testin out different ocr outputs

outputs_step3_llm/step3_Calgary-Highlanders_War-Diary_Sep44_claude-4-6_narratives.json

@@ -0,0 +1,262 @@
+[
+  {
+    "date": "1 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "Ste. Foy",
+    "summary": "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.\nWe 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.\nAt approx 0930hrs we arrived in the little village of Ste. Foy, east of Longueville.\nCapt. 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.\nBn HQs 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 young milk fed chicken and it was greatly enjoyed by those concerned.\nAt 1130hrs Bde held an \"O\" group to give the C.O. his orders to attack and take a section of the city of Dieppe and to move forward with the RHC doing the same movement on the right flank.\nJust 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.\nOur orders then were to sit tight and remain in our present area of Ste. Foy.\nThe afternoon was spent cleaning up and at 1930hrs word came for another meeting at Bde.\nGood news this time because we are to move into Dieppe in the morning and concentrate with 3 days off work. The only thing we are to do is prepare for a March Past during the second day and General Crerar, Army Commander, is to take the salute.\nWe are to move to-morrow morning sometime and the hour will be settled later.\nAnd so to bed for a good night's rest.\n\nWeather   Fair and warm",
+    "weather": "Fair and warm",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 7
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "2 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "Neuville les Dieppe (outskirts Dieppe)",
+    "summary": "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 a very wise move. We are not in defense in any way and all coys and eqpt are in their own groups and in no way dispersed other than 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 cemetry. In the afternoon is our March Past for General Crerar and there is the normal confusion over this issue. Example - webbing on-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.",
+    "weather": "Fair and warm, rain later in the day",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 8
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "3 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "NEUVILLE les DIEPPE",
+    "summary": "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 interfering things. At 1000hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan, accompanied by Major Ross Ellis, went to the Dieppe Canadian Cemetry 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 they were not allowed the opportunity of attending. Unfortunately only a limited attendance 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 our 2I/C, Major Robinson, and for a change we were placed into sixes. Reason for sixes is the limited area for the whole division in the city and the column would be too long for the march past if formed up in normal column of route. 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 Crerar take the salute from those battle scarred veterans. A noticeable thing was the \"eyes left\" instead of the usual \"eyes right\". On arrival back in the Bn area 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 even one little drink was unobtainable.",
+    "weather": "Sultry and rain later",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 9
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "4 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "NEUVILLE Les DIEPPE",
+    "summary": "The main topic for the morning is \"stragglers parade\" to the mobile bath. As per normal we have to travel many 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 Cemetry. A stragglers parade is necessary to-day because of a breakdown in operations at the baths yesterday.\nFrom all appearances we shall complete our 3 days rest and we may possibly be lucky enough to get an additional 24 hours.\nThe 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.\nMajor Warren, our dental officer, was kept very busy during the day making adjustments to the odd tooth and he has helping him Capt. Sproule with another mobile dental office.\nClair Lannan our auxilliary services officer was also kept busy and is planning another show for the boys to-night.\nCapt. Roly 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 Bn area, it is a sure sign that the base hospital is ahead of us.\nThis morning we received 138 ORs and 2 officers as reinforcements. The officers are Lieut. Gord Seller and Lieut. H. Podealuk. We are slowly getting back to strength with the arrival of this group.\nDuring 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.\nAt 1800hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan held a company commanders meeting and problems of personnel and current training problems 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 la Londe battle is the reason for this refresher and the C.O. used the RHC as an example for us to follow in this respect.\n\nWeather     Fair and warm, slight rain later.",
+    "weather": "Fair and warm, slight rain later",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 10
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "5 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "NEUVILLE Les DIEPPE",
+    "summary": "The Battalion carried on with special training for the benefit of the new personnel throughout the day. This training consisted of section and platoon battle-drill and some Gren guns which had just been repaired were tested for efficiency. Major S.O. Robinson, our 21/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 Brig. McGill visited Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and reassured us that we would move sometime during the latter portion of the day. This move is an expected one and we are in no way surprised. 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 Bde. Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan came back to the Bn at once and in the meantime Major Ross Ellis had the Bn in preparation. Troubles galore arose here 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.Vs. and this is what caused an ensuing delay. The T.C.Vs. became lost and at 2330hrs, our \"H\" hour, with the companies to lead, there still were no T.C.Vs. \"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.",
+    "weather": "Rain and cool",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 11
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "5 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "ST. FOLQUIN",
+    "summary": "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 Eu instead of a left turn and had to travel a few miles extra, through Beauchamps them northwards to get back on our own route. When we arrived in our new area we were treated to breakfast and then one and all, except the C.O., Adjt., I.O., and recce 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 \"O\" Group at Bde we were warned to move by 1300 hrs to the area of the canal around Bourbourgville. Capt Mark Tennant and his recce 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 Diarist feels that the town of Licques is the best one yet, because along with many others in the Bn, including the C.O. and Major Wyn Lasher, they had kisses blown at them from very beautiful Mmes and Mlles. My what 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 Nordamsques the battalion had 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 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 in shame although the route he had marked was taken directly from the Brig's. 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 through us 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.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 12
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "6 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "ST. FOLQUIN",
+    "summary": "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 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",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 13
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "7 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "BOURBOURG-VILLE",
+    "summary": "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 Nordamsques 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 we took no chances. We took up headquarters in an occupied farm house and the companies tightened in around the neighboring 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.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 13
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "7 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "BOURBOURGVILLE",
+    "summary": "This bridge was to be finished by 1200hrs. 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. MacLauchlan 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 canal and had secured the town. We moved into position alright and there we were soon told the town had been secured by the R de Mais and we could proceed ahead as 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 liased 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. MacLauchlan proceeded at once back to Bde HQ. This information caused considerable concern at Bde because the reports received there were, and had been, considerably different. Around 1000hrs we were told the R de Mais had succeeded in getting one coy across the canal 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 attack was certainly a very slow, tedious and costly job and many hours passed by until finally our 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. Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan 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.",
+    "weather": "Heavy rain and wind",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 14
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "7 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "ST. FOLQUIN / BOURBOUGVILLE / LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "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 and awaited first light when we were to start a plan of moving northwards to Loon Plage, 1380. Once again false information caused us serious delay and many anzious 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 portion of Bourbougville which, by the way, was the important part and paved our way for the advance to-morrow morning.",
+    "weather": "Heavy rain and very cold",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 15
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "8 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "BOURBOUGVILLE / FARM MR 1277",
+    "summary": "During the early hour of the morning the Bn continued to hold fast and, 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 its appointed your 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 another, later proven false, report arrived saying Loon Plage was clear and to \"crack on\". Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan feeling this report, through other sources, was not true, and certainly at the time conflicting with our own portion 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 when 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.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 15
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "8 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "France / BOURBOURG-VILLE / FARM / LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "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.\nWe 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.\nOur 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 pdrs did when he drew their fire on to the church in Loon Plage which he suspected as an enemy O.P.\nThe Anti-Tank ran short of ammo and Capt Mark Tennant rushed a further supply to their position.\nFinally, advance became so slow because of the heavy MG and shell-fire from almost directly north and south, the 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.\nDog 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.\nThe R de Mais were then ordered to assist us by moving 3 coys from Bourbourgville northwards along the road running parallel to our axis but 500 to 1000 metres east of us. They took some five hours to even get to a point 1500 metres up the road from Bourbourgville. They did not assist us in any way to clean up our trouble from this right flank and we had to continue without help.\n\"Soon\", around 2400hrs, we pulled our 3 most forward coys, A, B, and D, back to a more restricted area near Charlie Coy, ending up with Charlie coy on its original spot, road junction 1278, \"D\" Coy 1200 metres on its left rear and \"B\" and \"A\" 500 metres north of the other two respective positions.\nThis 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 42hrs for them to be without food and they could not be fed in the forward position. They could not possibly get any further forward 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.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 16
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "8 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "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.",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 17
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "9 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "At approx 0815hrs Major Ross Ellis was called to the #18 Set and was almost struck dumbfounded to hear Major Dalt Heyland ask to be allowed to send a platoon and section of carriers into Loon Plage because he had heard 200 enemy were somewhere around town and ready to be taken prisoners. Also, Major Heyland understood things had definitely quieted down within the town. Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan was in conference with Brig. McGill at 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 was on his way to recce 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 preceeded the companies into 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 area. 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. MacLauchlan 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.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 17
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "9 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "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 Gravelines, 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, excepting the sector eastwards 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.\nThe infantry platoon patrol working eastwards from Loon Plage to 1681 however were not quite so quick and suffered casualties and slow advance as a result, because of heavy shell-fire to their front.\nThey worked forward slowly under these conditions and at 2200hrs reported 200x short of their objective. Our arty was continually playing on suspected and confirmed spots and assisted at times in keeping down the enemy fire.\nAt 1000hrs Brig McGill arrived at Bn HQ and laid his plans before the C.O. We are to continue harassing the enemy and to keep on stirring him up to prevent his possible infiltration back along the coast, to our north, in an attempt to move westwards. 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 at first light to-morrow morning by another section who will remain out all day and be relieved at last light by yet another section.\nThis plan will continue throughout our stay here and communication will be maintained by telephone, radio and scout intermediates.\nEven 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.\n\nWeather     Fair and Cool",
+    "weather": "Fair and Cool",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 18
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "10 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "To-day was one of little activity. During the night we were shelled several times and some certainly landed much too close for comfort and it was great relief to everyone to find the day quiet, and free from enemy shelling and mortaring.\nIn the morning, scouts were employed as patrols throughout the area, previously reported clear, and confirmed the report by reporting the patrol area still free.\nOur 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 also sent in valuable information.\nArtillery played fire on targets of opportunity and suspected positions and there is certainly no question as to their success.\n4.2\" Mortars, after bringing fire on some of our more important enemy locations, were ordered to \"cease fire\" by their own Sunray because of ammunition shortage. This order to \"cease fire\" to the mortars cause Capt Morgan of the Tor Scots to tear his hair because it happened just as he was really chasing Jerries and causing the enemy some worry.\nIn the afternoon the scouts were again sent on patrols and the Pioneers proceeded to check and confirm mine fields, as marked on the Def overprint, of the areas from Le Clipon westwards some 4000 metres along the coast. Cpl. Jack Malkin of the \"I\" Sec with Pte. Sandy McLellan of \"I\" Sec on the motorcycle patrolled and checked all main roads and laterals north and north-west of Loon Plage, 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.\nThe scouts returned from their patrol 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.\nThe 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 brought in 2 French type anti-tank mines found in the German mine-fields. They were in very poor condition and had been underground for a long time.\nOrders 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.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 19
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "10 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "During the evening a great number of the Maquis and civilians grouped in Loon Plage, 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.\nAt 0845hrs Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan travelled to Bde to attend a C.Os. meeting and while there Brigadier 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 taking over R de Mais patrol at Coppenaxfort, 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\".\nUpon returning to Bn HQ the C.O. was told the enemy had shelled the larger party of Maquis as they proceeded from Loon Plage 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.\nAt 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.\nThe meeting lasted until 2400hrs and during this time the enemy continued to shell the area.\n\nWeather Fair and Warm",
+    "weather": "Fair and Warm",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 20
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "11 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "Four patrols were sent out last night to cover 4 areas from the coast and Loon Plage grid line 14 to the coast and canal 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 considered successful although #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 Clipon 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 homewards with the casualty. 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 \"I\" Sec was besieged with French informers and Maquis. Much information was received and many patrols and parties sent to investigate rumours supplied by 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 Clipon. Lieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan and Major Ross Ellis attended a cocktail party at Monsieur Le Maires' home at 1030hrs. Here they were surrounded by bevies of beautiful girls and glasses of champagne plus, of all things, 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 Clipon to Mardick and report upon rumoured enemy patrols. Another section went to 134834 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.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 21
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "11 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLACE",
+    "summary": "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 chased 2 half-track enemy vehicles out of the windmill area across the canal from one position. In the evening the Hun 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. MacLauchlan 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 recce 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 conflicting reports. Two of the recce 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 active patrolling on our side. A scout patrol of two men, Ptes Shave and Rosenberger, failed to return from a recce patrol in the vicinity of Bme 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 and canal reported a bad haystack fire 25 feet from their right gunner and considerable enemy rifle, MG and grenade fire pouring into their position. No casualties resulted.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 22
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "11 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "The carrier patrol at cross roads Fmn Debergbe 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 Heyland, commanding \"C\" Coy, was at Bn HQ and phoned his company to make a check, but was informed a check was already being made. Soon a report came through the F.F.I., attempting to get through our lines 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.F.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.F.I. incident. Patrols are causing considerable heart-aches 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",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 23
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "12 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "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 to normal living. M. Herchard, the F.F.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.F.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 to-day with probably a little more stress on observation. Scouts were sent out in pairs to establish forward OPs on 3 roads leading towards Dunkerque and near Fme Geersen. This operation took a long time but excellent information was forthcoming when their OPs were firmly established. One patrol managed to get into Fme Geersen and out again. This was certainly a very interesting feat. Another patrol investigated the ground south of Fme Geersen to confirm or deny the presence of an enemy trio and MG seen moving into our patrol area during the night. The report was denied. \"I\" S.c sent an \"I\" man and a scout to the Casino, 126843, to establish an OP and report upon beach conditions. The Casino was not good enough for",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 23
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "12 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "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 Coppenaxfort clear. The C.O. visited Brig. McGill during the afternoon and returned to BnHQ 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 defense overprint 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 Plage is a veritable dump in itself. \"C\" Coy took over from Sgt. Sadler's carrier section at the cross roads, 135835, and experienced no trouble whatever in taking over. Two sections of carriers have replaced Charlie Coy within Loon Plage. 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 platoon \"bites\" take and hold as a firm base, Fme Geersen. They are to move during the early hours to-morrow morning. Although Fme 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 recce patrols through 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. When it had been explained earlier to the G.O.C. that our strength was low, he remarked, \"The Calgaries will have some 178 reinforcements\". From this type of conversation it would appear that shortly, 5 C.I.B. will take Germany all by itself. When Dunkerque is seen from the OPs and the defenses 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",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 24
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "12 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "and heavy shelling and mortaring were heard coming from the direction of Dunkerque.\n\nWeather    Fair and Warm",
+    "weather": "Fair and Warm",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 25
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "13 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "At approx 2400hrs Dog Coy attacked Fme 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 Fme Geersen as our second step or bite as we so familiarly call movements of this type.\nMardick 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.  Fmn Geersen and Mardick must therefore, necessarily be taken and held, to secure our start line.\nA 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 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.\nAt 0240hrs Dog Coy reported \"blue\" and asked for arty on task 12.  At 0300hrs this fire was stopped.\nApparently up until now very little opposition had been met and the coy continued pushing, until at 0329hrs 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.\nDuring all this time Bde had been bothering us for information and at 0430hrs Major Ross Ellis reported our progress to date to Capt. Bob Porter, Bde L.O.\nHowever all the calm soon vanished because around 0515hrs the enemy started taking a strong dislike to Dog Coy's presence and forced Dog back from \"green\" to \"red\". Enemy fire became very heavy on green and a report arrived at command 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 continued to direct Arty fire on the enemy position.  Sounds from enemy lines indicated that our Arty had been effective and enemy had been wounded.\nThroughout the day Dog Coy remained quiet and reported their company position, around the houses, at 146835.  They were continually sniped by Schmeiser and rifle and at times the mortaring and shelling was very heavy.",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 25
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "13 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "LOON PLAGE",
+    "summary": "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.\nPatrols 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 Plage 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 defenses plus obtaining first hand information of points unknown. They were fairly successful and a wealth of information was turned into \"I\" Sec. This information plus log reports from \"I\" Sec OP on the coast itself is being collated for 5 C.I.B. and together with complete traces will be turned into Bde HQ to-morrow morning. The information it is hoped will assist Brig. W.J. Megill in constructing his appreciation for our attack on Dunkerque.\nDuring the day we received some mortaring and shelling but with no casualties.\nReinforcements for the Bn now total 180. 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 Regt 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.\nLieut-Col. D.G. MacLauchlan called a 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.\nAt approx 2200hrs Major Del Harrison reported approx 60 enemy forming up to his south-east flank. He called for Arty and task 18 was brought down. The results are not known at present.\nAt 2315hrs they were away on the attack. MG and Schmeiser fire continued and at 2400hrs the company had advanced to the cross roads on the immediate west fringe of Fme Geersen.\nMajor Ross Ellis was a guest for dinner to-night at the home of some local farmer.\n\nWeather          Fair and Warm",
+    "weather": "Fair and Warm",
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 26
+  },
+  {
+    "date": "14 Sep 44",
+    "date_inferred": false,
+    "date_span": null,
+    "place": "Loon Plage",
+    "summary": "After carefully analyzing all the factors bearing on the situation of our front, Lt.-Col. D. G. MacLauchlan order \"Dog\" to attempt another entry of Fme Geersen MR 150831 at 0200 hours. By 0238 hours, this Coy. had reached X rds MR 147832 and part of one platoon crossed the canal at the demolished bridge at MR 14748310. Here the forward elements of the Coy encountered 7 Machine Guns and also found the road verges mined on both sides. Troop movement could be heard to the east and then Jerry started to send up flares. These were followed by his Hy Arty. \"Dog\" Coy was pinned down in area of the blown bridge from 0255 hrs until 0315 hrs. Once the shelling had ceased, it was decided that the Coy would remain where it was, consolidate and hold its gains. To improve his defensive locality Major \"Del\" Harrison found it necessary to pull back slightly, taking up position in area MR 148833 - 145834 at 0435 hrs. Shortly afterwards he reported that his A/T Guns and 3 inch Mortars were in position but that he was not satisfied with their positions.\nAt 0435 hrs a very loud explosion was heard in the area of Dunkerque but details could not be obtained. At 0530, intercommunication difficulty was experienced between Charlie and Dog Companies and new line had to be sent out. To add to their discomfort Jerry started to use MMG on Charlie and Dog Companies' areas at 0600. Mortar and heavy shelling was also directed at them from an area between Fme Geersen and the town of Mardick. Back here in Bn. H.Q. Major Ross Ellis spent an anxious night on the telephone. In fact, our very capable Adjutant was quite startled to hear a signaller scream over the phone when a dead Hun toppled into his slit-trench. The incident occurred, when a section from 13 Pl, \"Charlie\" Coy, manning an O.P. at intersection MR 147883, let a 20 man Hun night patrol close to its position. On a prearranged signal, the Cpl. in charge opened up with his Bren. Jerry was not prepared for the reception. To liven up the party our lads tossed a few grenades. Leaving a good impression on their visitors, the O.P. closed down, temporarily, and withdrew by bounds as far as the \"I\" Office. Ever ready to express appreciation of a job well done, the C.O. interviewed the Section Leader and commended him for his efforts. Before daylight another small group went out to count noses of dead and identify arm of service",
+    "weather": null,
+    "no_change": false,
+    "source_page": 27
+  }
+]