F.S. Regs, Vol. 1.<br>
Title pages will be prepared.

WAR DIARY
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)

M.F.M. 11<br>
40/7 & 3/7<br>
Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>
forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references<br>to Appendices<br>and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLAGE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>12 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>and heavy shelling and mortaring were heard coming from the direction of Dunkerque.<br><br>Weather Fair and Warm</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLAGE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>13 Sep<br>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>At approx 2400hrs Dog Coy attacked Eme Geersen at 150832. Charlie Coy had taken<br>
over the road junction at 135834 as our first step towards taking Mardick 155830, and<br>
now Dog Coy attacked Eme Geersen as our second step or "bit" as we so familiarly call<br>
movements of this type.<br>
Mardick has been a hot spot, consistently, and it is a very necessary step we<br>
must finish before proceeding on to Dunkerque within the next few days. Eme Geersen<br>
and Mardick must therefore, necessarily be taken and held, to secure our start line.<br>
A series of check lines, blue, red and green had been arranged previously by the<br>
C.O. and as Dog Coy progressed, they were to report to the check line or so many yards<br>
plus or minus of it. By this method it is possible to tell almost exactly where any<br>
attacking formation is at the time.<br>
At 0240hrs Dog Coy reported "blue" and asked for arty on task 12. At 0300hrs this<br>
fire was stopped.<br>
Apparently up until now very little opposition had been met and the coy continued<br>
pushing, until at 0320hrs they reported "red" and very shortly afterwards "green".<br>
Their objective had been reached and still little or no opposition. At 0410hrs Dog<br>
Coy requested another Minute of Arty on task 12.<br>
During all this time Bde had been bothering us for information and at 0430hrs<br>
Major Ogilvie reported our progress to Capt. Bob Porter, Bde L.O.<br>
However all the mood changed suddenly because around 0510hrs the enemy started<br>
taking a strong dislike to Dog Coy's presence and forced Dog Coy from "green" to "red".<br>
Enemy fire became very heavy on green and a report arrived at compound post that the<br>
enemy were pushing from green to red. Sunray of Mike 4, Major Del Harrison, then<br>
called for Arty on T 12, T 20 and task 16. Dog Coy held on to report line "red" despite<br>
the opposition and reported to the C.O. that they had held the enemy position. Sounds from<br>
enemy lines indicated that our Arty had been effective and enemy had been wounded.<br>
Throughout the day Dog Coy remained quiet and reported their company position,<br>
around the houses, at 146835. They were continually sniped by Scheisezer and rifle and<br>
at times the mortaring and shelling was very heavy.</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
</table>

## Page 26

Page 20
WAR DIARY
M.F.M. 11
40 1/P & S/7
Instructions regarding preparation of<br>War Diaries (which will be kept from first<br>day of mobilization, creation or embodiment),<br>are contained in F.S. Regs. Vol. I.
OR
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
(Erase heading not required)
Original, duplicate and triplicate to be<br>forwarded to O. i/c 2nd Echelon for disposal.
Title pages will be prepared.

<table>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Hour</th>
<th>Summary of Events and Information</th>
<th>Remarks, references to Appendices and initials</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France<br>LOON PLACE<br>MR 1380<br>Sheet</td>
<td>13 Sep</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>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.<br>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.<br>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.<br>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.<br>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.<br>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.<br>Maj. Gen Ross Ellis was a guest for dinner to-night at the home of some local farmer.</td>
<td>JS</td>
</tr>
</table>

Weather Fair and Warm

## Page 27

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