The 71st armored field artillery battalion in europe 1944 1945 Personal Journal of Major Herman R. Smith Jr
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A Red Cross Club Mobile was in the Bn area most of the day serving coffee and donuts to our men. At 1500 Gen Oliver, the Div CO, present-ed the Bronze Star award to Lt Francies, Lt McWain, S/Sgt Mylertz and Pvt Smith; all for gallantry in action. Btry COs still occupying OPs and our 3 FOs are still with CCA SE of Roetgen. Day was clear and our fighter bombers were out in force most of the day. There was very little enemy activity in our sector. The Bn expended 253 rds on tgts of opportunity and harassing fires. 7 NOV 44
Fired one concentration on an enemy vehicle park and numerous harassing and interdiction fires. Expended 219 rds. Flying bombs still go over our area. 8 NOV 44
At 0930 Ln#3 arrived from CCB with word that the Supreme Commander Gen Eisenhauer would be in the Division Area today. At 1100, one Off. And 12 EM left for a 48 hour pass in Paris. Lt. McNeese was the officer chosen. Lt Henry, a replacement officer, arrived at 1735 and was assigned to A Btry. Our first snow started to fall at 1800. Bn expended 203 rds on interdiction missions. 9 NOV 44
Still snowing. Expended 243 rds. 10 NOV 44 CCB 5th AD relieved by 99th Inf. Div at 0830. 5th AD on 6 hr alert. CCR attached to VII Corps. CCA and CCB to move N and attack NE thru the dike area of the Rhineland. 15th AIB moved N this morning; 81st Tank Bn to move tomorrow morning. Expended 135 rds on interdiction fires. Snowed most of the day. 11 NOV 44 Experienced combat divisions being relieved and replaced by new inexperienced units. Veteran units are to be grouped for an extensive push into the heart of the Rhineland. This unit relieved the 95th AFA. We are to take over all of their fires. Approx 64 close in concentrat-ions and several long range interdictions. In addition to the above fires the 7lst is to reinforce the 99th Inf Div Arty. Have 6 ground observers and 1 Ln O, Capt Rowlands, in Hofen. At 1410 Co C, 628th TD Bn, SP 90mm gun, was attached to us to reinforce our fires and take over our long range interdictions. We now have approx 8-10 inches of snow on the ground. Bn expended 340 rds on harassing and interdiction fires. This Bn has fired a total of 19,085 rds in combat during the period 6 AUG 44 to 7 NOV 44. 12 NOV 44 As our OPs are at a distance, telephone communications are quite a problem because of the lack of sufficient WD110 wire, telephones and switch boards. Maintenance of lines is constant and they are mostly overhead where possible. Weather clear with a few snowy periods. Expended 217 rds on interdiction and harassing fires. 13 NOV 44 At 1400 Div Arty SSO showed the movie, “Thousands Cheer” to the Bn. Fired on two Kraut working parties and one suspected enemy OP, in addition to interdiction, harassing and close in defensive fires. Expended 283 rds. Snowed a couple or three times during the day, otherwise the weather was cold and clear. 14 NOV 44 At 0944 Bn fired on several work parties laying and activating mines. There was a marked increase in enemy activity on our front, especially in the Hofen area. Expended 365 rds. 15 NOV 44 Expended 172 rds on interdiction fires. 16 NOV 44 From VOW (Div Arty) at 1000. Prairie Dog Day (D Day) at 1115 today. Aerial preparation to last for 65 minutes. All men to take adequate cover from bomb fragments and aerial MG fire. Ln O #3 (Lt Frazer) came from VOTIVE (CCB) at 1810. VII Corps mission to take Cologne. 1st, 4th and 28th Inf. Divs. 5th AD in Corps reserve for counter attack and heavy punch. Bomber attacks to take place daily. 3500 to 4000 heavy bombers used in this mornings preparation. 7lst AFA to move out with CCB at 1000 tomorrow, to clear Eupen at 1115. Bn expended 336 rds. 17 NOV 44 From CCB at 0845. Voyage (7lst AFA) not to move prior to 1300. Bn moved out at 1310 under Exec in order C,Hq,A,B,Sv and at 1335 crossed the German border into Belgium. Bn reentered Germany at Roetgen and closed in position at 1630, one mile SW or Roetgen. Marched 23 miles. CP now in Belgium and firing btrys in Germany. This is the 4th time. 18 NOV 44 At 1515 B Btry registered by ground OP. Visibility was very poor at times although it was sunny most of the day. Our fighter bombers were very active on our front. Buzz bombs over this area also. Bn expended 11 rds on registration. 19 NOV 44 Rained most of the day. 7lst now reinforcing the fires of the 47th AFA Bn. Expended 150 rds on interdiction fires - this fire destroyed one enemy truck by burning. 20 NOV 44 Still raining. Expended 148 rds on interdiction and harassing fires. At 0900 two Off. and 28 EM left on pass for 48 hrs in Paris. Lt Todd and CWO House were the Off. selected. 21 NOV 44 No change in the weather. Expended 108 rds on counterbattery and interdiction fires. 22 NOV 44 0830 moved Bn CP and Hq Btry into houses in Roetgen. CP now in Germany. Expended 254 rds on interdiction fires. 23 NOV 44 Thanksgiving Day. Our dinner was excellent; complete with turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. Day was rainy and very cold. Expended 150 rds on interdiction and harassing fires. 24 NOV 44 0948, Capt Lynn Fredrickson, MC assigned and joined the Bn. Capt Bickel transferred to 203rd Gen. Hosp in Paris. Expended 117 rds on interdiction and harassing fires. 25 NOV 44 Expended 109 rds on interdiction fires. 26 NOV 44 Weather clear and cold. Expended 179 rds on counterbattery and interdiction fires. 27 NOV 44 At 0830 Capt Bickel departed for 203rd Gen Hosp in Paris. At 1330 Bn started daily 1 hr German classes for selected personnel. Expended 75 rds on interdiction fires. 28 NOV 44 At 0830 four Off and 32 EM left for 48 hr pass in Eupen, Belgium. Buzz bombs continue to pass over our area. Expended 84 rds on interdiction fires. 29 NOV 84 Major Wills assigned and joined the Bn at lll5. Lt Chavaux, French Tactical Ln Off, speaks German and had been a PW in Germany for 3 years, attached and joined the Bn. Day clear and cold. Bn expended 211 rds on counter battery and interdiction fires. 30 NOV 44 At 1030 Btry billeting parties left for CCB to move to Venwegan. Bn expended 151 rds on interdiction and harassing fires. Bn has expended 23,116 rds since entering combat on 6 Aug 44. At 1530 CCB called and cancelled the 7lst movement for today - later they postponed it indefinitely. 1 DEC 44
Expended 97 rds on interdiction fires. 2 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires. 3 DEC 44
At 1500 nine ME109s strafed our Btry positions. Three were destroyed by the combined Mg fire of our Bn and attached AAAW. No damage or casualties. Lt Mahoney’s AAAW platoon, attached to A Btry, shot their CP tent full of 50 cal. mg holes. Bn expended 99 rds on interdiction fires. 4 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires. 5 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires. 6 DEC 44
Expended 99 rds on interdiction fires. 8 DEC 44
Bn moved out at 1330 under the Exec in the order Hq,A,B,C,Sv and closed in bivouac at 1430 at Walheim. All personnel in billets for the first time. 9 DEC 44
At 1000 Bn CO left for Div Arty to get the picture on our new mission and returned at 1115. Div is to attk East to the Roer River. This attk is to be through the already famous Hurtgen Forest where the 28th, 8th and 4th Inf. Divs have taken such large losses. At 1410 the Bn CO, Surv O and BC Parties left on reconn for positions near Grosshau and returned at 1815. Co C of the 628th TD Bn is attached to us to reinforce our fires. 71st to reinforce the fires of the 83rd Div Arty and in direct support of CCB. 10 DEC 44 Bn moved out at 1245 in order C,A,B,Hq. Sv to remain in present location. Bn closed in posn 1000 yds W of Grosshau in the Hurtgen Forest at 1530. Bn registered by air OP at 1615. Bn expended 22 rds. This is our 5th time into Germany. 11 DEC 44 At 0700 CCB jumped off in attk on hill 253. We have 3 observers and 3 Ln Officers out. CCB attk bogged down in the mud, artillery and mortar fire. Forward elements are squatting in woods on nose of the hill. Bn expended 848 rds in support of this attk. 12 DEC 44 All men are now living in log huts dug into the ground. The huts are fairly comfortable, warm, and splinter proof. At 1115 Votive (CCB) called for all possible fire on Bogheim. Fired a Corps TOT at 1135 - no town left. Expended 769 rds on tgts of opportunity. At 1910 six ME109s bombed and strafed the CC area. Our attached AAAW knocked one down and damaged two others. One bomb hit CCB Msg Center. Bn had one causualty, Cpl Foley in A Btry. 13 DEC 44 Bn expended 438 rds on tgts of opportunity. 14 DEC 44 At 1115 B22 (Lt Barry FO#2) returned to the CP with his tank and crew. His tank had been hit with 6 rds of 76mm AT fire. The hatch cover and AA MG had been blown off. Lt Barry had shell fragments in his left eye and T/5 Bucci had been seriously wounded in the chest by mortar fragments. The tank was still servicable. Bn expended 1190 rds on tgts of opportunity. 15 DEC 44 Lt LaFons, A Btry RO, injured by shell fragments at 1320 and was evacuated. Bn expended 966 rds on tgts of opportunity. 16 DEC 44 At 0815 CCB captured their objective, hill 253. During this present action this Bn has knocked out one AT gun and 17 man crew, damaged two MK V Panther tanks, knocked out two 88mm AA AT guns, one MK VI Tiger and a SP 76mm gun. The number of Infantry personnel killed and wounded is very high but it is impossible to obtain the actual number. At 1630 we received notification from Votive (CCB) of the start of a large scale German attk in the South with plenty of air support. Bn expended 863 rds. 17 DEC 44 Our Inf (15th AIB) taking it from weapons across the river. Approx 60 ME109s, JU88s, and FW190s over our area at 1100 bombing and strafing everywhere. They caused no damage up forward but Pvts Davenport and Smith in SV Btry were injured by bomb fragments. Bn Exec evacuated at 0915 with ruptured appendix. Bn expended 1113 rds on counter battery and tgts of opportunity. 18 DEC 44 At 0715 the Bn took over the 400th AFA Bn missions. They are relieved from attatchment to the 5th AD and are pulling to the South in the vicinity of the German attack. This Bn now supporting Jacket, Jibe, Devildog, and Vox in addition to our normal support of the 81st T Bn and 15th AIB. This is too much for a light Arty Bn. Bn Expended 1226 rds on counter battery and tgts of opportunity. 19 DEC 44 Bn expended 949 rds. 20 DEC 44 CCB and attachments is attacking Bogheim and Untermaubach. Vox last night established a road block under a steep hillside East of Untermaubach. They boxed out a lot and knocked out plenty with the assistance of a lot of Arty. Bn expended 1473 rds on counter Battery and close in support fires. 21 DEC 44 Bn expended 959 rds. 22 DEC 44 81st Tank Bn went in at 0700. Part of the 4th Cav Gp replaced by elements of the 8th Inf Div last night. CCB accomplished its mission at 1613. Bn expended 684 rds. 23 DEC 44 Bn FOs and Btry ROs returned at 0210. Bn expended 271 rds. 24 DEC 44 CCB pulled out of line at 1000. At 1300 Bn moved out in order Hq,C,B,A as a part of CCB and at 1535 closed in bivouac in Welkenraedt, Belgium. Bn and CCB on 2 hr alert status. Christmas dinner will be a problem. We are now in 21st Army GP reserve. 25 DEC 44 Made the dinner OK. The Quartermaster does OK by the troops; turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and fruit cake. 26 DEC 44 Now on 4 hr alert status. The German attk is slowing. 31 DEC 44 At 0645 a JU87 Stuka dropped a 500# bomb 150 yds from the CP. No casualties. Fragments cut up a few tents and were also found as far away as 400 yds in the How Btry positions. To date the Bn has expended 40,879 rds since 6 Aug 44. 1 JAN 45
At 0912 7 ME109s strafed our Bn area. They caused no casualties or damages. Our attached AAAW shot down 5 of them. 2 JAN 45
Ln #3, Lt Alexander Frazer and Sgt Harold Freeman were killed on 28 Dec in Verviers, by a German bomb. They were at the 77th Evac Hosp taking a shower. A German Jet Propelled ME262 dropped the bomb. 8 JAN 45
Bn Exec returned to duty from 15th Gen Hosp in Liege. CWO Tipton appointed 2nd Lt on Battlefield appointment. 19 JAN 45 Major Wills released from assignment to 71st and ordered to 3rd Armd Div. Lts Francies, Sorensen and McWain promoted to lst Lts. 20 JAN 45 Lt Ray Smith 754th FA Bn, brother of the Exec, visited overnight. Lt Barry promoted to lst Lt. 25 JAN 45 At 0600 Bn received orders to join CCA on projected move to vicinity of Roetgen. Bn now in XIX CORPS. 26 JAN 45 At 0900 Bn CO, Surv O and BC Parties left on reconn. 71 AFA assigned to reinforce the fires of 308th FA Bn of the 78th Inf Div Arty. CCA to take the towns of Konzen, Lammersdorf, Imgenbroich and Eicherscheid. Bn moved out at 1100 in the order of C,Hq,B,A,Sv and closed in an assembly area behind the positions at 1510. The position area is 2000 yds N of Lammersdorf. The 903rd FA Bn wsa occupying our positions and not to move out until tomorrow. Our Hq Btry doubled with them in their Hq area and the Btrys bivouaced in over a foot of snow. Our 6th time into Germany. 27 JAN 45 At 1300 Btrys of the 903rd FA Bn had cleared and our Btrys were closed in position. Bn CP in a German Concrete pillbox. B Btry registered at 1410. Three observers were sent out at 1800 to OPs in the vicinity of Simmerath and Kesternach. 28 JAN 45 Bn expended 101 rds on harassing and interdiction fires. 30 JAN 45 Expended 90 rds. 31 JAN 45 The 78th Div and CCA 5th AD took their objectives at 1100. Bn expended 701 rds. Bn has now expended a total of 41,800 rds in combat. 1 FEB 45
Received fone call from 78th Div Arty at 0714 which relieved us from reinforcing their fires. We now revert to support of CCB. At 1000 Bn moved out in order Hq,A,B,C,Sv and at 1245 closed in position at Montzen, Belgium. All personnel in the Bn were put into billets. Tech Sgt Haunschild appointed 2nd Lt on battlefield appointment. 5 FEB 45
At 1830 Bn moved out in order Hq,A,B,C,Sv under the Exec and as a part of CCB. Bn closed in position in Kunrade, Holland at 2200. All personnel put into billets. All vehicular markings and shoulder patches were removed. Units received new code names and made new unit signs prior to the move. We are now in XVI Corps of the 9th US Army. 7 FEB 45
As of 1300 today we are now in XIII Corps, 9th Army, 21st Army Group. 8 FEB 45
At 1000 Bn CO, Surv O, and BC parties went forward on reconn to the vicinity of Puffendorf, Germany. Bn moved out at 2040 under the Exec in order B,Hq,A,C,Sv and attached Co. C of the 628th TD Bn. Closed in position 1000 yds NE of Puffendorf at 2340. This was an easy night march and made that way because of the cooperation of the XIII Corps MPs who guided the Bn to Geilenkirchen over a route that would have been difficult without MP road markers and guides. Artificial moonlig-ht created by focusing AA searchlights on low cloud formations made seeing the road and obstacles easy. This is our 7th entry into Germany. 9 FEB 45
Bn registered at 1700 by 927th FA Bn which we are to reinforce. All Div Arty of 5th AD, including attached 695th FA Bn is attached to and under the control of 102nd Inf. Div Arty. Expended 14 rds on registr-ation. 10 FEB 45 Btry positions are on terrain nearly as flat as a table top. C Btry has their M-7s completely dug in but it isn’t too satisfactory on account of the large amount of rain that we have received recently. All Btrys have established a rear area in Baesweiler for the comfort and safety of personnel not actually manning the guns. Rechecked registration and expended 7 rds. 11 FEB 45 At 1700 Div Arty called on us to fire 64 rds on interdictions. Bn Exec placed one gun in a rear defiladed position for this firing and any other missions that we might receive. The 47th, 95th and 695th FA Bns are in vulnerable positions and cannot fire prior to D Day without disclosing their locations. Expended 64 rds. 12 FEB 45 At 0830 Bn was bombed with anti-pesonnel bombs and all surrounding roads were strafed by German planes. Bn and attached AAAW had 3 casualties; two from the AAAW were evacuated and Pvt Hankner, Hq Btry not evacuated. Expended 64 rds. 15 FEB 45 Bn expended 52 rds. American Red Cross Clubmobile in Bn area most of the day serving coffee and do-nuts to our men. 16 FEB 45 Fired one sound adjustment. Expended 21 rds. 17 FEB 45 Expended 46 rds. 18 FEB 45 Expended 18 rds. 19 FEB 45 Expended 54 rds. 20 FEB 45 AT 1418 approx 14 rds of 75mm arty landed in A and B Btry areas. Bn expended 54 rds. 22 FEB 45 At 1050 the FDC was moved forward to a dug in position in the rear of A Btry. At 1420 B Btry was again shelled by approx 30 rds of 105mm which landed just outside the perimeter of their guns. No casualties; however some of their telecom were disrupted. D Day is to be tomorrow. This area is one gigantic concentration of all sizes and types of Artillery. 23 FEB 45 At 0245 the preparation fires started for the 0330 H hour attack to cross the rain swollen Roer River. This preparation was really a spectacle to observe. The ground started to quiver at 0244 and increased in tempo until the jump off was made at 0330. One Inf. Co. was across at 0337 and their Bn completely across at 0350. This Arty Bn fired constantly until day light and very little after that. Some concentrations called for 5 rds per gun per minute for 10 minutes. Several of these were fired. At 1630 several jet propelled ME-262s were over the area bombing. One was shot down by P-47s and AA. At 1950 the Germans attempted to bomb and strafe the 102nd Inf. Div. bridge over the Roer in Linnich. Bn expended 2430 rds on tgts of opportunity and prepatory fires. 24 FEB 45 At 1115 Bn relieved of reinforcing mission and was completely outranged at 1200. Expended 396 rds. 25 FEB 45 At 1130 Bn Exec, Surv O, and BC parties crossed the Roer on reconn. Bn CO is under the weather with an ulcerated tooth. Bn Exec in effective command of the Bn. At 1430 Bn moved out under S-3 in order Hq,A,B,C. Sv to remain back in Baesweiler. Crossed the river in Linnich and closed in position at Kofferen under shellfire at 1600. Capt Stewart injured by shell fragment but not evacuated. Bn registered by Air OP and expended 114 rds. 26 FEB 45 At 0330 Bn directed by Div Arty to displace to positions just South of line Lovenich - Katzem after daylight. This area is 800-1000 yds behind our lines. The 7lst with 695th FA Bn attached to support CCB attack at noon. At 0800 Bn CO departed for CCB to get Col. Cole’s plan of operation. At 0830 Bn Exec went to Div Arty with 1st Sgt Case and S/Sgt Stein and was present at their appointment as 2nd Lts on battlefield appointments. At 0830, Capt Roueche, Asst S-3 took the Surv O and BC parties on reconn for position areas near Katzem. At 0930 the Bn, under the S-3 moved out and closed in position 500 yds SW of Katzem at 1100. FOs are out and 695th FA Bn is in position to reinforce us. Capts Crowell and Rowlands and Lt Paige are out as LnOs. At 1200 CCB attack jumped off on schedule taking the towns of Wocker-ath, Kauthausen, Tehereg and Mennekrath but did not get Venrath. The 102nd Inf. Div took Erklenz. Fired missions with both Bns all day with-out a registration by either Bn. Observers report all OK. At 2000 Col. Cole, CO CCB, called. Big doings tomorrow. Bn CO called a meeting of BCs and CO 695th FA Bn at 2130. The 695th to displace immediately after daylight to vicinity of Wockearath; 71st to displace as soon as 695th is closed in position. Expended 1084 rds on tgts of opportunity and interdiction fires. 27 FEB 45 At 0700 CCB attack jumped off on schedule. Our accompanying fires going properly without registration. At 0930 Bn CO, Surv O and BC parties moved out on reconn for positions near Rath and Bucholtz. These towns just having been taken. Bn moved out under the Exec at 1000 in order A,Hq,B,C,. Sv Btry to occupy Hq current location. Bn closed in position 800 yds S of Bucholtz at 1410. A Btry had one M-7 hit a mine 1000 yds S of Kuckhoven. This caused the Bn Column to split into two serials. The last part of the column lost the route and had to be sent for. When the town of Bucholtz was entered it was found to be unoccupied by either friend or enemy. At 1500 the deployed Infantry of the 102nd Inf. Div approached and passed thru the town. Btrys are located in a slight depression or fold in the otherwise flat terrain. CCB will only make their first objective tonight, Rheindahlen. Lt Henry, A22, had his tank knocked out and burned by an 88mm AT gun. No casualties. Lt Nicol’s Ln plane was hit several times by MG fire but very little damage was done to the plane. Bn expended 1219 rds. 28 FEB 45 The 102nd Inf. Div passed thru CCB last night and they say that with us out of the way they are going on N today. Bn in position all day and troubled by no-fire lines on and off. CCBs mission now to protect the exposed Rt flank of the Corps. Hq Btry had 3 non-battle casualties all from falling down; one broken leg, one broken arm and one sprained ankle. At 1650 two FW 190s were over the area and driven off by our AAAW but not before one of them dropped two 500# bombs 400 yds S of C Btry. Bn expended 665 rds. 1 MAR 45
Bn has orders to join and reinforce the 95th AFA but we are still supporting CCB. The 102nd Inf Div claimed that they were going to go great things yesterday but they didn’t go as far (5500 yds) with 9 Arty Bns as CCB made (11,600 yds) with 2 Arty Bns. Rejoicing by all in CCB. 2 MAR 45
Bn got ready to move as CCB has completed their mission and further operations have been called off. Ln O #3, Lt Paige, returned from the 95th AFA saying that they aren’t going any place and all movement is called off. CCA reported to have been stopped to allow the 2nd Armd Div to catch and pass them to continue last few thousand yds to the Rhine River. Corps boundaries were then changed. 3 MAR 45
At 1715 CCB called for billeting parties and Bn alerted for movement at about 2200. Movement order finally arrived at 1930. Bn moved out under S-3 in order A,Hq,B,C, (Sv to move in the morning) at 2130 and joined CCB column at Rheindahlen. Bn closed in bivouac at Kempen, 18,000 yds from the Rhine River at 0200 4 Mar. All men are in billets. 4 MAR 45
All day spent getting settled and moving German civilians out of our billets. CCB to take over government of some small neighboring towns. 5 MAR 45
Div Hq moved adjacent to A Btry at 0800 with the Div Rear Ech moving into Kempen at 1310. This makes the mail run much easier. 6 MAR 45
Bn sitting in comfort and ease. Our 190 cases of captured wine have now been completely consumed at the expense of many headaches and sore stomachs. CCB is doing the management of many small German towns until the Military Govt Teams can get completely settled to take over. We are not under the command of CCB and have been given no new assignment. 9 MAR 45
At 1500 received telephone order from Div Arty to move forward. Bn CO, Surv O and BC parties left for position area reconn NE of Retfort 2500 yds from the Rhine. Div Arty notified Bn CO at 1730 that for the present we will not move until further orders. Only meager information is available on any movement at this time. 10 MAR 45 At 0830 the 75th Inf Div is moving up to concentrate near the Rhine. They are going thru Kempen. At 1300, a call from Div Arty; send Recon parties to vicinity of Buderich; positions are to be between 95 and 97 grid lines. Bn CO and parties left immediately and returned at 1710. Bn to move tomorrow morning and take over positions now occupied by the 65th AFA Bn. 11 MAR 45 From Div Arty at 1330; move to new positions cancelled for 24 hours. Movement order with routes, time of movement and convoy number arrived at 2010. 12 MAR 45 At 0730 Bn CO, Surv O, and BC parties left for new position area. Bn moved out at 0800 under Exec in order A,Hq,B,C, Co B 628th TD Bn (attchd),Sv and closed in assy area in woods E of Bruhl at 0935. 65th AFA Bn is still in position. At 1530 Ln O from 65th AFA arrived with order for their movement at 1400 13 Mar. 13 MAR 45 Bn occupied position and ready to fire at 1430. Lt Martin, C Btry RO, occupied OP in steel mill at Oberlorick. Factory mfg 88mm AAAT guns. Bn did not get registered as ground haze made visibility very limited. Ln has been established with the 44th Cav Rgt, who are now in the process of taking over the OPs from the 2nd Armd Div. We are now under Div Arty control. 14 MAR 45 Bn remained in position for the entire period. No change in status. Normal interdiction and harassing fires fired during the night. Bn expended 186 rds. Fired one TOT on an enemy gun position that was located by sound; also fired 6 interdiction missions. Visibility was very poor. Lt Tipton and 3 EM left at 0700 for 48 hour pass in Brussels. 15 MAR 45 Bn remained in same position under Div Arty control. Visibility was very poor, however the Bn registered and fired interdictions. Still have 44th Cav Rgt assault gun Troop under our control. Bn prepared defensive fires for tonights Cavalry patrols over the river. Fired 4 Bn concentrations and expended 269 rds. Two EM left at 0700 for 7 day furlough in England and at 0900 4 EM left for 3 day pass in Paris. 16 MAR 45 Bn remained in same position under Div Arty control. The 44th Cav Rgt assault guns were relieved from attachment. At 1300 Bn rechecked registration and survey as visibility was fair. Fired 5 Bn concentrat-ions and 3 close support missions for the Cavalry patrol covering their return across the river. The patrol ran into considerable small arms fire. No interdiction missions were fired. Bn expended 348 rds. At 2035 four British heavy bombers were knocked down on our front by enemy night fighters. Bn received a few sporadic rds of 105mm Arty fire. No casualties or damage. 17 MAR 45 Bn remained in present position under Div Arty control. Visibility was fair. No interdiction fires were fired during the night. Bn was prepared to fire close in defensive fires for Cavalry patrols but these fires were not needed. Bn expended 33 rds on observed fires. Bn received a quota of l Off and l EM for 30 day leave and furlough in the US. Capt Wilcox, Hq BC, and Sgt Lawrence, A Btry, were the lucky ones. At 1255 Bn received approx 11 rds of 150mm how fire in the area. T/4 Rigby, C Btry, was wounded and evacuated. 18 MAR 45 At 0700, Col Washburn, the Bn CO left on 3 day leave to UK. At 0830 Capt Wilcox and Sgt Lawrence left for 30 days in the States. At 1300 12 EM attended a Lily Pons and Andre Kostelanetz concert in Krefeld. Bn showed a movie, Mickey Rooney in Blonde Trouble. Bn remained in present position for the entire period. Bn fired one concentration and two close in defensive fires to cover the return of the 44th Cav patrol. Bn expended 375 rds. At 1615 ten ME 109s attacked and shot down in flames one of the 95th AFA Bn Ln planes; both pilot and observer were killed. 19 MAR 45 Bn in same position under Div Arty Control. Fired 30 rds of propaganda news leaflets over a scattered area from Dusseldorf North. Prepared protective fires to cover Cavalry patrol but because of a large fire the operation could not be completed. Visibility during the day was fair. Bn fired 3 battery concentrations of a harassing nature and one adjusted time concentration on an enemy MG position. No other fires were called for. Bn expended 75 rds. At 1700 Bn received approx l45 rds of 150mm and 105mm how. fire. There were two casualties; one in B Btry and one in the attached AAAW Btry. 12 EM attended a Lily Pons concert in Rheydt. Bn has expended 49,388 rds to date. 20 MAR 45 Bn still in same position area and in direct support of the 11th Cavalry Group. Their patrol ran into a great deal of difficulty last night. The Bn fired supporting fires and covered their withdrawal. One boat and patrol are still missing. At 0600 approx 12 rds of 150mm How landed in the Bn area, bracketing the CP. At 1400, Col Kenewig, Bn CO of the 387 AAAW Bn arrived at the CP with newly attached 573 AAAW Bn CO. The 387th being relieved from 5th AD on a top secret mission for 9th Army. 1730 eight EM returned from pass in Paris. At 2200 approx 30 rds of 150 and 105mm landed in Bn area. No casualties. Bn expended 663 rds on direct support and observed fire missions. 21 MAR 45 Bn shelled intermittently throughout the day and night by 105 and 150mm arty. At 1000 the Bn Motor Officer arrived at the CP with a captured 122mm How and 200 rds of HE ammo. This gun was placed in firing position and fired on observed targets. One ammo dump near Dusseldorf was destroyed with this captured weapon. At 1300 Lts Kuhlanek and Raveling, with 11 EM left on 72 hr pass in Paris. At 1400 the duffle bags and Officers baggage were placed in storage in Niersen. 22 MAR 45 Bn in same position in support of llth Cav Group. Observation was good but OPs were unable to observe any enemy activity. At 1300 the Army Engineer presented a demonstration on enemy sabotage methods and expl. Very interesting. Bn CO returned from 3 day leave in London, UK. At 2200 enemy recon planes were over the area and dropped flares. Bn expended 20 rds of propaganda shell. 23 MAR 45 No activity. Bn remained in position and prepared protective fire coverage of Cavalry patrols but we were not called upon to fire. 24 MAR 45 Bn Exec left at 0700 for 7 days leave in Cannes, France on the Riviara. Bn shelled intermittantly throughout the day and night with approx 40 rds of 105 and 150mm landing in the Bn area. One direct hit on a house where Hq Btry is billeted - no casualties. At 2100 four ME109s strafed the Bn area under flares. No casualties or damage. Bn fired one observed tank mission with 4 direct hits reported and one time mission was fired on enemy personnel in the open. Observer reported 5 killed and several wounded. Bn expended 362 rds. 25 MAR 45 Bn in the same position and received scattered enemy shelling through-out the period. At 1120 Bn received Co A, 81st Tank Bn for reinforcing our fires. Observation was good and the Bn fired propaganda leaflet shells over a large area; also fired 6 concentrations on personnel in the open, 1 destruction, 3 counter-battery and l3 interdiction missions Expending 689 rds. 26 MAR 45 At 0800 Sgt Bolen, C Btry, left for 30 day furlough in the States. Bn now has B, 81st Tank Bn attached. A Co fired 583 rds of 75mm and 314 rds of 76mm while attached to us yesterday. Bn fired interdiction, counter-battery, anti-pesonnel and small arms missions . Bn expended 545 rds. At 1300 Gen Oliver and Col Cole visited the CP. Bn shelled sporadically during the day and night by 105 and 150mm with approx 33 rds in Hq Btry area. 27 MAR 45 At 1130 Bn received 5 EM replacements. At 1330 Col Farand, Div C/S, visited the CP. At 2230 Bn area was shelled by 210mm gun and rocket fire. Approx 25 rds landed in our area. Recon planes were over at 2230 and did some strafing in the vicinity but none in our immediate area. Bn had defensive fires planned and prepared to support the Cavalry patrols but we were not called on for fire. Bn fired 4 TOTs on enemy gun positions requested by Div Arty, 2 gun positions were located by our ground OPs and 2 by our air OPs. Bn also fired on 6 tgts of opportunity. Bn fired no interdiction missions. B Co, 81st Tank Bn fired 250 rds of 75mm and 200 rds of 76mm while attached to us yester-day. At 1330 today C Co, 81st Tank Bn was attached to us. Visibility was excellent. Bn expended 359 rds. 28 MAR 45 At 0815 Bn received 16 rds of 105mm HE in B Btry area; 2 casualties slightly wounded. Bn prepared and fired some defensive fires for our supported Cavalry’s patrols. Bn fired a concentration on an AAAT gun that was bothering a patrol. Fired one TOT for Div Arty; fired two concentrations on enemy personnel in the open with excellent results. Observer reported 8 killed and many wounded. Bn Fired no interdictions C Co, 81st Tank Bn fired 275 rds oof 75mm and 200 rds of 76mm while at-tached to us yesterday. Visibility was fair. Bn expended 160 rds. 29 MAR 45 At 1040 our Div CG, Maj Gen Oliver presented Bronze Star Medals to T/4 Blundell of Sv Btry and Sgt Van Castle of B Btry. Bn remained in same position and fired the following missions on tgts of opportunity; 7 on enemy personnel dug in in the open, 8 on 20mm flak guns, mortars and other types of heavy weapon positions and 3 misc missions. Observers reported very good effect on targets; 13 enemy killed, many injured, and 4 houses destroyed. The 81st Tank Bn has 4 platoons (20 tanks) attached to us for training and firing indirect fire. At 1510 B Btry 387 AAAW returned to the Bn area and prepared to take over the AA defense of the position and relieving A Btry 573 AAAW. Visibility was good and the Bn expended 392 rds. 30 MAR 45 Bn relieved of present mission at 1200 and be prepared to move out at 1300. Recon parties left at 0730 for Amrath. Bn moved out at 1300 and closed in position 1 mile N of Vorst at 1510. marched 24 miles. Bn will remain here for the night and probably move out at 0800 tomorrow. Bn fired two missions prior to leaving Bruele; one on enemy in the open and one TOT counter-battery mission. The OPs were withdrawn at 0900. Bn moved to an assy area with CCB in preparation for a coming opn. Bn expended 60 rds. 31 MAR 45 Bn moved out at 1245 and crossed the Rhine River at Wesel at 1405. Bn closed in position at 2030 in vicinity of Appelhulsen, just W of Munster. Bn marched 88 miles. To date Bn has expended 52,638 rds. 1 APR 45
Bn in assy area. At 0730 the 47th AFA Bn attached to reinforce our fires for the coming operation in which we are in direct support of CCB. Bn moved out at 1410 in order B,Hq,A,C,S; to move by bounds with the 47th AFA Bn. CCB crossed CCR’s bridge over the Dortmund Ems canal and Bn closed in position 4 miles SW of Milte, N of Everswinkle at 2110. Bn marched 46 miles and took 16 prisoners. 2 APR 45
Bn moved out at 0815 and halted at 1100 as the head of CCB’s column had contacted an enemy column in Sassenberg. Our tanks destroyed two 76mm SP guns on MK IV chassis, two 88mm AAAT guns, 4 trucks and one multiple 20mm AA gun. During this engagement the 81st Tank Bn lost one tank. they also destroyed many horse drawn vehicles. Bn moved out at 1310 across country and closed in position 1/2 mile W of Horst at 1600. At 1630 Sv Btry was ambushed 3 miles short of the Bn area by two HTs, one SP 76mm gun and approx 30 men. Two trucks and one trailer were damaged and we had 3 casualties. The 15th AIB and CCB lost some trucks however. Bn moved out at 1950 and closed in position 1 1/2 miles SW of Borgholzen at 2300. Bn marched 36 miles. Our Air OPs joined us at 1610. The Combat Command was split into two task forces at Sassenberg. The 47th AFA went with TF A, the Northern column and we followed TF D the Southern column. TF D encountered strong resistance just short of Bergholzen. We fired on personnel and vehicles thus enabling the TF to move into town. Bn remained in position here overnight and fired interdiction and harassing fires. Bn expended 518 rds. 3 APR 45
At 0805 the Bn moved out in order parties, FDC, B,Hq,C,A,Sv. At 1330 our Air OP located an AA position that had 11 heavy AA guns and 100 plus personnel. This position was taken by TF D without the aid of Arty fire. At 1400 B Btry went into position 1/2 mile SW of Hiddenhau-sen and fired one concentration on DP AA guns. B Btry moved out at 1445 and rejoined the column. At 1600 while the Bn was moving on the road the head of the column received time fire from concealed AA guns. Bn Exec located their firing position and immediately emplaced one M-7 from C Btry and knocked out 2 of the 3 guns that were firing; TDs knocked out the other. B Btry went into position 2 miles E of Lahne and adjusted on this AA position. Six 76mm guns were destroyed. Lt Quigley, BC of the attached AA, and two of his men were wounded. Bn closed in position at Bad Oeynhausen, 1 mile short of the Weser River at 1920. Bn marched 54 miles, expended 78 rds, took l24 prisoners and did no firing during the night. 4 APR 45
Bn remained in position until 1745 at which time we displaced to position at Wohren, closing at 1910. Our mission is to shell the city of Minden if they refuse our surrender ultimatum. Bn registered at 1930. Expended 21 rds, marched 9 miles and captured 20 prisoners. 5 APR 45
Bn is now under the control of Div Arty and reinforcing the fires of the 84th Inf Div Arty. The 84th Div is attempting to establish a bridgehead. Bn remained in position prepared to support the 84th Div crossing of the Weser River. They crossed at 0500 but did not need our fires. At 1100 our air OP picked up a 14 car flak train containing six 105mm AA guns, 2 40mm and 8 20mm AA guns. Div Arty fired TOT for effect on the train. Several direct hits were observed and all cars except the gun cars were set on fire. At 1145 six ME109s were over our area but committed no hostile acts. At 1700 there were 4 cases of rape reported to have been committed by A Btry. This was reported to the Bn CO and immediate action was taken. Bn expended 162 rds and took 10 prisoners. 6 APR 45
Bn paid Officers and men for month of March at 1100. Enemy aircraft over the area at 2100. They bombed and strafed the 84th Inf Div bridge over the Weser River. Bn now out of range and awaiting orders for new mission. Bn captured 41 prisoners. 7 APR 45
At 1000 Bn placed on 1 hour alert to move with CCB across the Weser River and attack East. The CCB organization for battle is unchanged. Movement was cancelled at 1200. Bn off of alert. Bn took 10 prisoners. 8 APR 45
Bn remained in position awaiting orders. At 1400 Ln O arrived with movement orders. Bn on 1 hr alert to move with CCA. Organization for combat; 47th AFA DS CCA with 71 AFA reinforcing the fires of 47 AFA. CCA to follow CCR to vicinity of Hanover where CCA will be committed. This is a list of enemy material destroyed or made unserviceable by our fires on 5 APR 45: 13 box cars, 9 flat cars, 2 locomotives, 6 passeng-er cars, one kitchen car, l ordnance repair car, 4 105mm AAAT guns mounted on rail cars, 1 triple 20mm AA gun, 2 quadruple 20mm AA gun, 2 range finders, and 200 smoke projectors. Movement orders postponed at 1620. At 2100 enemy aircraft were over the area but no hostile acts committed. 9 APR 45
At 1000 Bn placed on 1 hr march alert. Bn moved out at 1330 in order A,Hq,B,C,Sv and crossed the Weser River at 2030 in Hamlin. 10 APR 45 At 0200 Bn closed in position in the vicinity of Gleidingen, SE of Hanover, (marched 74 miles) and prepared to reinforce the fires of the 47th AFA. CCA encountered very little resistance outside of roadblocks supported by AT guns and small arms. Bn moved out at 1330 in order C,Hq,B,A,Sv. At 2000 the column was attacked by 4 ME109s and one plane was downed by our attached AAAW. Bn crossed the Weser - Elbe canal at 2030 and closed in position 500 yds E of Rethen at 2330. Marched 31 miles and expended 3 rds. 11 APR 45 Bn moved out at 1115 and was attacked by aircraft at 1130, 1500, and 1730. A total of 6 planes were shot down by our attached AAAW and ourselves. At 1750 our air OP 142, with Lt Francies as pilot and Lt Martin as observer, shot down a German cub type Ln plane with their 45 automatic pistols. The pilot and observer were captured and both had been hit. Bn closed in position at 2130, 1000 yds SW of Bismark. Bn marched 49 miles, expended 9 rds and took 28 prisoners. 12 APR 45 Three FW190s were over our area at 0700 but committed no hostile act. Bn moved out at 0800. The mission of CCA was to seize intact any bridge across the Elbe River in the vicinity of Tangermunde. At 1245 Bn closed in position 2000 yds W of Tangermunde. The bridge was immediately placed under interdiction time fire but was blown before our troops could reach it. Bridge was blown at 1600 and at 1645 CCA liberated 500 Americans that were in a PW enclosure in Tangermunde. At 1300 Bn area was strafed by ME109s and FW190s. One was shot down by our attached AAAW. At 1415 they shot down a converted transport trainer. At 1620 they shot down a JU88 that was attempting to bomb and strafe our position. It crashed in C Btry area and destroyed 1 HT and caused 3 casualties. At 1810 Bn moved out to the N to support the attack of TF Jones on the RR bridge across the Elbe River. Bn closed in position 5000 yds SE of Stendal at 1921 and registered immediately. The RR bridge was blown at 2030 before our troops could seize it. At 2000 two emissaries arrived at our CP to negotiate for the surrender of the city of Stendal. They were sent to higher Hq. At 2330 a TOT was fired by all available guns in the Div on the city of Tangermunde. A beautiful exhibition of Arty and Tank shooting. Marched 31 miles, expended 1003 rds and took 50 prisoners. 13 APR 45 Bn moved out at 1030 in DS of TF Burton, which is to take Stendal and go 15 kilometers to the North. The town surrendered without any resistance. Bn closed in position, on a recently abandoned airport at Borstel, at 1500. Bn marched 13 miles. Our mission is to reinforce the fires of the 47th AFA who is in DS of CCA in their mopping up operations to the N and E. Bn took 24 prisoners. At 1930 four FW190s bombed and strafed the Bn position area. One was shot down by our AAAW. 14 APR 45 Bn moved out at 1430 in order A,Hq,B,C,Sv and closed in position at 1715 in Polkritz. Our mission is to support an Inf. Bn of the 102nd Inf Div in a crossing of the Elbe River in the vicinity of Sandau. Bn registered at 1830. Bn marched 19 miles, expended 30 rds, took 27 prisoners and we are now under Div Arty Control. 15 APR 45 We are now in DS of the 1st Bn 496th Inf, 102nd Inf Div. Btry C 380th FA Bn of the 102nd Div is attached reinforcing our fires. The 380th FA is providing the observers and the Ln with the supported Inf. Bn. 16 APR 45 At 0930 C Btry 380th FA Bn was relieved from attachment and the River crossing was postponed. At 1100 Bn received a march order from CCB. We are to move with CCB to the vicinity of Klotz to clean out some pockets that were by-passed in our recent drive to the Elbe River. Bn moved out in order Parties,A,Hq,B,C,Sv at 1200 and closed in position at 1735 in Kunraw. Registered by air OP at 1800. Bn marched 62 miles and expended 122 rds. 17 APR 45 Bn moved out at 0800 and closed in position at 0930 in Gladdenstedt. Bn registered and fired on 7 tanks, 2 HTs and 1 recon car. Knocked out 1 HT and possibly two tanks. This organization is in DS of CCB, who has the mission of cleaning out several pockets in this vicinity. Bn moved out at 1540 and closed in position at 1630 in Haselhorst. Registered at 1710. Bn marched 14 miles and expended 154 rds. 18 APR 45 Bn in position prepared to support road blocks put out by CCB. Bn fired two TOTs on town of Boitzenhagen requested by Div Arty. At 1400, Sgt Schultz, B Btry, and Pvt Lewman, C Btry, left for 30 day furlough in the States. Fired 2 concentrations on tanks at 1455. At 1710 Bn fired on and destroyed two houses reported to contain SS troops, MGs and communications equipment. At 1800 Bn fired Div Arty TOT on woods 600 yds from our Bn CP. At 2130 heavy small arms fire completely surround the Bn area. At 2200 CCB outpost of one platoon of tanks and infantry withdrew from Lindorf to 200 yds from our Bn CP. Enemy motor vehicles were active in the woods to our N and SE all through the night. Bn expended 246 rds and captured 4 prisoners. 19 APR 45 At 0445 the 81st Tank outpost knocked out a SP 76mm gun on MK III chassis 300 yds from our CP. Bn fired Div Arty on woods surrounding our CP all night. PW reported from 1000 to 2000 troops in the surroun-ding woods; that they were all from the Von Clauswitz Div and all are going S to the Hartz Mts to work over the rear area of the 9th US Army. At 0830 fire from 2 Tiger Royal tanks was received in our Bn CP. Several rds penetrated the bldg in which we were set up, several rds exploded in the courtyard. This fire knocked out 2 tanks in our CP from ranges less than 800 yds. The bldg in which we were set up was set on fire and forced us to move. Bn moved out at 0840 in order Hq,B,A,C, and closed in position at 0915 in Ordorf. Displaced 2 miles. Bn took 11 prisoners and expended 1200 rds. Bn still in support of CCB whose mission is to prevent this enemy two division force from advanc-ing to the South. 20 APR 45 AT 0300 Bn received heavy small arms fire from the left front. Five tanks passed 400 yds to the West of our position. We remained quiet and let them pass. They had broken through one of CCBs outposts. At 0600 B and C Btrys fired direct fire on a soft column of motor transpo-rt. Three vehicles were destroyed. At 1630 our attached AAAW at a B Btry roadblock knocked out an enemy recon HT. At 1950 they knocked out a motorcycle and captured the dispatch rider. Bn fired some interdict-ion missions during the night and took 4 prisoners. Bn expended 264 rds on direct and indirect fires. 21 APR 45 Bn fired interdiction and harassing fires. At 1200 Bn moved out in order B,Hq,A,C and at 1310 closed in position NE of Lindhof. Bn registered at 1430 by air OP and prepared supporting fires for CCB roadblocks and outposts. Bn expended 8 rds. 22 APR 45 At 1110 the 252nd FA Bn occupied position in Haselhorst. They are to reinforce our fires. Day rainy and generally miserable. Expended 23 rds. 23 APR 45 Bn remained in present position in DS of CCB. No contact made with the enemy. 24 APR 45 No change. Bn in same location and alerted to move NE on Div Arty order.
Scenes of how the coordinated Air and Arty attack broke the back of the ill fated Von Clausewitz Panzer Division which “aspired to reach the Hartz Mountains” can be seen at Lindhof, CR at Y1161 and at hill 77 Y1760. A counted total of destroyed vehicles and tanks for the three locations is 72 although the woods a hill 77 have not been fully checked. In one fire break near the hill 6 vehicles were seen completely demolished. Near the CR 36 vehicles were knocked out and a 76mm AT gun set up at the CR suffered the same fate. Some idea of the devastating effect of our attack is given by the pair of long woolens waving gently from the topmost branch of a tall pine. At Lindhof, some 30 vehicles were also knocked out, and among them, strange as it may seem is a much vaunted Tiger Royal, knocked out by 50 Cal strafing fire - it was completely burned out. It was in Lindhof that the Div Staff of Clausewitz was taken prisoner (minus “drunk General Unrein”) and it is only fitting to end the story that a prize souvenir be found in that vicinity today. The Division CP sign Clausewitz. Losses of the Von Clausewitz Panzer Division during recent operations of CCB 5th Armd Div. This Division was first contacted on 17 APR 45. A recap of enemy casualties and material destroyed and captured from 17 APR 45 to the relief of CCB on the night of 24 APR 45 is as follows: Personnel Prisoners 3752 Killed 555 Material
Trucks and other soft vehicles 324 Tanks 23
S.P. Guns 7 Artillery Pieces, 75mm and up 97 Hvy Inf Wpns, Incl AAAT Arty less than 75mm 41 (It is my recollection that this document came from CCB on 25 APR 45 and that it was written by Maj Phillipsborn the S-2. I had copied it into my journal file for 25 APR 45 along with the following letter). HRS
Reminiscent of World War I action was a claim recently awarded for a Feiseler Storch reconnaissance plane. An L-4 from the 71st Armd FA Bn, piloted by 1st Lt Merrit D. Francies with 1st Lt William S. Martin as observer, was flying over a column when they saw a Fi-156 flying at tree top level below them. Circling down on the German plane they cut loose with their pistols and hit the gasoline tank. Lt Francies then dove on the Storch, forcing it to the ground where it hit a fence and was demolished. The L-4 then landed nearby and captured the two occupants, one of which had been wounded by the firing. (See my journal entry of 11 APR 45) HRS 25 APR 45 Bn in same location in support of CCB and performing necessary mainten-ance. At 1130 Ln O arrived from Div Arty with order for us to move to Haltorf at 1600 today. Bn Co and BC parties left at 1230. Bn moved out under the Exec at 1600 in the order B,Hq,C,A,Sv and closed in position in Holtorf at 2030 after marching 55 miles. The mission of the Bn is to reinforce the fires of the 84th Inf. Div Arty as their Div is holding the Elbe River line. Bn registered at 2010 and expended 12 rds. 26 APR 45 Bn in same position area and under Div Arty Control. We are approx. 1200 yds from the Elbe River. Btrys are catching up on much needed maintenance. At 0515 a British night fighter shot down a 2 place FW190 that landed 600 yds from our FDC. 27 APR 45 At 0915 Cpl Milton Welsh, Sv Btry, accidentally shot himself when his revolver fell out of his shoulder holster and at 1020 Sgt Jarrell of C Btry was accidentally drowned in the lake near Arendsee; Sgt Russel was rescued by Pvt Magdelleno but they were unable to save Sgt Jarrell or recover his body. Bn in same position under Div Arty control. No fires were called for and no contact was made with the enemy. 28 APR 45 Bn in same position. The 29th Inf Div relieved the 84th Inf Div in this sector. We have one observer out with the Infantry of the 29th Div. No fires were called for and no contact has been made with the enemy. 29 APR 45 Bn in same location and performing necessary maintenance and care of equipment. Our air OPs have been flying during all hours of daylight but no enemy activity has been observed. 30 APR 45 Bn still in same location performing necessary maintenance. No fires have been called for and no contact has been made with the enemy. At 0830 Recon parties left on reconnaissance of an area between Gifhorn and Hanover, 140 miles to the rear. The 5th AD has a large area in which they are to become temporary occupation troops and perform Military government functions. During this time we are also to train and draw new equipment for any that is found to be unserviceable. Bn has expended 56,494 rounds in combat. 1 MAY 45
At 0530 Lt Schone, Bn Motor Officer, and 3 EM left on a 3 day pass to Paris. Bn still in same location. No fires were called for and no contact has been made with the enemy. At 1245 our reconn parties returned from Peinie. The radio says that Italy has surrendered. All of the civilians that have been evacuated from this area have been informed that they could now return. At 2030 a fone call from Div Arty cancelled all leaves, passes and furloughs with the exception of those to the USA. This Div is probably going to march to the North as a part of the XVIII Corps and help the British with their bridgehead across the Elbe River. 2 MAY 45
The enemy has been crossing the river here all day long to escape from the advancing Russians. Approx 14,000 crossed in this general area and abandoned approx 3500 vehicles, guns and various other types of motor transport. There are many thousands of the enemy on the East bank that are unable to escape to our side of the river. At 1350 Div Arty called and notified us to anticipate a move to the SW tomorrow under command of CCB. At 1950 the Russians made contact with the Infantry and our OP directly N of our CP - about 1000 yds from us. 3 MAY 34
At 0800 BC parties left for Ohrdorf. Bn moved out at 1045 in order C,B,A,Hq,Sv. Bn closed in positions in Ohrdorf, Teschendorf and Schonnigen at 1435. One M-7 broke a track on the march. There were no other vehicle fall outs. Travelled 152 miles. At 1647 orders arrived from Div Arty, along with overlays of new positions, to send out reconn to the N and be prepared to move N on 6 May 45. 4 MAY 45
At 0800 Capt Roueche, asst S-3, left for 1 week I & E School in Paris. Call from Div Arty at 0910 - be prepared to move on 5 May instead of 6th. At 1400 Ln O arrived from CCB with march order, route and time of march for 5 May 45. Lt Stroup, Bn RO, returned from new area. Roads up there crawling with German PW columns - unescorted and driving their own vehicles. At 2035 the BBC radio announced that all of Northern Germany, Holland, Denmark and all of the surrounding islands had surrendered unconditionally. We are in hopes that our movement to an assembly area in the North has been cancelled. 5 MAY 45
At 0852 CCB called and said the move for today has been cancelled but be prepared to move out on order. At 0905 our AAAW shot down a 2 place ME108; pilot was killed and passenger was injured. No further informa-tion as to our proposed move, either to the N or to the S. Bn took 4 PWs, 2 of them in civilian clothes. Bn recieved its duffle bags and will probably carry them permanently with us from now on. 6 MAY 45
Bn remained in same position with all personnel in billets. Maintenan-ce of equipment is the order of the day. Bn also performing Military Govt functions. There are no light line restrictions. 7 MAY 45
At 1114 messenger arrived from CCB with msg from the Supreme Commander, Gen Eisenhower, that the Germans had signed a formal unconditional surrender with US, England and Russia that was effective at 0001 9 May 45. Not to be announced to the world at large until released by the Supreme Command. At 1500 a German radio broadcast in both English and German that they had surrendered unconditionally and that all hostilit-ies were to cease at 0001 9 May 45. At 2010 Div Arty called for billeting parties to be at their CP tomorrow morning at 0830 with two days rations and 150 miles of gasoline. Our probable destination is Leipsig. Bn has travelled 2124 miles in combat. TRUE COPY OF PERSONAL LETTER TO DIV CG FROM CG XIII CORPS dtd 13 Apr 45 Dear Gen Oliver: I wish to convey to you, your staff and your command my commendation and entire satisfaction with your rapid advance from the Rhine River to the Elbe River. Your advance of approximately 100 miles in one and one half days through hostile country is an outstanding achievement of this war. It exemplifies energetic leadership, skillful employment of Armor, and a high order of execution by your troops. The 5th Armored Division by such vigorous execution of all assigned missions has won a high place in the esteem of all ranks of this Corps. Signed: A C Gillem Jr Maj Gen USA Cmdg XIII Corps 1st Ind. TO: Unit and Org Commanders, 5th Armd Div and Attached units. l. It gives me the greatest pleasure to transmit to you, the men of this Division who did the job, this commendation from the Corps Commander. When we were given this mission and I told the Corps Commander that we would reach the Elbe River by Thursday night, April 12th, the Corps Commander and his staff just laughed at me. Actually we reached the river by noon on Thursday in one place and in three other places prior to dark that day. 2. Our success was due to the energetic way in which each man in the Division did his particular job. l want you to know that I have the utmost admiration for you all and feel that, no matter how hard the task given us, the 5th Armd Div will do that task and more. 3. If we continue with this spirit, as I know we shall, this war cannot last much longer. Signed: Lunsford E Oliver Major General USA Cmdg Download 171.61 Kb. Share with your friends:
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