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MR 722518, Sheet 12 NW(E),Groesbeek,

Sheet 12 SW(E), Gennep

1st. Jan. Mon.

Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE, the COMMANDING Officer, Lt. W.J.SHEA, Unit I.0., and Maj. K. HENDERSON the Arty. Rep., went out to D Coys. posn. on the left, to inspect the posn. and endeavour to ascertain the reason for the forward outpost's having been over-run, this morning. C Coy. in the reserve posn. in the Bn., holding the posn. vacated by the REGIMENT de MAISSONEUVE, today celebrated their New Year's dinner, as did D Coy. in their posn. in the line, not more than 150 yards from the enemy. The padre, Hon. Capt. E.C.ROYLE was in attendance at the latter gathering while the guest of honor at the former was Hon. Capt. Gerald CLARK, war correspondent for the Montreal Standard, who had spent the preceeding night with the Coy. as the guest of the Coy. Cmdr., Maj. E.V.PINKHAM. At 2000 hrs. the C.0., Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE received a message from Bde that it was imperative that a prisoner be taken tonight - the importance of taking a prisoner outweighing all other considerations. On this short notice Lt.G. LANGMUIR with Sp. Coy., and Maj. R. MacDUFF, O.C. of B Coy. were contacted and instructed to go to work. The conditions tonight were exactly the same as last night - definitely the worst sort of weather for such an undertaking. The patrol under Lt. G.LANGMUIR went out to houses 7 and 8 but were unable to locate any enemy anywhere near there. B Coy's. patrol, 1 N.C.O. and 8 men under Lt. S.W.NICHOL went out and worked their way forward until the point man of the patrol reached 73824873, the remainder of the patrol strung out along the hedge from that point to 73714880. The patrol was fired upon from a point about 25 yards ahead of the point man and had to withdraw to reorganise. When Coy. H.Q. was reached it was found that one man was missing, so another patrol was organised, under the same patrol leader to endeavour to recover the casualty. In today's part 2 Orders Lt. S.B.STEWART was awarded the C-i-C's. Certificate for Gallantry in respect of his actions in the engagement at St. LEONARDS. All officers not on duty were asked to attend Open House at Bde. this afternoon and evening. Lt-Col. F.M.MITCHELL, previously C.O. of this unit was a visitor there today.

Weather - cold and misty. The patrol under Lt. S.W.NICHOL, from B Coy. with 1 N.C.O and 8 men worked out to the same spot they had reached on the first patrol but were unable to find any trace of the casualty. Lt. S.W.NICHOL decided to go in and grab a Hun and make a run for it with covering fire from two brens and a PIAT. As the patrol moved in it was fired upon by four m.gs. and by other s.a. fire. The flat fields were a network of cross fire and the patrol withdrew with two men wounded and without being able to drag out two others who fell when the first shots were fired. Lt. S.W. NICHOL was captured while giving aid to one of his men who was mortally wounded at 0400 hrs. When the remains of this patrol reached Coy. H.Q., Maj. R. MacDUFF, O.C. the Coy., and 1 Cpl. went out to see if they could help in any way. This last patrol was almost a Day1ight Patrol with visibility 200 to 300 yards. It was very difficult to move as even crawling on the ice and stubble could be heard for some considerable distance. This patrol returned safely at 0730 hrs.. Mortaring of our forward positions continued during the morning. At 1315 hrs. the enemy again shelled the region of B.H.Q.. One member of A Coy. Rear B.H.Q. heard a shell coming and dived into the nearest hole. This hole, however, proved to be a latrine, and the poor unfortunate had to remain there for the ten minute duration of the shelling. As a result of the shelling, every line laid by the Signals platoon went out, and all available men in the platoon were mustered to repair the damage. Within 90 minutes all lines were functioning once more. Today Lts. D.V.BARKER and L.R.THOMAS of D Coy., while making a recce for a change of platoon positions and the digging and building of new defences to strengthen the Coy's. position, were wounded when a rif1e grenade burst close to them. In the afternoon the officers of the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE arrived to make a recce of our positions, preparatory to taking over from us tomorrow. As is customary in this area the recce of the forward positions could not be made until after darkness had fallen. Hearing noises on the roadway ahead of his coy. posn. - sounds indicating that it was being used by horse drawn transport - Maj. E.W.HUDSON asked for m.m.g. fire covering this locality. The CAMERON HIGHLANDERS of OTTAWA opened up on their DF task for fifteen minutes. When the machine guns opened up, there were sounds as of a horse having been hit and of a cart being turned over, or frantically turned around and rushed to the rear. It was therefore felt that the m.m.g. DF fire was quite a success

Sheet 12 SW (E), Gennep, Squares 7551-7552

3rd. Jan., Wed.

Weather - damp - overcast- misty. Observation on the front today was very limited. At 1330 the rear elements of the Coys. and B.H.Q. started back to CUIJK and first arrivals from the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE passed Tac. H.Q. shortly thereafter. Lt. R.F.DAVEY, the Scout Master sent in a morep early this afternoon , and soon after it had been forwarded to Bde. the Counter Mortar Office advised us that that morep was the one they had been awaiting to give them a triangulation, and that they had bombarded the position. At 1615 hrs. Lt. G.LANGMUIR notified Tac. H.Q. that he had spotted an enemy O.P.. From a comparison of aerial photos and maps it was possible for the house to be pin-pointed, and the Sheldrake, Maj. K. HENDERSON was asked to give it a going over. D Coy. had quite some activity on their front this afternoon - enemy m.gs. and mortars doing a lot of firing. Our mortars were called upon to retaliate and apparently proved effective as the enemy mortars were heard from no more that afternoon. In this position, in the 19 days that we have been here our mortars have fired upwards of 14000 rounds. While B Coy. were in the hot-spot on the hill- at the end of a spur, overlooking a gully, they had nine casualties in the 14 days they were there. In that time they never once fired a bren or a sten, using PIATs. and the 2" Mortar whenever it was found necessary to quieten the enemy. D Coy., on the other hand, in the five days they were there suffered 13 casualties. A further interesting comparison is that D Coy. made extensive use of their automatic weapons. The snipers from the Scout Platoon who were attached to B Coy. did an excellent job of counter sniping. Any infiltration attempts made by the enemy while this Coy. was in the position were nullified by the use of #36 grenades and if this was not sufficient the 3" Mortars were called upon. The enemy used his mmgs. frequently in an attempt to obtain a reply from the automatic weapons in the coy. - but, as stated above, this reply was not forthcoming. The change over with the REGIMENT de MAISSONEUVE was completed by 2030 hrs.. In CUIJK tonight the K. of C. showed the movie "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek". Upon taking up our new position in CUIJK the Bn. came directly under the command of 2nd. Can. Inf. Div..

Weather - clear and cold. A mobile bath has been set up in this town at MR 721494. The men of the Rifle Coys. utilised its facilities to the full today, merrily splashing in a real hot shower, in many instances the first in three or four weeks. The men do appreciate the luxury of a bath and a change of clothing even though at times the sound of enemy m.g. fire may be heard above the plashing of the water. The day was spent in checking equipment and re-equipping. At 1630 hrs. the C.0., Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE, held an 0 Gp. for the Company Commanders. In this town we are not at rest, as on our previous stays here but engaged in the perimeter defence of CUIJK. At the O Gp. Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE defined the role to be fulfilled by each Coy. and allotted areas to each. The Coy. Commanders will make themselves thoroughly conversant with the topography of their areas and will immediately commence the construction of defensive positions. C COY. will undertake the defence of the MOOK bridge and Maj. E.V.PINKHAM, O.C. of the coy. will recce that area. Security on the phones was another point emphasised as being one too often disregarded. The Coy. Cmdrs. were urged to make a special point of checking up on the cleanliness of the men, their equipment and their billets. In view of the incident last month when the oil in a bren froze, causing the gun to jam, a supply of vegetable oil will be forthcoming. A kit inspection and 1098 inspection will be carried out while we are in this area.

Weather - cold and bright. At 1430 hrs. today Christmas dinner was provided by Sp. Coy. kitchen, in their area, for the Coy. and the elements of B.H.Q. who had not yet had theirs. An excellent menu was provided, the piece de resistance being the rum egg-flog. A good time was had by all, and even a few shells landing in the near vicinity failed to put a damper on the party. Later in the day C Coy. celebrated their New Year's party, an occasion much enjoyed by the men. Today the C.O., Lt-Col B.R.RITCHIE, and the I.0., Lt. W.J.SHEA attended a meeting at Bde. where Capt. S.E. GRIFFIN, I.0. of 5 C.I.B., gave a summary of the war situation. Other matters were reviewed at this meeting also. On the subject of patrols it was emphasised that each standing patrol must be given definite orders of when to withdraw, and what action is to be taken in the event of an attack. One man in every fighting patrol will be detailed, whose sole job is to obtain identification. The G.O.C. wants contact with the Hun made at several points, and a proposal was asked from two Bns. as to which place or places are to be probed. The use of the Bofors gun for harassing fire is coming in , as information leads us to believe that next to the Typhoon's rockets, this is the weapon which the enemy likes least. The movie shown by the K. of C. tonight was "Follow the Boys".

Weather - cold and clear. Affairs within the Bn. are static. The men continue with their guards and their duties. D Coy. has established an 0.P. in one of the milk factories near the River MAAS on the edge of the town. Today it was B Coy's. turn to recognise the advent of the New Year with a dinner celebration. The C.O., Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE and the I.0., Lt. W.J. SHEA today attended a meeting at H.Q. of 3 Cdn. Inf. Div. on Exercise "FALCON".

Squares 7551-7552, Sheet 12 (SW) E, Gennep

7th. Jan., Sun.

Weather - dull and cold. A compulsory Church Parade was in effect this morning for all Protestants in the Bn.. Holy Communion was celebrated after the second service and later, in the quarters of the Padre, Hon. Capt. E.C.ROYLE. A voluntary R.C. Church Parade was held in Sp. Coy. lines, conducted by Father KENNY, 5 C.I.B. R.G. Chaplain, at 1030 hrs.. At 1430 D Coy. held their New Year's celebration and an extremely well organised party it proved to be. There had been a lot of work put in on the decoration of the hall - Christmas trees in the corners and coloured lanterns on all the tables. A spirit of festivity prevailed. A member of the new DUTCH army home in CUIJK on leave, called at the I. Office to report that he recognised a civilian in the town as an ex-soldier in the German army. The Field Security were advised.

Weather - cold and heavy snow. There was a feeling of elation throughout the Bn. today when it became known that Lt. S.W.NICHOLS, of B. Coy. - taken prisoner on the night of the 1/2 Jan. had been successful in making good his escape from Germany and returning to our lines. Today's snowfall at times attained the proportions of a good old Canadian blizzard and almost made the boys homesick for their skates and their skis. The young people of the town have already been skating on the local ponds. Today the Field Security representatives took into custody the man indicated by our Dutch ally, and further investigations are being pursued. Rumours of a move abound and at 1900 hrs. tonight an O Gp. was called. Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE informed the Coy. Cmdrs. that he regretted that the Bn. was not to go in reserve but that a higher formation had decreed that we relieve the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS who have been in the line for twenty-four straight days. Lt. S.W.NICHOLS related his story to the C.O., Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE before proceeding to 6 C.C.S. to receive treatment for a boil. After that he will be proceeding on the rounds of the higher formations where he may able to mollify their insatiable thirst for information. The Signal Platoon estimate that since they arrived in France they have laid one hundred miles of wire, exclusive of repairs, etc..

Weather - cold and clear. Preparations were made this morning for the move, but half an hour before the scheduled starting time the move was cancelled. During the morning representatives of the FUSILIERS de MONT ROYAL arrived to make a recce of the positions in the town, and our representatives made a tactical recce of the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS' positions. For the remainder of the day there was very little done,

as, although the move originally scheduled had been cancelled it was learned that a move is imminent though our destination is as yet unknown to us. Just what the reason may be for all the changes in movement orders we cannot say, but it is felt that a contributing factor may be the lack of security in CUIJK The H.Q. of the 8th. RECCE today reported that propaganda leaflets had been dropped in their vicinity reading:-

Sheet 12 SW, Groesbeek, MR 701533

10th. Jan., Wed.

Weather - cold and clear. This morning the Bn. was advised that it would be moving to MALDEN and recce parties left, during the early part of the day to look over the Coy. areas. Representatives of the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS called upon us preparatory to making a recce of this town for Coy. posns. as they will be taking over from us here. Shortly after the noon meal the move commenced, and the coys. on arrival, were located as follows: B - 699557, C - 700554, D - 701553, H.Q.,-699559, Sp. 705547, with B.H.Q. at 704549. A Coy. is located in GRAVE where they are engaged in the defense of the GRAVE bridge. As it turned out, the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS did not go to CUIJK, but proceeded instead to the neighbourhood of NIJMEGEN, the positions in CUIJK being taken over by the FUSILIERS de MONT ROYAL. Any enemy agents seeking to gain fore-knowledge of the movements of the Bde. must have been most confused as seven different changes of movement orders were made before the move was finally commenced.

Weather - cold and misty. The Bde. is now in a reserve role and the men are having a chance to take things a trifle more easily. Fitting and re-equipping is general. The Coys. lost no time in settling down into their new quarters. In the afternoon representatives of the 2 Cdn. F.S. Sec. called to check on a woman working for the owners of the house in which B.H.Q. is situated. Investigation proved this party to be perfectly reliable although her credentials required augmentation. There was a fire today in B. Ech. in which the packs of the men in B and D Coys. were destroyed, as was much of the Armourer's equipment.

Sheet 12 SW, Groesbeek, MR 701533

12th Jan., Fri.

Weather - damp and slight thaw. Today the snow has started to melt and the ice is disappearing from the roadways. A party composed of representatives from all the coys. attended a show at NIJMEGEN this afternoon. The Coys. have commenced training in the various areas set aside for this purpose throughout the district. In the evening the K. of C. ran the movie "Life of Mark Twain". Today the first contingent of our men left for Privilege Leave in Britain.

Weather - cold and very misty. The thaw which we had yesterday was only of the one day's duration and today the roads and paths are in a very icy condition. Sand has been sprinkled on most of the roadways. Information received today advised us that in the apprehension of the civilian, ex-soldier, in CUIJK a small ring of undesirable characters has been unearthed together with the party responsible for the issuing to them of forged credentials. Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE, O.C. the BLACK WATCH held an O Gp. today. Our primary role is to hold the back door to NIJMEGEN, and if called upon, ours will be an aggressive defence. The best defence line will be held plus a screen of outposts. The outposts will be joined by communication trenches. This screen will be manned at night and in foggy weather and the men will be instructed to fire upon any man or any noise. In regard to future patrols Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE declared that even as a purely business proposition the best people must be used on the job, and that when a fighting patrol goes out it must be their object to get into a scrap. Extra comfort arrangements may be made for the men doing the bulk of the patrolling. Eight men from each Coy. will be trained in the use of Lifebuoys. Hardening training will be general throughout the Bn..

Weather - clear, sunshine and frost. Hon. Capt. E.C. ROYLE was today suffering from laryngitis, and as his voice was scarcely audible he was unable to conduct any religious services. A Bath Parade was held after the noon meal to the mobile bath at MOOK. Today the I.Os. of the three Bns. in the Bde. with the Bde. I.O., Capt. S.E.GRIFFIN, and the representative from APIS at 2 Corps H.Q., Lt. S.JONES, drove to the airport at GILZE-RIJEN near TILBURG, where they saw the workings of APIS from the time the plane landed with the newly taken photos. The Battle Gp. KATZMANN has been definitely identified as one of the formations opposing us on the Div. front.

Sheet 12 NW, Groesbeek, MR 701533

15th. Jan., Mon.

Weather - clear and frosty. Training in the Coys. continues. Refitting is almost completed though we have been experiencing no little difficulty in obtaining equipment for the outfitting of the men. It has too often been the practice in the past when new equipment has been received, to jettison the old, and the Q. staff are now complaining of the lack of material being returned for salvage. In future it will be necessary to return an old for a new in all instances except battle losses. Pay parades were held for the Coys. today. In the evening a party was held by the Sgts. in the K. of C. hall. It started off with a showing of the film "Follow the Boys", after which refreshments were served.

Weather - clear and frosty. A Pay Parade was held this morning for Sp. and H.Q. Coys. A German plane flew low over the area today. It is reported that a number of leaflets were dropped by it but we have been unable to find any trace of these. Brig. W.J. MEGILL, Commanding 5 C.I.B. called this afternoon to discuss with Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE O.C. the Bn., the placing of one section of our Carrier Pl., under command to the REGIMENT de MAISSONEUVE. Arrangements were completed but the change was eventually cancelled. Lt-Col. F.M.MITCHELL, previously O.C. the BLACK WATCH and now enroute to England on account of ill health, called at Tac. H.Q. to night and had dinner with the Officers. The K. of C. tonight showed the movie "Going My Way".

Weather - cold and overcast. North of the River WAAL the enemy seems to have all but abandoned any offensive intentions and developments on other fronts may be expected to bring about further changes in his dispositions and intentions in HOLLAND. A number of indications lead to the reasonable conclusion that there is no offensive formation in a lay-back position in the REICHSWALD. With the increasing hardships of the civilian population in NW HOLLAND and the embarrassments which the German Army is suffering at the bands of the Dutch, the withdrawal to the IJSSEL line becomes a matter to be considered seriously by the High Command. If they do that, coastal garrisons will, in all probability, be left behind to divert and delay our forces, after the manner of the garrisons of the Channel Ports. Today Maj. E.V.PINKHAM, O.C. of C Coy went on leave to England. An Officers' Party was held tonight in the K. of C. hall. During the evening a message was received from Bde. that 20 enemy tanks were reported just South of GENNEP on the Eastern bank of the River MAAS.

Sheet 12 NW, Groesbeek, MR 701533

18th. Jan., Thur.

Weather - thaw, cold wind and rain. Today the snow fast disappeared when the temperature rose above the freezing point. Rain in the afternoon, driven by a wind at times attaining gale proportions, speeded the dispersal of the few drifts remaining. This afternoon Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE, Officer Commanding the BLACK WATCH, and Lt. W.J. SHEA, the I.0., attended a meeting at llth FIELD AMBULANCE - MR7l8523 - where Maj. B.H. McNEEL, Psychiatric adviser at H.Q. 2 Corps, delivered a lecture on the attitude which should be adopted towards men suffering from Battle Exhaustion. In the evening the 0.C. the HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY of CANADA spoke on the use of flame in the attack. The movie, "Going My Way" was again shown in the K. of C. hall tonight.

Weather- cold, rain, high wind. There was little exciting any comment transpiring in the unit today. The K. of C. ran a movie, for the Rifle Coys. only,-"A Yank at Eton". Tonight the Padre, Hon. Capt. E.C.ROYLE was evacuated suffering from acute coryza and possible varix pneumonia.

Weather - clear and cold. During the night we had another slight snowfall and the ground is white once more. Today the Scout Master, Lt. R.F. DAVEY, was promoted to the rank of Captain, and is now 2 i/c of B. Coy.. Maj. A.G.STEVENSON, 2 i/c the unit tonight left for England to undergo an operation, and his position was taken over temporarily by Maj. R. MacDUFF, O.C. of B. Coy.. Tonight 2 Cpls. and 1 Pte. deserted from the ranks of the enemy and came into the lines of the FUSILIERS de MONT ROYAL, in the last position we held on the banks of the River MAAS. These deserters stated that further deserters may be expected any day. They gave as reasons for their desertion the fact that a recent German communique had announced the capture by the Russians of WARSAW, CRACOW and BUDAPEST. This information, together with general dissatisfaction re food, command, and the Army in general resulted in a hasty departure which ended in our PW cage.

Weather - clear with frosty. In the absence of the Padre no church services were conducted this morning. Bath Parades were held to the mobile bath at NOOK, today for members of all Coys. We now have the information that #2 Para. Regt., under command 84 Div. were opposed to us on the MIDDELAAR sector. Recent photo cover of the REICHSWALD area indicates a severe reduction in the enemy's gun strength there. The 20 tanks reported recently might well be SP guns going forward to reinforce this area.

Sheet 12 NW, Groesbeek, MR 701533

22nd. Jan., Mon.

Weather - clear, sunshine and frost. Training in the Coys. is proceeding in accordance with the syllabus drawn up. There was a hitch this morning when C Coy. was scheduled to participate in training with tanks. At 0830 hrs. a message was received from Bde. cancelling this, but the Rifle Coy. had already proceeded to the training area near GRAVE, and had reached their destination before they could be advised. It is quite cold today with a cold wind blowing. We are following very closely the advance being made by the Russian Armies on the Eastern front. Tonight Marshal STALIN'S armies are reported to be within 185 miles of BERLIN, and to have penetrated 20 miles inside GERMANY proper. All the Officers in the Bde. attended a meeting at CUIJK tonight where a discussion was held on the Bn. in the attack with one squadron of tanks under command, led by Brig. W.J.MEGILL, Commanding 5 C.I.B..

Weather - clear, sunshine and very cold. At 0730 hrs. this morning a buzz bomb was seen flying over our area. One of the A/A crews took it on and they must be feeling mighty proud today as their first shell exploded the projectile in mid-air. No damage was suffered in the resulting explosion. Tonight the movie shown was the "Bridge of San Louis Rey",- commenced at 1730 hrs. so that the hall might be cleared and cleaned in time for the Officers' party which followed.

Weather - clear, sunshine and very cold. In the afternoon the C.O., Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE went on leave to England. Maj. R. MacDUFF, will be acting C.O., in his absence. We were notified today that we will be returning to CUIJK tomorrow.

Squares 7551-7552, Sheet 12 SW(E), Gennep

25th. Jan., Thur.

Weather cold with snow. Shortly after lunch the move back to CUIJK commenced and the move was completed by 1530 hrs.. The positions taken up in the town were the same as those previously occupied. A Coy. remains in its position in GRAVE, occupied in the defence of the GRAVE bridge. This Coy's. position in the perimeter defence of CUIJK will be taken over by the Pioneer and Scout Platoons.

Weather - clear and very cold -4°below zero. The command of H.Q. has been taken over by Capt. A.E.D.HULL, previously paymaster of the unit, recently transferred to the BLACK VWATCH. We have received the information that there has been a substantial increase in the number of guns in the REICHSWALD . This will. bring their numbers back to what they were before the Hun commenced his offensive - now nullified - in

the Ardennes Sector. Bath Parades were held during the course of the day.. The K. of C. showed the movie, "The Yellow Canary" tonight in the hall in Sp. Coy. lines.

Weather - clear and cold. Canteen Parades were held today, and a supply of beer was also obtainable. Inspection of H.Q. billets was carried out by Capt. A.E.D.HULL this morning. It has been established that the enemy's 711, 712 and 344 Divs., previously on this front are now on the Russian front. The movie shown last night was repeated tonight for the men of the Rif1e Coys..

Weather - clear and cold. No Church services were conducted in the Bn. this morning. In the early afternoon flights of heavy bombers were seen and heard overhead - their vapour trails showing snow-white against the clear blue sky. From their direction we would hazard that COLOGNE will be the recipient of their loads. Captured enemy documents have recently paid high tribute to the Allied security training, stating in part that "captured English, Canadian and American soldiers have shown us how PW should behave". Today Maj. R. MacDUFF, Acting C.O. of the Bn., and Maj. K.HENDERSON of the 5th. Fld. Reg., R.C.A., called to pay their respects at the H.Q. of the 1st. Bn. The Black Watch., situated at BEERS. A most cordial reception was accorded them the Officer Commanding that unit, and his officers, and champagne and benedictine was broken out. Later in the day Maj. R. MacDUFF sent over a gift of cigarettes and sweet biscuits. Lt. MITCHELL of the 1st. Bn. R.H.R. was at one time a sergeant in our B Coy. and later with Sp. Coy. before returning to Canada for his OCTU and later going to the Parent regiment on loan. This afternoon Maj. R. MacDUFF and the I.O., Lt. W.J.SHEA made a recce of the area into which we will be moving soon.

Sheet 12 NE(E), Groesbeek, MR 73205777

29th. Jan., Mon.

Weather - clear, sunshine and cold. Shortly after noon today the Bn. moved to its new area, taking over the positions from the STORMONT, DUNDAS and GLENGARRY HIGHLANDERS. In this area the BLACK WATCH are in reserve. The troops moved by TCVs. and the move was completed by 1600 hrs.. Our new Padre, Hon. Capt. A REOCH, arrived this afternoon, replacing the Hon. Capt. E.C. ROYLE who will have to spend some time convalescing after his illness. On the REICHSWALD front the number of guns has now increased to seventy-two , only three less than were present before the reduction which took place in the first two weeks of the month. The earlier decrease is explained by the withdrawal of a large number of guns to sheltered spots to solve the awkward camouflage problem presented by the fall of snow. During the night A. Coy. had a patrol out to contact the H.Q. of the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE.

Weather - overcast, light snow. Most of the men are housed in dug outs but some have succeeded in finding houses. Oil stoves have been distributed as far as possible throughout the coys. to the men in the dug outs. A and B Echs. are now located in the town of NIJMEGEN. The very gratifying news was received today that the award of the MILITARY CROSS had been conferred upon Lt. S.W.NICHOLS in connection with his recent escape from the town of CLEVE while in the hands of the enemy.

Weather - misty and raining. A Coy. again made contact with the H.Q. of the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE without incident. Since coming here nothing has transpired to disturb the even tenor of our ways. We were asked today if this area could accommodate two more rifle coys. as there will be a greater concentration in these parts. In the late afternoon word was received that we would be relieving the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS in their positions in the line, tomorrow. Arrangements were made for a recce party to leave at 0900 hrs. in the morning to look over the new area

The month of January has been a comparatively easy one for the Bn., for after a protracted period in the line where our role was an ardous one, i.e., a holding role under adverse weather conditions facing an aggressive enemy at close quarters, we were out of the line for the remainder of the month. This period was very worth while from the point of view of training, and since no battle casualties occurred during this period the personnel of the Bn. have become better acquainted with one another giving an improvement in team spirit. The better living conditions have benefited morale, and have had a good effect of the general health of the men.

Re-equipping and re-organising was carried out during this period and by the time we again moved into the line the Bn. was ship-shape in all respects.

In addition to the two awards mentioned in the text of the diary Capt. D.A. LAW was awarded the C-i-C's. certificate for good service, and A/Cpl. Meadows, O.A., All3516, of B Coy. the C-i-C's. cirtificate for gallantry.

Casualties during the month totalled 15:- 3 OR killed, 2 0fficers and 7 OR. wounded and 3 OR missing.

Reinforcements received during the month totalled 102 OR, and 9 Officers. The names of the Officers coming to us as reinforcements are:-

Lt. S.G. COOPER,	Lt. C. JONES,	Lt. J.P. BROOKS,
Lt. H.J. KERR,	Lt. J.G. ROBERTS,	Lt. W.K. ROSS,
Lt. W. A. HONE,	Lt. J. B. MULHEARN,	Lt. A. A. MacKay

Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE,

Officer Commanding,

1st. Bn. The Black Watch

(RHR) of Canada

INDEX

February, 1945