Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence
Summaries are contained in F.S. Regs., Vol. 1.
and the Staff Manual respectively Title pages
will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY
or
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
Army Form C.2118
Unit: 3rd R. Tks.
Month and Year: August 1944 (Erase heading not required). Commanding Officer: Lt. Col. DAH Silvertop, MC
Place Date Hour Summary Reference
677515 1 0430 Reveille.
1 0445 Net. Take over from 23H leading the Bde. A Sqn leading the Regt SOUTH over River SOULEOUVRE and then EAST to LE BENY BOCAGE - 6742.
1 1030 A Sqn leading sends troop on either side of village and one troop through centre of village. Village capture.
1 1130 C Sqn then follow on through LE BENY BOCAGE to high ground at Pt 243 and Pt 266 (675428 and 695425). They report area clear of enemy and proceed to the NORTH of this position. A Sqn follow to Pt 243.
1 1500 B Sqn with 2 Coys of KSLI then attacks from Pt 266 towards river crossing 699439 and capture it. They then move to T junction 706443 and up road leading NW to LE TOURNEUR - 683455.One tk KO SE of LE TOURNEUR and another bogged on road leading further to the SE.
681424 1 2200 RHQ rvs for night at 681424. A Sqn remains to the EAST on the side of the road. B Sqn remains area 705443. C Sqn with one coy of inf remain in area 695715.
2 0500 Reveille.
2 0600 Move fwd. Route - CL 695715 - 707364 - 712345 - 712343 - 727332. Order of March - A Sqn, RHQ KSLI, C Sqn, B Sqn.
2 0900 Halted area 685403.
2 1100 C Sqn sent EAST of CL to guard flank.
2 1730 C Sqn having trouble area 718372.
2 2000 Attack on LE GD BONFAIT with KSLI, wich was successful.C Sqn pulled back to area 718363.
718363 3 0430 Reveille.
3 0500 Stand to. At first light B Sqn took up position in area NW of LE GD BONFAIT 719372. A Sqn from first light area LE GD BONFAIT with coy of KSLI.
3 1000 Following reports of enemy tks moving NORTH to this area B Sqn moved patrols towards it but found little. C Sqn area 709363.
3 1300 Enemy conter-attack with inf and some tks. A Sqn report 7 in their area. Attack is held although GERMAN tks remain very close to ours. Observation is very difficult and country very close. The situation remainded static until nightfall.Intermittent mortar and shell fire in RHA area during morning and afternoon. At last light A and B Sqns rally in area 710370. C Sqn rally in area 706366 with RHQ.
706366 4 0445 Reveille. At first light Sqn s move to areas:- A - 718374: B - 712381: C - 709363. Sqns remain in observation all day. Throughout day there was intermittent fighting but no change in disposition.
4 1200 COs conference.
706366 5 0430 Reveille. Sqns take up same positions as yesterday before first light.Throughout day no serious incident to report.
5 2340 COs conference.
706366 6 0430 Reveille. As for yesterday - Sqns out in positions of observation in anticipation of a conter-attack. Throughout day minor conter-attacks appeared but were successfully beaten off. Tks reported in similar places to yesterday. It would appear that they pull out at last light and return to the same position of observation in the morning.Capt S. Farningham, M.M., rejoins unit and is posted, as 2IC, to C Sqn.
706366 7 0430 Reveille.
7 0700 A Sqn move forward to WARWICKS area - 720345 - to take up position of observation SOUTH and to both flanks. They relieve 23H. Major W.H. Close, M.C. contacts CO of WARWICKS and 23H to consider best positions. WARWICKS depleted in strength can only send small patrols foward.1 Tp 77 Ass Sqn under command.C Sqn area 712365. Another day of reports concerning infiltration with infantry and tks. On the whole quiet.
7 1000 Mortar bursting in tress in RHQ area wounds Adjt - Capt T.L. Kinton - and 3 ORs.
706366 7 2100 A Sqn reports 2 Tigers at 720345 and endeavour to engage them from 100x.Tigers open up and sub-sub-unit has to withdraw.
7 2300 COs conference. Task tomorrow same as today. Observation SOUTH, SE, EAST in anticipation of conter-attack. A Sqn remain 720345. C Sqn harbour in RHQ area.
8 0445 Reveille. At first light C Sqn proceed ot posn of obsercation as yesterday. A Sqn still in area 720345.
8 1500 Capt J.A. Kempton and Lt J.G.H. Moorhead arrive as reinforcements and are posted to B and A Sqns respectively.
8 1505 Bde now at 6 hrs notice to move, but no move likely for 72 hrs. Signal from Bde that A Sqn would withdraw from area on receipt of codeword SPARROW. In event of B Sqn having to support 1 HEREFORDS codeword ARCHIE is to be used.
8 2200 CO to Bde.
8 2230 COs conference - Orders for first light 9 Aug.
9 0330 Codeword SPARROW received. A Sqn return to RHQ area.
9 0445 Reveille;
9 0600 Recce move forward in postition of observation with one tp of B Sqn in support.
9 1000 COs conference. 11 Armd Div taking over dispositions of Gds Arm Div. A Sqn At 1/2 hrs notice to move to support 1 HEREFORDS area 724378 in event of infiltration or counter-attack.
9 1100 B Sqn move to LE GD BONFAIT.
9 1130 C Sqn move to area 724384 - position of observation.
9 1200 RHQ - 119 Bty - 1 Tp 77 Ass Sqn move to area 719378.
9 1430 29 Armd Bde Op Instr No. 7 received.
9 1500 B Sqn have to take over LE BUQ from IG tonight n support of 4 KSLI taking over that area. Major N.H. Bourne, DSO, (2IC) and Major J.C. Balharrie, M.C. recce positions.
9 1700 CO to Bde. Conference on reorganisation.Throughout day no incident except odd shelling from area unidentified which did no damage. Weather:- warm, dry, sunny.
719378 10 0445 B Sqn reveille - now under command 4 KSLI, 1 Tp area 736373 observing NE and EAST.
10 0630 Reveille for A and C Sqns and RHQ. (Area 719378)
10 1130 Brigadier and BM visit Unit.
10 1800 COs conference - Promotions - Awards.
10 1830 Tp of 77 Ass Sqn revert from our comd.
10 1830 159 Inf Bde Adm Order No. 6 received.
10 1900 BSO to 159 Bde for conference - 3 R Tks to be under comd 159 Bde for operations commencing tomorrow, 11 Aug.
10 1930 Lt J. Ormrod joins unit and is posted to RHQ. Lt R.P. Brookshaw rejoins unit and A Sqn.
10 2230 159 Inf Bde OO No. 6 received.
10 2245 29 Armd Bde Op Instr No. 8 Received.
11 0615 Reveille.
11 0700 C Sqn move to join 159 Bde Dp at cross roads 707364. B Sqn remain in same area in support of 4 KSLI. No incidents apart from odd shelling reported throughout day.
11 0745 CO and BSO move to 159 Bde, area 707367.
12 0600 Reveille.
12 0900 CO to Bde.
12 1030 CO visits C Sqn. Major W.H. Close, M.C., (OC A Sqn) recces positions area 732380 for left flank protection in event of counter-attack from NE or EAST.
12 2300 C Sqn return to RHQ area.
13 0600 Reveille.
13 0800 C of E Service.
13 0845 CO to 159 Bde.
13 0930 RC Service.
13 1030 CO's conference - attended by 2IC ( Maj N.H. Bourne, DSO) A,B,C, BTA, BSO, A1 Ech Comd.159 Bde taking over from 15(S) Div. 3 R Tks to support 4 KSLI area ESTRY 7437
13 1115 CO and 2IC recce new area.
13 1500 Bn move - Order of March RHQ, Recce, C, A, B, A1 Ech.
13 2100 CO to 159 Bde - conference.
13 2230 CO'S conference - Order Cp. Infm - enemy pullingout. 11 Armd Div come under comd 30 Corps. Intention - advance in pursuit of enemy.29 Armd Bde to capture Pt 203. 159 Inf Bde to capture VASSY.
14 0500 Reveille.
14 0515 Net.
14 0545 CO moves fwd in scout car to contact CO 4 KSLI.
14 0600 Bn moves.
744381 14 0645 RHQ at 744381.
14 2100 C Sqn pull back to RHQ area.
14 2200 Area receives heavy shelling.
14 2230 CO returns from 159 Bde. RHQ moves back 200 yda from 744381.
14 2245 CO's conference. At first light KSLI moving to take Pt 212 (7634). A Sqn will suport them. Lt J. Ormorod and 1 OR wounded by shelling.Day quiet except for shelling at 2200 hrs. Fwd elements 2 NY held up area 758345 - 771348. LE THIEL (7635) occupied and consolidated by 1 HEREFORDS.
15 0400 Message from 159 Bde cancelling 4 KSLI party.
15 0500 Reveille.
15 0515 Net.
15 0630 Lt C.T.W. Lindguist take over RHQ Tp.
15 0830 CO's conference attended by 2IC, Sqn Comds, BTA, and RHQ Tp Leader.
15 0900 CO to 159 Bde.
15 1120 Brig Churcher holds conference with CO in RHQ area.
15 1145 RHQ moves fwd to 776346.
15 1430 Maj Gen G.P.B. Roberts, DSO, MG (Div Comd) visits above location and discusses situation with CO and CO 4 KSLI.
15 1700 4 KSLI hold order Op attended by CO and Maj Close.
15 1945 CO to 159 Bde.
15 2230 CO's conference. 159 Inf Bde Op Instr No. 7 received.
16 0515 Reveille.
16 0530 Net.
16 0600 Move fwd to position 1000 yds SOUTH of VASSY (790323)
16 0745 Cross first report line on RIGHT route. C Sqn on LEFT route finds going very difficult and there is a pause until they draw level.
16 1430 By this time Recce were fwd of RHQ location 823262. Progress delayed by mines and felled trees blocking roads. Bridges at 822271 and 823271 on LEFT route cratered - considered impassable for several hours.
16 1500 159 Brig holds conference - devoded to change CL and push on to capture crossings at 868751, and consolidate ground.
16 1900 RHQ 848272, B Sqn at bridgehead 868251, with two sub-sub-units across bridge. Minor battle waging.
16 2000 4 KSLI and ourselves ordered to push on before last light to ST GEORGE-DE-GROSEILLES (8622). 8 RB to take over from 4 KSLI on feature. Eventually cancelled as sub-sub-unit of KSLI being held up in AUBUSSON by BGs and 2 tks, and failling light making it impossible to change over or for 8 RB to see ground in daylight. Further the prospect of a night march to ST GEORGE carrying infantry through a reported enemy position did not justify the move.
16 2230 B Sqn have tk brewed up by A tk gun at 869251.
16 2300 RHQ, A and C Sqns area 864253.
16 2330 Wireless commn with Bde useless. No orders received.
17 0500 Reveille.
17 0600 Lt Lindguist arrives with orders from 159 Bde.
17 0700 March to ST GEORGE-DE-GROSEILLES (8622), C Sqn leading. RHQ location 865233.
17 1030 Fwd elements 2NY rpt mines on CL at 916203.
17 1100 C Sqn in FLERS (8620).
17 1200 A1 Ech located at 887211.
17 1400 RHQ moves to 908207. 2NY held up by mines at 908201.
17 1430 2NY rpt 1 88mm gun at 975180.
17 1500 At least 15 enemy rpt area 965185.
17 1610 4 KSLI and 3 R Tks ordered to proceed to BRIOUZE (0014) and capture bridges at 022150 and 035155.
17 1700 RHQ at 931196.
17 1730 Rpt from Bde that at least 200 inf -SS- area ST OPPORTUNE (9719).
17 1740 Order to proceed to BRIOUZE cancelled. New order to clear up enemy in last area - 9719. As 2NY information not full enough CO moves to position 953187.
17 1800 CO 1 HEREFORDS and CO 4 KSLI with CO 3 R Tks recce fwd from 953187.
17 1900 Brig 159 Bde arrives and plan is made.
17 1915 Maj Gen G.P.B. Roberts arrives to see Brig 159 Bde.
17 1930 C Sqn moves fwd to X rds 956185.
17 2000 RHQ to 958188 - slight shelling which ceased as attack went in. A and B Sqn location 953187. Progress again held up by mines and one strong point.Enemy were giving themselves up all morning in FLERS and to the NORTH of FLERS.
18 0230 Orders received from Bde. Pursuit to continue to BRIOUZE (0014).
18 0530 Reveille.
18 0545 CO's conference. C Sqn to continueon LEFT route joining CL 120149. A Sqn cith Recce sub-unit in front to lead on CL.
18 0600 Move from harbour on to CE. Very heavy mist - visibility about 50 yds.
18 0800 Enter BRIOUZE (0014). Fwd elements report being fired on by mortars at 021150.
18 0830 Personal contact made with AMERICANS in BRIOUZE - confirmed that shelling at 021150 is that of AMERICANS. Fire ceases.
18 0900 Brig Churcher (159 Bde) and Brig Channon (9 Amer Div) meet in BRIOUZE.
18 0930 Maj Gen G.P.B. Roberts DSO, MC, has conference whith AMERICANS.
18 1400 Bn moves to area 041165 and are under 6 hrs notice.
18 1430 Notice to move reduced to 2 hrs.
18 1500 Notice to move now reduced to 1 hrs.
18 1515 Orders received for Bde move to area ECOUCHE (1916). Order of March - 3 R Tks 1 HEREFORDS.
18 1520 CO's conference. Order of March - A Sqn, RHQ, B & C Sqns, A1 Ech.
18 1615 Cross start line.
18 1830 Arrive ara 178157. A Sqn ordered to take up position of observation along road 177156 to 162156 - facing NORTH and NW with slight interest in observation NE and EAST. Tk hits mine at 174154.
18 1835 2 Mk IVs rpt at 177175. RHQ area shelled.
18 2245 CO to Bde.
18 2345 CO's conference - no orders received for tomorrow - will be received later.
19 0530 Reveille.
19 0730 CO and CO of 1 HEREFORDS recce area 1715 for suitable rv for Brig and other 'SUNRAYS',
19 0815 Adjt, to Bde re returns.
19 0845 CO to Bde for conference.
19 1145 CO's Order Gp. Adv to continue in NE, NORTH and NW. Division to link up with 29 Armd Bde SENTILLY (1921). Order of March A Sqn, CO's tk, B Sqn, RHQ less CO's tk, Recce, C Sqn. A1 Ech to stay in present area.
19 1300 Pass through ECOUCHE (1518) and push on slowly EAST of MONT CAROULT (1819).
19 1315 One tk runs of mine at 188168.
19 1330 Fwd elements going well - no contact made with enemy.
19 1830 Contact with adv elements of 29 Armd Bde made in SENTILLY.
19 1900 RHQ - 197191 - Bn in close leaguer - raining and misty.
20 0130 Signal from Bde - no major movement before 1130 hrs.
20 0600 Reveille.
20 1530 Warning Order - Harbour Parties 30 mins notice, main bodies to be at 60 mins notice.
20 1600 Harbour Party under 2IC moves off.
20 1645 CO to Bde.
20 1715 CO's conference. Bde moving to area miles EAST of ARGENTAN (2618). Order of March - 4 KSLI, 1 HEREFORDS, 159 Bde, 3 R Tks. 3 R Tks Order of March - RHQ, A, B, C, A1 Ech.
20 1945 Pass SP 259191.
20 2045 Arrive new location 329199.
20 2315 CO to conference Bde.
21 0200 CO's conference. Pursuit to continue to GACE (5448)
21 0530 Reveille.
21 0600 Order of March - A, CO's tk & Sc car (BSO), B,C,. A1 remain in present location.
21 0900 Adv held up by mines and felled trees on CL. Bridge at 454509 blown.
21 0930 Recce for new route over bridge found at 485508.
21 0945 New bridge will not take futher tks. By this time scissors bridge at first crossing (454509) rpt in position.
21 1400 15/19 H pass through.
21 1600 3 R Tks move fwd again towards GACE.
21 1700 Leading tp come under AP and mortar fire at railway - 543488.
21 1730 Lt J.F. Langdon leading his tp pushes on through GACE destroying MT and
21 1830 eventually reaches outskirts of GACE (553491).
21 1900 4 KSLI come through to consolidate.
21 1930 No. of PW from garrison approx 190.
21 1945 Tp observing NORTH approach at 545503.
21 2200 Bn area GACE (5448). RHQ 546487.
22 0615 Reveille.
22 1130 Bn moves to LA TRINITE-DES-LARTIERS (6048). Order of march - Recce, C, RHQ, B, A.
22 1200 LA TRINITE-DES-LARTIERS rpt clear. Recce adv SOUTH to 617454.
22 1230 RHQ pull off rd 611484.
22 1245 Recce having rpt veing fired on by MGs CO sends C Sqn fwd in support.C Squadron dispositions. 1 Tp observing NORTH area 618486, 1 Tp observing EAST 619488. CO goes fwd to 611484 - No further incident rpt.
22 1300 CL confirmed - rd running S & N - La Trinite des Lartiers-St Andre d'Echauffour
22 1315 Ordered to move NORTH of T Junction 607423.
22 1600 Move to 607423 completed.
22 1630 Contact made with 2FF-(29 Bde) area 606422.
22 1700 Harbour Party under 2IC moves to recce new location.
22 1900 Bn move to area of 267- 643410.
22 2100 Bn in close leaguer.
23 0630 Reveille - Harbour Pary under 2IC moves off. 159 Bde Gp leaving present location and moving to conc area. Route - Direct to main rd to area 7341. S.P. 638387 D.P. 700403. On arrival at D.P. 3 R Tks revert to command 29 Armd Bde.
23 0900 2IC arranges for D.P. to be 760413.
23 1000 3 R Tks move - Order of March - RHQ & Recce, A, C, B
23 1245 Arrive new location area 763412.
23 1430 CO's conference; Likiley to be in this area for 3 -,5 days.General Maintenance - Guns - Wireless Check. Personal cleanliness & rest.
23 1500 Line to Bde - Rear Link closes down.
24 0700 Reveille.
24 0730 Check net, changing frequency.
24 1000 CO's conference.
24 1130 CO to Bde. Raining heavily throughout afternoon and evening.
24 1730 Cinema show - 100 from Bn. Factory canteen.
24 2000 Same show repeated 100 from Bn.
25 0700 Reveille.
25 0900 RC Service.
25 1000 CO's conference;- "Disposal of Unsuitable personnel"
25 1130 CO to Bde.
25 1330 ) Parties to Mobile Bath Unit, Factory Canteen.
25 1430 ) Parties to Mobile Bath Unit, Factory Canteen.
25 1430 Squadron lorry takes party to MORDAINT-SUR-PECHE.
25 1830 ENSA SHOW - Factory Canteen.
25 1900 Party of 25 to dance in LAIGLE.
25 1900 Radio Diffusion Van tours Squadron areas - Gramophone recital.
26 0700 Reveille
26 0900 Mobile Bath & Laundry
26 1000 CO's conference "Disposal of Unsuitable Personnel" and "Reinforcements"
26 1430 CO to Bde.
26 1630 Mobile Bath and Laundry.
26 1650 Maj/Gen G.P.B. Roberts, DSO,MC; accompanied by Brig. C.B. Harvey, DSO.visits the Bn and walks around Squadron area talking to the men.
26 1830 ENSA show at Main Bde.
26 1900 Adv parties to be ready to move from 0800 hrs tomorrow 27.8.44.Adv. Party;- Major N.H. Bourne, DSO, Major F.I.C. Wetherall & 1 D.R.
26 1930 Visit from Col. O'Rourke and Col. Timmins. discussing Sherman Tank.
27 0130 29 Armd Bde Mov. Inst. No.1. arrives. Bde will be prepared to move to a conc area WEST of R.SEINE today.
27 0700 Reveille.
27 0830 Adv Party at 1/2 hrs notice. Considered no move likely for main bdy today.
27 0900 CO's conference. Interviewing 11 reinforcements. Warning order re move given. Order of March;- RHQ, B,C,A, A1,1. S.P. 785428 - LAIGLE.
27 1000 RC Service.
27 1030 C of E Service.
27 1530 Cinema Show Factory Canteen-50 seats. Cinema Show LAIGLE Theatre 25 seats allocated.
27 1830 29 Armd Bde Mov. Inst. No.2. received.
27 1930 CO's Conference;- present, #2IC,OsC,A,B,C, A & A1 Echs Recce, RHQ, RBs (G Coy) and RAs (H Bty).Rev. 0445, Net 0500, Move 0530 Cross S.P. 784428 at 0555. Order of March as before. G Coy to follow A Sqn.
27 2130 "H" hour Midnight. Adv party to rpt to Col. R.P. de Winton, Bde location 0500hrs tomorrow 28 Aug. 44.
28 0445 Reveille
28 0500 Net
28 0530 Move as detailled at conference 1939 27 Aug.Arrive at new area. Location 342763
28 1445 CO to Bde.
28 1630 Warning Order at TWO HOURS notice.
28 1700 CO to Bde for orders.
28 1715 Warning Order - 30 mins Notice.
28 1730 Warning Order - IMMEDIATE Notice.
28 1740 CO's conference.
28 1800 Harbour party 2IC & BSO leave for area 473780. Bn with under command H Bty 13RHA G Coy 8 RBs and 1 Tp 612 Fld Sqn to move to area as above.Order of March;- Recce, RHQ, RMO's, B, C, G Coy, A and A1. A Ech remains present area.
28 1830 Bn. move to new area.
28 1950 Cross R. SEINE at VERNON.
28 2030 Bn in open leaguer area 473780.
28 2130 CO's conference. 29 Armd Bde on two routes. R - 3 R Tks, L - 2 FFY.Obj. to push on to R.SOMME - to prevent enemy establishing def. posn there.Objective; - ETREPAGNY 5596Enemy Inf; -, Nothing definite known. Appreciated enemy will fight strong rearguard actions;-Own tps;- On right 8 Armd Bde, On left - not know.Method. 3 R Tks will adv 1 up. B Sqn leading, A left, C right.H Bty will bring funs fwd when line TOURNAI(4983) - GIVIERES (5281) is reached. G Coy will follow in rear. MO's travel rear of Motor Coy.B Sqn will cross S.L. PANILLEUSE (4680) - TILLY (4879) at 0700hrs 29 Aug.44.
28 0022 Squadrons form close leaguer.
29 0545 Reveille.
29 0600 Net.
29 0700 Bn move - A Sqn leading.
29 1200 Good progress made throughout morning although weather is bad. Heavy rain continued throughout day.
29 1500 Reach HENDACOURT (5999). Continual rpts of enemy pulling out towards AMIENS.PsW caught from 49 Germ Div.
29 1700 Recce pass through SANCOURT (6002).
29 1800 B Sqn fired on by tk. C Sqn fired on by A tk gun - both area 618030.Decided to try crossing at ROUVILLE (6202) instead of one on CL at MAINNEVILLE (6103).
29 1830 Crossing OK but first sub-unit across meets a tk fire.
29 1900 Ordered to secure crossing and high ground Pt 151 (6903).
29 1930 A, B and RHQ across - but B, turning NW to rejoin original CL is fired upon and loses three tks. C Sqn SOUTH of MAINNEVILLE push on and lose three tks.
29 2000 23H ordered fwd to high ground overlooking MAINNEVILLE. Panther rpt wood 610036.
29 2130 Bn commence to form close leaguer area 616025.
29 2330 CO's conference. G Coy senfing patrol to crossing ARNECOURT (648050). Today's advance represents a distance of 25 miles.
30 0430 Report received from G Coy patrol that crossing at ARNECOURT was OK - enemy movement heard throughout night on other side - mostly horse-drawn tpt.
30 0545 Reveille.
30 0600 Net.
30 0700 Bn moves. Order of March B, RHQ, A, C, At Ech. 3 RTks follow 23H, Tac Bde on RIGHT route.
30 0745 29 Armd Bde Op Instr No. 15 received whilst on the move.
31 0615 Arrive outskirts of AMIENS (1259) A and C Sqns move into town. Fired on by a tk guns. Transport engaged successfully. Prisoners rolling in throughout morning.
31 0700 Both Sqns in AMIENS and endeavouring to secure crossings over R SOMME.
31 0800 Main crossing blown - other crossing reported blown or mined and prepared for demolition.
31 0900 Crossing at 1058 reported OK with 1 Sqn of 23 H across.
31 1000 Orders received for Bn to follow 23H over this crossing.
31 1200 Bn moves over R SOMME to area 161109.
31 1400 CO's conference. Adv continue tomorrow tp AUBIGNY on three routes.3 R Tks centre following 23H. Order of March B, RHQ, C, A, G Coy, A1 Ech.

Disclaimer: This War Diary is based on its original, but typos might be corrected. For historical research, always check the originals.