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1st. Bn. Black Watch (RHR) of Canada
Month of March, 1945
HOCHWALD AREA
MR 017430, Ref Sh. UDEM 4303
GERMANY.
1st.. Mar., Thur.
Weather - rain in morning, fine and cold in afternoon. At 0300 hrs. A, C and D coys. withdrew from their positions, B. Coy. remaining in the line covering a gap in a position between two forward coys. of the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS. During the day it was proposed to relieve this coy. but owing to the accurate and incessant enemy shell fire and mortar fire the relief by the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE could not be carried out until after last light. A, C and D Coys. have taken advantage of the respite to reorganise. They are all up to full strength again and the men all under some sort of cover. B Coy. were relieved at 2030 hrs. and reported at Tac. H.Q. at 2l30 hrs.. The change over had gone well but the men were well-nigh exhausted. An area had been found for them where they too could get under cover and have a well deserved rest. Maj. J.P.W.TAYLOR, who severely pulled a leg muscle on the night of the 27th. February, returned today to say good-bye to the men of C Coy. before proceeding to a-rear area where he will be undergoing treatment. When B Coy. arrived back in their area the men enjoyed their first real meal in two days. Continuous shelling and mortaring of their sector had prohibited the carrying in of hot rations At 1600 hrs. and again at 1700 hrs. the Typhoons had been called upon to alleviate the situation.
RIDDERHOF AREA
MR 017431, Ref Sh UDEM 4303
GERMANY.
2nd. Mar., Fri.
Weather - cloudy and cold. After an absence of about two months Lt. L.R.THOMAS returned to the unit today and rejoined D Coy.. Resting, reorganising and re-equipping is general throughout the companies. Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE, the C.O., the I.O., Lt. J.B.MULHEARN, and the five company commanders made a recce this after-noon of the area presently held by the SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN REGIMENT, which we shall taking over. The houses hereabouts have been reduced to a mass of rubble by our shells and bombs, and as a result we are all constrained to live in dug outs. At 2100 hrs. an O Gp. was held at Bde.. Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE and Lt. J.B. MULHEARN were 50 minutes late in presenting themselves there, owing to the muddy condition of the roads - one jeep and one carrier having bogged down, and Shank's mare having to be resorted to, to get them there.
The O Gp. presented us with quite a surprise as the intention has been changed and the BLACK WATCH will now relieve the ALGONQUIN REGIMENT and the remnants of the LAKE SUPERIOR REGIMENT, who had been in some very hard action, in the gap South of the HOCHWALD Forest. The Coys. will leave their present positions at 0600 hrs. and the relief must be completed by noon. Recce parties will go up at 0500 hrs., and have guides ready to lead their coys. into their areas. The Bde. O. Gp. broke up shortly before midnight.
HOCHWALD FOREST
MR 038411, Ref Sh. XANTEN 4304.
3rd. Mar., Sat.
Weather - fine and clear. Lt.-Col. B.R. RITCHIE returned to Tac. H.Q. by means of a T16, and held an O Gp. immediately, where he outlined the change in plan. The BLACK WATCH will hold firm on the ground we will occupy. The Bn. moved to the new area, as scheduled, A, B, and C, Coys. getting into their positions quickly in spite of some enemy activity in the way of mortaring and shelling, D Coy., however, did not report "Pancake" until after 1300 hrs.. Very heavy shelling and mortaring of that area had precluded the possibility of a speedier change over for them and for a while it was feared that this relief could not be carried out until after darkness had fallen. The positions now held are as follows:- A Coy. - railway embankment at 047406, with the enemy less than 100 yards away, B Coy. railway embankment and bridge at 044405, C. Coy. - road junction and wood at 044408, D Coy.- cutting and small wood at 048408, with Tac. H.Q. in the HOCHWALD at 038411. Tac. H.Q. is located in a dugout, constructed by the Germans, with four rooms, two large and two small, but no h. and c.. It is very solidly built and nothing less than a direct hit by heavy artillery could shake it. Though we had no h. and c., the builders had installed running water, toilets, electricity, even to including lampshades - all now kaput. Many such dug outs are to be found in this forest and for a change many of the men had ready-made dug outs to crawl into. All the Coys. received a hot reception on the way in; four stretcher-bearers were wounded, one of the, Pte. ERNST, D.G., F 19280 later succumbing, having been mortally wounded in the stomach. The vehicles of F Ech. were strung out along the roadway, awaiting orders to move and were spotted by the enemy who immediately opened fire with his Nebelwerfers - fortunately causing no material damage. At 1400 hrs. Brig. W.J. MEGILL, Commanding 5 C.I.B. called a meeting for the C.Os. and I.Os. of the BLACK WATCH and the REGIMENT de MAISSONEUVE. The BLACK WATCH will take over the position at present held by the QUEEN'S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS of WINNIPEG at 0300 hrs. with two coys. in the gap at approx. 053406 - 052412. Capt. O. BURGESS, Lt. T.J.LARKIN has Command of C Coy. has been taken over by Capt. J.F.BAILLIE, with transferred from command of the Anti-Tank Platoon as his 2 ic.. now taken over command of the Anti-Tank Platoon.
4th. Mar., Sun.
Weather - rain and cold. A and D Coys. took over their new positions just before first light. The practical purpose of this move was to secure the start line for a push by the armour of the 4th. Cdn. Div.. This attack, however, did not materialise as planned owing to the inclemency of the weather, the condition of the ground, and the amount of artillery which the enemy has dug in ahead of us. The ground hereabouts is very soggy, and once more the weather is helping the Hun, enabling him to escape a severe mauling, albeit temporarily. Throughout the day A Coy. was shelled and mortared spasmodically. Before the Coy. moved up any farther, Maj. E.V.TRAVERSY the Coy. Commander sent out a patrol to recce the area they would be advancing into, as p.o.w. had declared that there were 96 of the enemy in buildings "not more than100 yards away". The patrol consisted of eight men, and as they approached the buildings they were fired upon and suffered six casualties. An artillery bombard was called down upon the buildings but this proved well-nigh disastrous as many of the rounds fell short. Five men were injured and most of the slit trenches of two platoons caved in, necessitating two hours work in digging the men out and getting their weapons cleaned. In the meantime the enemy withdrew from the buildings, to all intents none the worse of the bombard. In all, twenty-two casualties were suffered by the Coy. and Maj. E.V.TRAVERSY was left with one sergeant and two corporals as platoon commanders.
5th. Mar., Mon.
Weather - rain in morning, clearing later. The cancellation of the push by the armour made it essential that action be taken by the infantry, so it was decided that the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE and the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS would go forward through the start line held by us, each with four objectives. The R.de M. was successful in taking three of the objectives allotted to them, but the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS were stopped short of their first, and the enemy exerted such heavy pressure that it became necessary for the Brigade to withdraw and concentrate in the area of the woods at 0747.
6th. Mar., Tues.
Weather - mild and overcast. The Bn. had a quiet day today and spent it in cleaning up stores and equipment, and reorganising where necessary. There was some light shelling and mortaring of the area throughout the day but no casualties resulted. Today CSM STEBBINS, R.C., D71464, was posted to the Bn. and was allotted to H.Q.Coy..
7th. Mar., Wed.
Weather - bright and clear. A movie was scheduled for the afternoon, by coys., but it was cancelled owing to some shelling. Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE, the C.O., felt that it would be unwise to have so many men congregated in one spot. A Bde. O Gp. was held in the afternoon where it was announced that it is the intention that 5 C.I.B. will capture the high ground South of XANTEN, and destroy the enemy there. It will be a two bn. attack on a one bn. front - the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE will lead the move and the BLACK WATCH will follow through XANTEN and secure four objectives on the high ground. The supporting arms will be three regts. Field Arty., two regts. Medium Arty., one sqn. SHERBROOKE FUSILIERS in tanks and one sqn. "Crocodiles" - Churchill tanks fitted with flame throwers. At 1900 hrs. a Bn. O Gp. was called. B Coy. on the right would take objective #1, C Coy. on the left, #2, then D Coy. to #4, after which this last coy. would exploit and send patrols in to the #3 objective. A Coy. would be in reserve and be available to exploit as far as BIRTEN.
XANTEN
MR 1141
8th. Mar., Thur.
Weather - rain. The Bn. moved to the new assembly area in the early morning, and arrived at 1000 hrs.. The I.0. most recently appointed, Lt. J.G. ROBERTS took over, Lt. J.B.MULHEARN remaining l.o.b.. As a result of stubborn resistance in the 4th. Bde. Area, we were constrained to remain there all day as the clearing of the unit f.u.p. was not completed. Eventually, at 2030 hrs., the move to the f.u.p. commenced. Tac. H.Q. was established at 113410 and the move accomplished without any untoward incident, although the enemy did drop some shells around us after we were in occupation. When we passed through XANTEN, which had been captured in the afternoon, the town was in ruins, and still burning. Our start line was reached at 2200 hrs. and on hearing that the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE had met little opposition preparations were made for the Bn. to move in on the attack. H hour was set set at 0135 hrs.
FURSTENBERG
MR Sq. 1234, Ref Sh. XANTEN 4304
GERMANY
9th. Mar., Fri.
Weather - overcast in morning, clearing later. An artillery barrage was being laid down in support of our C and B Coys. as they crossed the start line along with the "Crocodiles" manned by the FYFE AND FORFAR YEOMANRY. The 4.2" mortars of the TORONTO SCOTTISH and our own 3" mortars also participated in the barrage. Shortly after the start line was crossed the forward coys. reported erroneously that our mortar bombs were falling short, and we stopped all mortar fire. This actually was German mortar fire from the right flank, laid close behind our creeping barrage, an old trick of his, and we thus lost considerable supporting fire. Upon reaching their objectives a short, sharp fight,' of from 5 to 10 minutes duration, ensued, before the enemy capitulated. Although we experienced a few casualties we inflicted many more upon the enemy and took in the neighbourhood of 50 prisoners. One office and one w.o. were included in B Coy's. bag. When the success of this attack was established D Coy. moved on to objective #4, gaining it with little trouble. From there they sent out a patrol of platoon strength to objective #3 which they found to be unoccupied, whereupon they n-returned, as instructed, at 0530 hrs.. Tac H.q. moved up and established at 127398. In the attack C Coy. discovered a "Moaning Minnie" bomb which was booby-trapped, and B Coy. found many enemy kits lying half-opened, and all booby-trapped. It was later discovered that many of the buildings in XANTEN were booby-trapped with bombs containing a 21 day fuse. The enemy was mortaring and shelling us, and also employing his 8cm. and 21cm. rockets against our positions; this continued intermittently throughout the day causing quite a few casualties in the companies. A pocket of resistance was formed by the enemy when the 6th. Bde. attacked on our right flank, and as his only possible escape route lay through our positions a strict watch was maintained on that flank throughout the day. In the afternoon the Bn. received orders as to their role in the projected crossing of the River RHINE over the WESEL bridge. As the forward areas were not as set secure no timings were laid on. At 1900 hrs. the Bn. returned to its area at XANTEN, with tanks and "Kangaroos" - the f.u.p. for the crossing.
HOCHWALD AREA
MR 017430, Ref. Sh. UDEM 4303
10th. Mar., Sat.
Weather - overcast with drizzle. At an O Gp. held at Bde. this morning the I.O., Lt. J.G.ROBERTS was advised that the enemy had retired from Western bank of the River RHINE, blowing the WESEL bridge after the main body of his troops had withdrawn. Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE, C.O. the BLACK WATCH passed on this information to the Coy. Commanders at a Bn. O Gp. held at 1100 hrs., and at this time he advised them that the unit will be moving back to a staging area this afternoon, from where we will soon be moving back to a rest area in the neighbourhood of NIJMEGEN. The move commenced at 1300 hrs., the men riding in Kangaroos, which means of conveyance took them as far as the Northern end of the Hochwald Forest, from where they had to continue the journey on foot. The move was completed by 163Ohrs. Tac.H.Q. was set up in the same building it had occupied nine days previously on the way up, at 017430.
11th. Sun.
Weather - clear and mild. The men are having a well-earned rest today after their recent exertions. Church services were conducted by the Padre, Hon. Capt. A.REOCH, during the forenoon. The area we now occupy is only a temporary expedient, as on the morrow the whole 2nd. Cdn. Div. will be moving back to the NIJMEGEN area. A recce party including Maj. E. MOTZFELDT, 2 i/c., Lt. P.MATISZ, Signals Officer, and an R.A.P. representative left this morning to cover the new area. The various vehicle were not off-loaded word was received that we should be prepared to move off at 0800 hrs. in the morning. The K. of C. held a showing on the movie "Government Girl" in the barn behind Tac. H.Q., for the men of A and B Coys..
BERG EN DAL
MR 74785899, Ref Sh. 12 SW, GROESBEEK
HOLLAND.
Weather - clear and mild. The move to the new area was completed by 1100 hrs.. In mid-afternoon B.H.Q. moved to another location, the house occupied by Bde. H.Q. at the commencement of Operation VERITABLE, and B Coy. moved into the one vacated. There was some A/A fire in the area in the afternoon when an enemy jet propelled plane flew over. Around 1830 hrs. another enemy plane dropped five bombs which landed about half a mile away from this area, having first released two flares to more clearly illuminate his objective - if any. The K. of C. tonight used the Hotel Groot in BERG EN DAL to hold another showing of the movie run last night. The electricity in the house occupied by B.H.Q. failed to function, and so remained despite the efforts of the local electrician who was summoned. We were advised today that Operation VERITABLE is now completed. Capt. D. MENZIES, O.C. of Sp. Coy. left today to take a Coy. Commanders course, and Capt. H.D. FREESTON took over temporary command of the Coy.. Lt. F.BERTRAND also left today, to attend a Carrier course .
13th. Mar., Tues.
Weather - clear and sunny. Today the I.O., Lt. J.G.ROBERTS, made a recce in the Bn. area for training areas to be used-by the coys. during our stay here. The day was spent in cleaning up equipment, re-organising and refitting, and maintainance was carried out on all vehicles, all transport with the exception of that absolutely necessary being immobilised for this purpose. In the afternoon B Ech. moved from BEDBURG to FRASSELT, at MR 825537. Nine men from the Bn. left today for Canada leave, the party including Capt. A.E.D.HULL, 0.C. of H.Q.Coy.. Capt. A.G.POWERS returns to the command of this company. As of tonight Lt-Col. B.R. RITCHIE relinquished command of the BLACK WATCH. The officers of the regiment held a farewell party in his honour.
14t. Mar., Wed.
Weather - bright sunshine. Maj. E.MOTZFELDT today took over as Acting C.O. of the unit, with Maj. R.MacDUFF, O.C. of B Coy. as 2 i/c.. Thirty men from the Bn. today commenced attendance at a stretcher bearer course being conducted by the l8th.FIELD AMBULANCE. A Bath Parade was laid on in the afternoon for the men of H.Q. Coy., and Pay Parades will be held tomorrow. Maj. E.MOTZFELDT the Acting C.O., this afternoon recced. an area where the men of C and D Coys. will undergo training with tanks tomorrow. Training was commenced throughout the Bn. today, and continued during the morning, the afternoon being devoted to sports. This is the first Sports afternoon the Bn. has held since coming to France, just over eight months ago. Recreational transport has been allotted to take the men into NIJMEGEN in the evenings during our stay here, one 15 cwt. per Rifle Coy., and one 6ocwt. for Support Coy.. Tonight an ENSA show was held at the Hotel Groot in BERG EN DAL , places being by allotment, and a film, "Higher and Higher" was shown for the men of B and C Coys., and later for the officers at B.H.Q.. During the day we had visits from Capt. M. CASSILS of 2 Corps H.Q. Public Relations, Capt. C.ASQUITH , L. 0 . 3 Div.H.Q., and Capt. W.DOHENY, G3 Ops. 2 Div..
15th. Mar., Fri.
Weather - sunny and warm. Today the men of C and D Coys. participated in a scheme with a sqn. of tanks from the FORT GARRY HORSE . D Coy. made the attack in the morning and C Coy. in the afternoon. The Acting C.O., Maj.E.MOTZFELDT, and the I.0. Lt. J.G.ROBERTS were in attendance throughout the day. Shortly before noon, Lt-Col. B.R.RITCHIE took his departure en route for England where he will spend a short compassionate leave. Capt. E. MacDONALD who is leaving his post as A.D.J.A. at 2 Div. H.Q. after 15 months in that office called today to pay his respects to his many friends in the Bn.. Maj. J.F.BAILLIE, O.C. of C Coy. and Lt. D.SMITH, Pioneer Officer left this morning for a 48 hour leave in BRUSSELS, along with 42 ORs., and 4 ORs left for PARIS. Bath Parades were held in the afternoon for Sp. and H.Q.Coys. and Pay Parades for A, B, Sp. and H.Q.Coys.. In the afternoon 50 men from Sp. Coy. were taken to NIJMEGEN for a swim. Last night's movie was repeated tonight in a building in Sp. Coy's. lines.
16th. Mar., Fri.
Weather - damp and very misty. Owing to the heavy low-lying mist this morning B Coy. had to discontinue practice with the PIAT and the 2" Mortar as they could not see the target area. Training throughout the Bn. continued during the day. Arrangements have been made for each coy. to hold a party while we are here, and one for the officers is scheduled for tomorrow night. CSM Jackson, J.R., D81820, Sp. Coy., Acting RSM, went into NIJMEGEN and found there a flourishing organisation for the entertainment of troops in the area. With little difficulty he was able to obtain an orchestra and partners for the officers ' party, tomorrow night.
17th. Mar., Sat.
Weather - clear and sunny. All the coys. participated in training this morning in accordance with the prepared syllabus. Maj. E.MOTZFELDT, Acting C.O. of the unit attended a conference at Corps H.Q. at 1030 hrs. this morning. During the course of the morning a Court Martial was conducted at our old Tac. H.Q. at HOLTHURNSCHE HOF, MR 75485895. Recreational transport was laid on at 1330 hrs. to take men into NIJMEGEN. B.H.Q. is a hive of activity with preparations going on apace for the dance tonight, which is being held in the building. Beer was made available to the men today by allotment. The dance in the evening was a most successful and well conducted affair, attended by all the officers from the unit, and many from Bde. and Div.. Included among the visitors were Brig. W.J.MEGILL, D.S.O., Commanding 5 C.I.B., Capt. S.E.GRIFFIN, I.0. at 5 Bde., Capt. W.DOHENY, G3 Ops. 2 Div., Maj. A.B.MacFARLANE, DAAQMG at 5 Bde., Capt. M. CASSILS, 2 Corps H.Q. Public Relations, Maj. J. DELAMERE, Brigade Major, 5 C.I.B., Capt. A.FRASER, Photographer for the 1st. Canadian Army, and Capt. B.M. LEWIS, L.O. at 5 Bde..
BERG EN DAL
MR 74785899, ref Sh. 12 SW, GROESBEEK
HOLLAND.
Weather - dull in morning, clearing later. Bn. Church Parades were held this morning. The R.C. service was conducted by Father KENNY, R.C. Chaplain 5 C.I.B. and held in an hotel in BERG EN DAL, attended by all members of that denomination in the Bde.. The Protestant service for the BLACK WATCH was held at the Groot Hotel, BERG EN DAL, and was conducted by Hon. Capt. A.REOCH, the Unit Chaplain. The Pipe Band played the men to and from the latter service. It is quite some time since a parade of this nature was held, and the men's turnout was very smart. Recreational transport for NIJMEGEN left at 1330 hrs. today. A football team from the regiment was scheduled to play a match against a local team, but our opponents failed to make an appearance. In the evening the K. of C. held a showing of the movie "Gaslight". Col. G.P.HENDERS0N, late C.O. of the Bn., now with Civil Affairs, paid us a visit today along with Lt-Col. R.B.MOWAT, also of Civil Affairs. It was with regret that we saw Maj. K. HENDERSON, 5th. Fld. Artillery Representative, evacuated to hospital today, suffering a fractured collar bone and rib, the result of an accident. Maj. K. HENDERSON was well known and liked by the men of this, his adopted, regiment. A and B Coys. held a party tonight in NIJMEGEN. This was run much along the lines of the officers' party last night, and was a very successful gathering.
19th. Mar., Mon.
Weather - clear and sunny. We learned today the very gratifying news that the award of the D.C.M. has been made to CSM FROST, W.F.L., D81093, for outstanding service in this theatre of action since 1st. August, 1944. A Coy. Commander's meeting was held this morning to discuss the review passed down from the Corps Commander on the tactics and shortcomings perceived in Operation VERITABLE, and the training which it is suggested be emphasised. Capt.A.J.H.LEEK, the Q.M., and Capt.A.R.HANNA, the T.O., left today on 48 hour leave to BRUSSELS. An accident occurred this morning when A Coy. was firing the PIAT in training. The last man to fire did not lower his head after firing the weapon, and a small piece of metal flew back and nicked him in the neck end ear. The injuries were not serious. Col.G.P. HENDERSON of Civil Affairs was a guest at the officers' mess tonight.
20th. Mar., Tues.
Weather - clear and bright sunshine. Maj. E.MOTZFELDT, Acting C.O., and Capt. E.S. DUFFIELD, the Adjutant, this morning inspected the weapons, records, billets, etc., of Sp. Coy.. This company has a much higher percentage of men with long service in the Bn. than have any of the Rifle Coys., and from the excellence of their turn-out, this fact was quite apparent. The I.O., Lt. J.G.ROBERTS, attended a modified I course at 2 Div. H.Q. today. This morning there was a fire in the Officers' Mess at Bde., and when the Adjutant dropped in on them it was to find them in the process of moving to a new location, the while attired in heterogeneous raiment. Maj. E.V.TRAVERSY, O.C. of A. Coy. presided at a court of enquiry on the fire in the afternoon. A leave party left for BRUSSELS this morning. The Sergeants held a party tonight in the BERG EN DAL hotel. Maj. E. MOTZFELDT attended, and later visited an ORs dance at 5 Bde. H.Q.. The officers of 5 C.I.B. held a cocktail party tonight which the Acting C.O., Maj.E.MOTZFELDT, also attended.
21st. Mar., Wed.
Weather - clear with bright sunshine. After inspecting D Coy. this morning the Acting C.o., Maj.E.MOTZFELDT and Capt. E.S.DUFFIELD, the Adjutant proceeded to look over the coys. at training on the range. The motorcycle of one of the unit R.Ps. was stolen last night while it was parked outside the Winter Garden at NIJMEGEN. The unit received today six sets of plastic armour for the WASPS - this armour fits over the front and the forward portion of the sides. Capt.M.M.BRADLEY was today promoted to this rank, and to act as 2 i/c of A Coy.. Capt. W.L.BARNES was appointed as 2 i/c of D Coy., taking over when Capt. L.D.PRICE goes on leave to England tomorrow. Lt. W.D.LANGLEY will, for the time being, be working in conjunction with the I.0.. An Educational Office has been set up at MR 755589 - HOLTHURNSCHE HOF. The Red Cross have forwarded soldiers comforts to us, and these were distributed to the men today. A check of morphine syrettes is being made. The Ordnance, after a recent inspection of vehicles, signals equipment and weapons have turned back to us a very good report.
22nd. Mar., Thur.
Weather - clear and bright sunshine. Last night the jeep belonging to A Coy. was stolen while parked in NIJMEGEN. In view of this, and the previous loss of a motor cycle, the Acting C.O., Maj.E.MOTZFELDT, at a Coy. Commanders' meeting in the early afternoon ruled, that, if any vehicle is parked in the town it must not be left unattended at any time. The question of L.O.Bs. was also discussed at the meeting and a check will be made of the W.E. of H.Q. Coy. with a view to weeding out any deadwood in that coy. and building up the strength of the rifle companies. One thousand blankets were received here today, and distributed in even quantities to the rifle coys. in exchange for the soiled ones the men are using. In the afternoon a Bath Parade was held for the men of A and C Coys.. The Scout Officer, Lt. A.G. GAUM, and ten men from his platoon had photographs taken this morning in the region of CLEVE. The men were doing exhibition house-clearing and their tactics will appear in a newsreel. Capt. J.A.FRASER, 2 Div. Photographer was directing the party. The pipe band are now in the position where they have more pipers than sets of pipes, and an attempt is being made through ADOS to expedite shipment to us of those we have indented for. The monthly supply of bottled stimulants was received today, and will immediately be made available to the Officers, W.Os. and Sergeants. The weather was such today that the Adjutant, Capt. E.S.DUFFIELD was found to be suffering from Spring Fever. Symptoms of the attack were first noticed when he moved the desk from his office out to the edge of the lawn, where he spent the best part of the afternoon. It is felt that the disease may prove to be slightly infectious as the meeting conducted by Maj. E.MOTZFELDT was held in the same sylvan surroundings. A dance for the men of C and D Coys. was held tonight in a hall in NIJMEGEN. Maj.E.MOTZFELDT, Maj.R.MacDUFF and Capt.E.S.DUFFIELD attended by invitation and found a very happy throng dancing to the music of a local band.
23rd. Mar., Fri.
Weather - morning mist - clearing later to bright sunshine. All vehicles not urgently required. were immobilised today to be cleaned. Alongside B.H.Q. there is a large pond and this will be the site of the washing operations. A check is being made of the Anti-Gas equipment throughout the Bn. and in the near future an inspection of this equipment will be conducted. All the men were engaged at some time today in blancoing their equipment in preparation for a Ceremonial Parade scheduled for O9OOhrs. tomorrow morning. A film was shown tonight by the K. of C. - "Heavenly Body". In a softball gamen- tonight played between C and D Coys. the D Coy. team emerged victorious by the tune of 21 to 3. Quite a change over of the local currency took place as a result.
24th. Mar., Sat.
Weather - clear with bright sunshine. A Bn. Parade was held this morning . The men are sadly out of practice in the art of "spit and polish" but they rose to the occasion today and presented a very fine turn out, showing that the hand has not lost its cunning. Present at the parade was Capt. J.A.FRASER, of the Film and Photo Unit at Div. H.Q.. He took a number of shots of the parade which will be incorporated in the newsreel "Canada at War -#72". The parade state this morning shows a Bn. strength of 853 all ranks - of whom 28 0fficers and 525 ORs. were on parade. The Coys. were inspected, and there followed Foot and Arms Drill. During the course of the morning the vehicles were inspected and found to be in very good shape. The inspections were carried out by Maj. R.MacDUFF, 2 i/c. as the Acting C.O., Maj. E. MOTZFELDT, had to attend a meeting at Bde. at 1000 hrs.. At this meeting he was advised of the progress which had been made in the crossing of the River RHINE, which took place last night, in the vicinity of WESEL and REES, by the men of the 15th. and 51st. Divs. of the British Army; our counterpart in the Imperial Army now has its three Bns. across the River. He was also advised of the part which the First Canadian Army would most probably play in the operation now under way. The general picture on the entire front was also given at this meeting. An innoculation parade was held at the R.A.P. this morning for those who are overdue that part and parcel of army life - a shot in the arm. In the afternoon the Officers of the BLACK WATCH were instructed in Signals procedure by Lt. P.MATISZ, the Signals Officer. At 1430hrs. the Adjutant, Capt. E.S.DUFFIELD, attended a meeting for Adjutants at 5 C.I.B. H.Q.. In the evening a dance was held in NIJMEGEN for the men of Sp. and H.Q. Coys., and in spite of a dearth of partners the men voted it a most enjoyable evening. Maj. E.MOTZFELDT, Maj. R.MacDUFF, and Capt.E.S.DUFFIELD attended by invitation, as did Lt. W.S.MILLS, Sigsmaster at 2 Div. H.Q., until recently our Signals Officer. Tonight Pte. SUDSBURY, F.J., M2098, returned to the Bn. after a 30 day leave in Canada. We had a visit today from Capt. D.A.MacALPINE - ex BW, now L.O. 1st. Canadian Corps.
25th. Mar., Sun.
Weather - cloudy with showers, clearing later. Bde. Church Parades were conducted this morning, the Padres of the BLACK WATCH and the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS officiating for the Protestant service and Father KENNY, of 5 C.I.B. conducting the R.C. service. After the Church Parade the units of 5 Bde. participated in a March Past, the salute being taken by Maj.Gen. A. BRUCE MATHEWS, C.B.E., D.S.O., E.D.. The massed bands of the BLACK WATCH and the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS under the direction of Pipe-Major SUTHERLAND of the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS, played at the saluting base. No more vehicles have disappeared since the recent strictures imposed. It may be recorded that 5 C.I.B. have suffered the loss of two jeeps and a H.U.P., since coming to this area, the H.U.P. later being recovered, an indication that someone is conducting a thriving business somewhere. Maj. E.MOTZFELDT, Acting C.O., attended a luncheon at 2 Div. H.Q. to which all C.Os. of units in the Div. were invited. Maj. R.MacDUFF, 2 i/c, and Capt. R.F.DAVEY, O.C. of B. Coy. left today for 48 hour leave in BRUSSELS. Maj. E.V.TRAVERSY, O.C. of A. Coy. will be Acting 2 i/c during Maj. R.MacDUFF's absence. In the evening Maj. E. MOTZFELDT attended a dance at 5 Brigade H.Q..
26th. Mar., Mon.
Weather - cloudy with thundershowers. This morning all parades were held with the men carrying full anti-gas equipment; this was closely inspected, shortages being filled and faulty equipment being replaced. Sgt. GOODYER, A, D122744, escorting some Dutch friends around the billets today recounted a new version of the story of the "Hackle". According to his tale, a soldier joining the BLACK WATCH is issued with a white feather and continues to wear it until he has killed at least one of the enemy when he is permitted to wear a red one. One lady was very perturbed at being unable to see any white feathers. Training continued throughout the Bn. today, and in the evening Sp. Coy. beat D Coy. 3 - 0 in a soft-ball game.
27th. Mar., Tues.
Weather - dull with occasional showers. In view of the action on the other side of the RHINE it is felt that it should not be long now ere the unit is heading that way to participate. The men are all in excellent physical condition these days, and are very keen. The fitters have had a busy time while we have been here and if any vehicles are in any way faulty, it is no fault of theirs. Today Capt. F.O. BURGESS, 2 i/c of C Coy. went to 5 C.I.B. as L.O., Capt. B.S.LEWIS returning to his old post as 2 i/c of D Coy, with Capt. M.M.BARNES, of D Coy. going to C Coy. as 2 i/c..
28th. Mar., Wed.
Weather - sunny and cool. Maj. C.S.MacLAREN returned to the Bn. today, having been out with a wound for just one month, and took over command of D Coy.. Word was received today that foodstocks left by the enemy in ISSELBURG had been found to be poisoned and all ranks were cautioned against sampling any food stores which they may run across. An O Gp. was called at Bde. at 1600 hrs. and a Bn. O Gp. followed at 1800 hrs.. The BLACK WATCH will be moving across the RHINE to a concentration area near REES. Trucks will be loaded by 2230 hrs.. C Coy. have acquired a mascot, a puppy, a gift from a friend in CUIJK. He is so small that he can fit into a drinking mug. After sharing in the supper of many of the boys he was so full that the Huddle Red which had everyone else on the hop, failed to disturb him.
ROSAU
MR 04765543, Ref. Sh REES 4204
GERMANY.
Weather - overcast with showers and heavy mist. A recce party left BERG EN DAL at 0330 hrs. for the new area. The Acting C.O., Maj. E.MOTZFELDT, and the I.O., Lt. J.G.ROBERTS, attended an 0 GEP. at Bde. at 0900 hrs. to receive final details of the move. Maj. LAKE will be the representative with us from the 5th. Field Artillery, replacing Maj. K.HENDERSON who met with an accident recently. The BLACK WATCH moved off at 1345 hrs. and crossed the Bde. Start line at 1400 hrs.. The men of the rifle coys. were transported in TCVs. and debussed before crossing the river. The leading vehicle of the BLACK WATCH convoy crossed the River RHINE at 1701 hrs., and by 1812 hrs. all coys. had pancaked. The accommodation in this area is NIL and the men had to sleep in slit trenches and dug outs along the dyke bordering the ALTER RHINE.
30th. Mar., Fri.
Weather - clear and sunny with very high wind. Sweeping advances are reported from the American front, gains which now place them 140 miles inside GERMANY. At 1000 hrs. Lt. J.G.ROBERTS, the unit I.0. called at Bde. to get the general picture, but such information as he received was only provisional as events are moving so very fast. Beneath the armoured car of the Bde. Sigs. was a heap of German money, in rolls of coin. The money had scattered over the ground but its presence was completely ignored by the men. Money is practically the least of the men's worries in these times. At 1430 hrs. the C.O. and the I.0. attended a huddle green at Brigade, but at 1950 hrs.Capt. F.O.BURGESS, the Bde. L.O., arrived to announce a change in plan. Accordingly Maj.E.M0TZFELDT, the Acting C.O., called a Bn. Huddle Red at 2330 hrs. and outlined the task we will be undertaking. At 0500 hrs. a recce party will leave for the concentration area near MILT and the Bn. will move off for that destination at 0640 hrs.. During the day some of the boys spent a little time fishing in the ALTER RHINE and met with no little success. Pike was the principal catch.
ULFT
MR 07056691, Ref Sh ISSELBURG 4104
HOLLAND.
31st. Mar., Sat.
Weather - clear and sunny, with high wind. Reveille this morning was at 0500 hrs.. Once more the troops moved in TCVs. and on Sp. Coy. carriers, and the move to the new area commenced at 0640 hrs.. At 0725 hrs. while on the move, we were passed by Maj. Gen. A. BRUCE MATHEWS , C B.E., D.S.0., E.D., the Div. Commander, returning from a visit to the front. At the time of our departure it was unknown which of two concentration areas we would occupy, as the choice depended on the progress made by 6th. Bde., and it was arranged that we would use the rear area unless advised to the contrary. Accordingly we pulled off the road at MR. 05176275 at 0815 hrs. and no sooner had the first few vehicles turned in than we were advised to proceed to the more forward area. Maj. E. M0TZFELDT, the Acting C.O., however, decided to marshall all the vehicles off the road in the concentration area and thus permit the following convoy of the REGIMENT de MAISONNEUVE and the CALGARY HIGHLANDERS to proceed without delay. We were ordered to proceed to the neighbourhood of MILT at 049651. At 1030 hrs. Maj. E MOTZFELDT and the I.O., Lt. J.G.ROBERTS were called to Bde., and at a Bn. 0. Gp. at 1230 hrs. it was announced that we will have with us B Sqn. of the FORT GARRY HORSE and the men will ride on the tanks and the Sp. Coy. vehicles. The plans laid on at this O Gp. were cancelled when the C.O. was called to a Huddle Green at Bde. at 1330 hrs.. At the Bn. O Gp. which followed, the plan called for us to move to another concentration area at ULFT, where we will cross the OUDE ISSEL. The move commenced at 1400 hrs. and at 1450 hrs. we reported to Bde. that we were then in the new area. In view of information received it was necessary at this point to hold a further Company Commanders' meeting. Assault boats were brought up to carry the men of the Rifle Coys. across, and on reaching the other side they would march on to the roadway and form up on GOEDERENTRAM. The carriers would be off-loaded and ferried across the river on a class 5 ferry, presently under construction, the while a bridge was being constructed lower down the river at the site of the demolished bridge in the town. Brig. W.J.MEGILL, D.S.O., Commanding 5 C.I.B., arrived at the ferry site at 1610 hrs. and conferred with Maj. E.MOTZFELDT, the Acting C.O. there. The bridge, scheduled for completion at 1900 hrs. was late, and when it was eventually completed the Sp. Coy. vehicles which had not crossed the ferry, and the armoured cars and heavy vehicles crossed to the other side. Our orders now are to go on and take the town of TERB0RG, which will be known as "BOWLINE". At 2315 hrs. the plan of attack was laid on at an O Gp. held at that time. A Coy. will lead off, and take the area around MR 0670, B will follow through A - swing to the left , clearing - and establish near the church at MR 050699. C Coy. will pass through A and continue up the road to the railway crossing at MR 053707. D Coy. will be the last Coy. to go in and will clear the woods and high ground to the East of HUISWISCH, MR 054697. Artillery and tank support was included in the plan of attack and as the month closed the Coy. Commanders were briefing their men fully on the task which lay ahead of them. The zero hour will be at 0100 hrs.
SUMMARY
GENERAL. The month was a notable one in the annals of the unit in that it marked the end of Phase 2 of the First Canadian Army offensive, begun 8th. February, 1945, and later the beginning of Phase 3 which Field Marshall Sir Bernard L. Montgomery, C-i-C., 21 Army Group, termed the "knock-out round". It was, therefore, a period of intense activity on our part, for the two-weeks respite during the middle of the month, when we came out of GERMANY for a rest, served to prepare the Bn. for operations which were immediately to follow during April, in HOLLAND.
MORALE. Despite operations during appalling physical conditions, and continued periods of mud, rain, cold, which contributed to making roads almost impassable, the morale of the troops remained high. Added to this, the attacks were almost all night operations, which are never conducive to high spirits. Road conditions being as they were resulted in a somewhat serious breakdown and casualty rate of unit transport, but in spite of these handicaps, the A/Q problems were never left unsolved. Not once, during the most discouraging periods, did the coys. fail to get three hot meals per day. The retention of high morale in the unit can in large measure be ascribed to this.
CASUALTIES and REINFORCEMENTS. During the month 234 reinforcements were received, of which nine were officers. The figure also includes a sprinkling of old Bn. men who had been wounded in previous operations. Casualties amounted to 60. Lest these figures seem out of proportion, it is to be remembered that the reinforcement flow of 234 was to bring the unit back to strength after the high casualties of the February operations, replacements for which were NOT received until March. For the first time in months reinforcements were from Montreal and district. Previously they had been almost entirely from all parts of Canada.
HEALTH. This remained good. Very few evacuations for reasons of sickness were made.
EQUIPMENT.
(a) OWN. No comment. The PIAT proved to be a most valuable weapon when fired at high angle.
(b) ENEMY. No comment.
Bn. at REST. A period of two weeks was put to good use to train reinforcements, clean and maintain unit transport and generally engage in interior economy, throughout. Ceremonial parades were held and a noticeable improvement in the appearance and bearing of the men became apparent. NIJMEGEN being a short distance from BERG EN DAL, full use of entertainment facilities available there was made. Dances were held individually for the Companies, the Officers, and the sergeants. Intense rivalry developed between the respective Company baseball teams and some very good and keen games were played. A Bn. soccer team was organised and several exhibitions with local Dutch teams were played. This period was also marked by the visit of many old Bn. Officers to the unit.
CONCLUSION. Intense and bitter fighting has been the case during late February and the first week of March. On 29th. March, the Bn. crossed the River RHINE at REES, shortly afterwards to cross the Dutch-German frontier for the drive North which was to begin in earnest in early April. The unit during the month of March had stoutly upheld the standards of the high achievements of the earlier campaigns as it will no doubt continue to do. The spirit and temper are still such that it continues to be "Hackle Happy". All objectives in the past have been taken. With such a spirit they always will be, and the unit will NOT be stopped at any time. Fulfillment of our operational roles has demanded great powers of endurance, and unceasing vigilance to the full. The Bn. has proved during March that it has not lost its capacity for either of these.
Lt.-Col. B. W. Thomson, D.S.O., M.C.,
Officer Commanding,
1st. Bn.The Black Watch (RHR)
of Canada.
