November 1944

Thursday November 02, (20.52 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 N of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Thurrock, in River Thames. 20 Houses suffered slight damage.

Friday November 03, (00.50 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 N of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Hornchurch, Essex. Fell in field. Very slight damage to houses. One Person injured.

Friday November 03, (10.30 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 19), V-2 rocket fired, impacted River Thames, near Barking. One Person seriously injured.

Saturday November 04, (18.00 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Great Wakering, Essex. Rocket fell in minefield.

Sunday November 05, (12.30 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 19), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Rainham, Essex. Fell on waterlogged land. No damage or casualties.

Sunday November 05, (16.37 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 N of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Hornchurch, Essex (airburst). One House damaged by falling fragment. Further fragments fell in nearby Dagenham. One Person seriously injured.

Tuesday November 07, (09.00 hours) – Battery 444, (Site Unknown), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Canvey Island, Essex. Fell on marshland. No damage or casualties.

Friday November 10, (06.38 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 178), V-2 rocket fired, impacted North Sea off Clacton.

Sunday November 12, (00.10 hours) – Battery 444, Scheveningen (Site 96), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Ilford. Nine Persons seriously injured. Three Properties demolished.

Sunday November 12, (02.35 hours) – Battery 444, Scheveningen (Site 96), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Noak Hill, Essex. Fell in field. Slight damage to property.

Sunday November 12, (11.29 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 N of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Nazeing, Essex. Ten Dead, Seven seriously injured. Five Properties demolished.

Monday November 13, (04.27 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Great Warley, Essex. Rocket disintegrated before impact. Warhead fell in field. Two Persons injured.

Monday November 13, (04.45 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 181), V-2 rocket fired, impacted West Ham. Direct hit on railway sidings. 6 Sets of rail tracks either destroyed or heavily damaged. 12 Rail wagons & coaches destroyed, numerous others severely damaged. Two Persons seriously injured.

Monday November 13, (08.05 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 North of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted North Sea off Clacton.

Monday November 13, (22.11 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 168), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Langdon Hills, Essex. One person killed.

Tuesday November 14, (22.10 hours) – Battery 444, Wassenaar, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Rayleigh, Essex. Rocket fell in field. Slight damage to property. Eight seriously injured.

Tuesday November 14, (23.55 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 72), V-2 rocket fired, impacted West Ham in previously bomb-damaged area.  Twenty-three persons suffered light injuries, Two properties partially demolished.

Wednesday November 15, (05.35 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 72), V-2 rocket fired, probable impact Romford, Essex.  Two Properties demolished. Four Persons seriously injured. Air Ministry and Home Office records state this impact at 05:12 hours.

Wednesday November 15, (05.43 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Great Parndon, Essex. Fell in field. Farmhouse damaged. One Person injured.

Wednesday November 15, (09.30 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 72), V-2 rocket fired, probable impact North Sea off Southend. Air Ministry records state this impact at 09:19 hours.

Thursday November 16 (16.34 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 N of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted High Ongar, Essex. Fell in field. Moderate damage to farm buildings. One Person injured.

Thursday November 16, (07.32 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 183), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Romford, Essex. Twelve Dead, Thirty-two seriously injured. Twelve houses demolished. This was the only known launch from Site 183.

Friday November 17, (02.32 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 72), V-2 rocket fired, impacted gas works at Barking. Gasholder set on fire, and water cooling tower severely damaged.

Friday November 17, (04.45 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 72), V-2 rocket fired, impacted West Ham. Four persons Dead. Industrial buildings heavily damaged.

Friday November 17, (06.07 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 72), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Wanstead (airburst). Rocket disintegrated before exploding. Fragments fell in neighbouring Snaresbrook and Walthamstow.

Friday November 17, (10.50 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 75), V-2 rocket fired, impacted North Sea off Clacton.

Saturday November 18, (11.12 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 N of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted either Stanford Rivers, Essex (fell in field. No damage or casualties) or Ilford, Essex (One dead, six seriously injured. ‘Dick Turpin’ public house demolished).

Saturday November 18, (16.02 hours) – Battery 444, Den Haag, Site 47 N of Waterpartij (Scheveningse Bosjes), V-2 rocket fired, impacted either Theydon Mount, Essex (fell in field. No damage or casualties.

Saturday November 18, (22.27 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Dagenham, Essex. Two Dead, Twenty nine seriously injured. Three Properties demolished.

Sunday November 19, (02.05 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Walthamstow. Direct hit on Anderson Shelter. Four Dead, ten seriously injured. Four Properties demolished. Factory damaged.

Monday November 20, (09.55 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted East Ham.  Nine Dead, Fifteen seriously injured. Seventeen Properties demolished. Water main fractured.

Monday November 20, (13.13 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Stapleford Tawney airfield, Essex. Slight damage, no casualties.

Monday November 20, (20.45 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 94), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Waltham Holy Cross (airburst).

Tuesday November 21, (05.30 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 94), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Purfleet, Essex (airburst).

Tuesday November 21, (11.53 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 94), V-2 rocket fired, impacted either Little Waltham, Essex (fell in field. Slight damage, One person injured) or Walthamstow (Eight  Dead, Eight seriously injured. Four Properties demolished. Rocket disintegrated before impact).

Tuesday November 21, (15.10 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Laindon, Essex. Three Properties demolished. One Person seriously injured.

Wednesday November 22, (13.25 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex. Fell on marshland. No damage or casualties.

Wednesday November 22, (16.00 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Great Wakering, Essex.  One Dead, Four seriously injured. One Property demolished.

Wednesday November 22, (23.07 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 94), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Dagenham. Fell on marshland. Slight damage.

Thursday November 23, (01.47 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, exploded high above West Ham (airburst). A component from this exploded rocket was blasted across the River Thames to Greenwich, where it crashed through the roof of a house and killed the occupant. This was the only casualty or damage resulting from the incident.

Thursday November 23, (19.25 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Foulness Island, Essex. Fell in field. Slight damage, no casualties.

Thursday November 23, (20.08 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 94), V-2 rocket fired, impacted  Bowers Gifford, Essex (fell on rubbish dump, no damage or casualties).

In November of 1944, a new unit was sent to The Hague: Artillerie Ersatz Abteilung 271 (Artillery Replacement Detachment 271). Detachment 271 was originally formed to act as a buffer for the operational V-2 units. Throughout the greater part of 1944, they were responsible for training the new recruits in V-2 field operations, while at the same time, their members were available to supplement the existing operational units. On November 23, 1944, Detachment 271 was incorporated into Battery 444, its additional members helping to finally bring the unit to full strength. Battery 444 now comprised three operational firing platoons, a technical troop section, a fuelling section, and a target acquisition and radio section.

Friday November 24, (03.32 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Chigwell, Essex. Fell in field. Farm buildings damaged.

Friday November 24, (07.56 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Waltham Holy Cross (airburst). Houses damaged in nearby Cheshunt.

Friday November 24, (10.48 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted either Braughing, Hertfordshire (no damage or casualties) or Ilford, Essex (Five dead, twenty one seriously injured. Six Houses demolished).

Friday November 24, (10.48 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted either Braughing, Hertfordshire (no damage or casualties) or Ilford, Essex (5 dead, 21 seriously injured. 6 Houses demolished).

Friday November 24, (11.56 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 94), V-2 rocket fired, impacted on foreshore of River Thames at West Ham. 3 Persons seriously injured.

Friday November 24, (13.54 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Childerditch, Essex. Fell in field. No damage or casualties.

Saturday November 25, (11.24 hours) – Battery 444, Loosduinen (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Great Warley, Essex. Fell in meadow. Slight damage to 14 houses. 2 Persons injured.

Sunday November 26, (02.18 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted North Sea off Clacton.

Sunday November 26, (05.34 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Ilford. Eight people killed and eight seriously injured. Three Properties demolished.

Sunday November 26, (10.46 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Rainham, Essex. Fell on waste ground. Two people killed and thirty seriously injured.

Sunday November 26, (11.20 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Chigwell, Essex. One person killed and six seriously injured.

Sunday November 26, (12.50 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Walthamstow. One person killed and seventeen seriously injured.

Sunday November 26, (13.50 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 18), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Billericay, Essex. Exploded on contact with trees. 2 Persons seriously injured. Slight damage to property.

Sunday November 26, (17.30 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 73), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Cranham. Fell on waste ground. 2 Persons slightly injured. Slight damage to property.

Sunday November 26, (23.18 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 96), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Canvey Island. Fell in Holehaven Creek. No damage or casualties.

Monday November 27, (23.00 hours) – Battery 444, Hoek van Holland, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Chingford. Fell in reservoir, resulting in damage to aqueduct. One Person injured.

Tuesday November 28, (21.53 hours) – Battery 444, Wassenaar, Site 74 (Duindigt – Rennbahn), V-2 rocket fired, impacted East Newlands, Essex. Fell in field. Slight damage to property.

Wednesday November  29, (03.07 hours) – Battery 444, Wassenaar, Site 74 (Duindigt – Rennbahn), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Barling, Essex. Fell on marshland. No damage or casualties.

Wednesday November 29, (10.51 hours) – Battery 444, Wassenaar, Site 74 (Duindigt – Rennbahn), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Sandon, Essex. Two people seriously injured. Farmhouse seriously damaged.

Wednesday November 29, (15.09 hours) – Battery 444, (Site 73), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Bradwell, Essex. No casualties. Slight damage to farmhouse.

Wednesday November 29, (24.00 hours) – Battery 444, (Site unknown), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Leyton. Fell in park. 1 Person slightly injured. Slight damage to property.

1 Nov Wed

Not a bad day though cold and misty at first.  Nothing much happening in the Ops line on 1 Corps front – we are in Knocke!  Ops on Walcheren going well.  Here we may move to the Ghent area – good show if true.  Some V2s landed v close – one about 1500 yds away at 5.30 pm – some cas.  Busy day but quite enjoyable.  Only mail being welcome letter from Gerald.

To AJA (L.C.)                                    From G.

2 Nov

Infm Room – v dull day, long periods with sweet FA to do.  No news – KNOCKE entered!  Walcheren nearly clear.  Saw Doc who gave me more tablets for my p-ing disease.  Tim & Charles away to Brussels for their 48 hrs leave.

To A                                                    From A

3 Nov

Not awfully satis day.  Am in Charles office at 11.15 am – then to stamp dealer & drink at Century prior to lunch in C’s Mess – v comfortable.  After lunch went to see Pimpernel Smith but bloody thing cancelled out half way through.  Tea at Excelsior.  Haircut, couldn’t get a bath, saw end of P.S.!  then to start of dance & hitchhike back!  Back of bogwheel, shanks pony, jeep to door.  Arrived 8.45 dinner, ****, then on duty at 9.45.

To A                                                    From ECS, Men Only, L

4 Nov

Not a bad night – worked in about 3 ½ hours sleep – Went over to 104 (Timberwolf) US Inf Div HQ in the morning with Lyall – back here for lunch, a lot of V2s during day.  No mail.  Slept from 2 ocl – 5.30 then up and wrote A & BHK before dinner – after dinner finished off my letter to A and then had a fairly early night – no mail again today.  Bit chilly.  Tim & Charles back from their 48 hrs in Brussels.

To A                                                    From Nil

     BH Kent

5 Nov Sun

On duty at 9 ocl – not much happening – went to Church in evening – still ping ad infinitum.  Steve going off on an SD course at Camberley.  Battle practically all over now – big regrouping due at any minute.  Wrote L and then to bed pretty early.  Lot of V2s about.

To L                                                    From A, L.

6 Nov (Mon)

Absolutely sweet FA to do all day.  No excitements.  Not feeling too fit thoroughly fed up and far from home.  Long chat with Lyall in Mess after dinner and wrote A.  We move tomorrow for certain to area just South of Tilburg.

To A                                                    From Mrs TKD, Books AV.

7 Nov

Up at 8.45 having rather overslept – burnt my mouth at breakfast!  Tomato caught me on the wrong foot.  Left Brasschalt at 12 ocl after v early lunch.  Charles and I now fixed up a treat – got hold of super desk.  Terrific regrouping flaps in office.  New place not too bad though Tilburg very dull spot.  Charles & I went in there at 3.30 for an hour & had a look round.  Wrote A 5.30 – 6.45 then wash, dinner relieved John R – then on duty at 10

To A                                                                L

     JB                                                              B

8 Nov

Nothing much on today – slept very cold night in office & during day took things very quietly.  NTR in our part of front – Slept 2 pm – 4.45, relieved JR for dinner then to bed early.

To A                                                    From G

     Aunt Vi                                                    ECS

9 Nov

On duty all day – NTR.  To do most of Traffic Officer’s work for them – early start tomorrow am, at exactly 8 pm drank my W.W’s health – left office at 10.15 & had drink and chat with Tim.

To Nil                                                  From A Strand A.

10 Nov

Up at 0620 & out at Tilburg ‘East’ br at 7.30 after a good b’fast.  Very cold wet & miserable.  Got back to camp at 2.45.  Pottered – tea with Geoffrey Armitage.  Wrote after tea – drink with Tim in B Mess.  Feeling like death warmed up – must snap out of it.  on duty at 9.45 pm.

To A                                                    From Mags L

     Mrs TKD (£5)

11 Nov (Sat)

Fairly quiet night – pottering sort of day.  Wrote up notes on 1 Corps since D day for Wilson – G2 Educn – took whole morning.  After lunch walked over to Rear & back.  Then slept from 3.30 – 5 ocl.  After tea wrote A & L.  After dinner chat with Lyall then early to bed.  Wet day.

To – L                                                 From L

        A                                                         J. James

12 Nov (Sun)

On duty at 9 ocl – Sweet FA doing.  Wrote few days of War Diary.  Church in am.  Off from 6.30 – 8.15 – bath, wrote A & dinner.  Super letter from A.  Wet day.

To A (not finished)                           From A

13 Nov

On duty all day – very quiet – finished off letter to A after dinner, otherwise absolutely NTR – on duty at 10 pm.

To A                                                    From L

14 Nov

Quiet night – slept from 0130 – 0630 hrs – record.  Pottering sort of day.  Frigged around this morning – lost 18fr to Edward Rice at patience.  After lunch visit to fangsnatcher – tooth temporarily stopped.  Bought stamps in Tilburg from Poste Counter – after return super bath & hairwash before tea – wrote A before dinner.

To A                                                    From Nil

15 Nov

On Ops all day, absolutely Sweet FA to report – no mail from A – 12 Corps attack started & is going very well.

To Nil                                                  From PR, B.

16 Nov

On all day – Sweet FA to report again, no mail, poor show.

Must write to L, G, B, AD, PR, KD.

To A                                                                DF Baccy

London Opinion (L)

17 Nov

Left here for Brussels at 9.15 arr there at 11.30.  shop, lunch, shop, News Reel, Tea & then home in the pouring rain at 4.45 arr here at 7.30 – changed, dinner, and so on duty at 10 pm, very quiet night, slept from 1.30 – 6.30 nea so bad, lad.  Frightful atmosphere & got snorting headache.

To A                                                    From Nil

18 Nov (Sat)

On duty 9 – 10 pm.  After lunch excellent game of hockey v TILBURG.  We lost 7.3 (3) though they scored 3 in last 10 mins.  Shower & wash then back on duty – naughty mail.  Came off early at 8.30 – patience with Charles before a spot of letter writing.

To L                                                    From G, Ben Kent

19 Nov (Sun)

On duty all morning.  Excellent game v Tilburg again in afternoon.  Slightly scrappy at times.  We drew 1-1 (1) – Duty again after tea for short time then off to dinner.  Wrote A and went on til 10.30.  News very good, anything may happen.  MAIL at long last.

To A                                                    From A, L, JB, ECS.

20 Nov

Feeling very stiff again today.  Off during pm – letters, bath.  On between tea and dinner.  Off after dinner when I had excellent game of poker with Tim, Lyall, ‘Snatcher’, Ken and Fitz.  Won 80frs but had to pack up at 10 ocl for night duty.  Nothing much happening.  French on the Rhine near Basle.

To L                                                    From Mrs TKD

     Barclays Bank                                         B

     A (Parcel)                                                 Parcel L

Argosy L

Mags L

21 Nov

Inoculation.  Arm very stiff after it.  Went over to Army in morning & slept in afternoon.  Bath after tea.  Wrote good whack of letters before bed at 10 pm.  rained most of day.

To G                                                   From Nil

     A

     Peter Rawson

22 Nov

Filthy day – never stopped raining.  On duty all day – no news from our part of the world.  Alistair Gold & Ronnie Tilmi to tea.

To Nil                                                  From A

23 Nov

Martin away on leave 2 wizard letters from A sg.  Foul day & our hockey had to be cancelled – just as well really as Tim away with impetigo, Miles att to Civil Affairs & new G1 is going to Comd Essex (56 Bde 49 Div).  Off after tea – wrote A.  At 10 ocl came off duty – poker ruined by tight G1 etc didn’t win or lose.  Bed at 12.30 am.

To A                                                    From A 2, G.

24 Nov

Filthy day though it cleared up slightly at the end – Went down to Turnhout this am purchased flask 4711 E de C and Scent, apples and some stamps.  Got new b’dress from Q Stores.  Patience with Edward before & after lunch then to cinema with Charles & Edward.  Back at 6 pm after seeing v good film ‘ Adventures of Mark Twain’.

To A                                                    From Nil

25 Nov

On all day – Maps & info Room – not very much happening.  Tim relieved me at 9.15 pm and I got in a game of poker with ‘Snatcher’, Lyall, Duck, Tim and Ken Hurll – lucky last hand won me 105 francs.  Foul day again – rained all day – Martin Bunch new G1.  G1 left today.

To Nil                                                  From L, ECS, 2 lots paper L

26 Nov Sun

Lovely day for a change – on duty all day except for pm when I had excellent game of hockey against Tilburg.  Our team was John Wilcox – Tresling (Dutch LO – International), Burch, Douglas, Goodbody (OU) – Charles – friend of Charles, Hopkins, Franks (RN), Wilson (Edn), Self, Ted Woasdell.  Score at half time 0-0 – beaten 5.2 after excellent even game – scored 2.  New G2 either John Roberts (Martin’s choice) Jim Bingham (BGS choice) – self (old G1 choice) ? – Off at 10.15 pm – letters afterwards til midnight

To A                                                    From A

      L                                                               DF Baccy

27 Nov

Off duty and had lazy potting day.  Still no news of who will be new G2 – Slept in afternoon and attended Traffic conference from 6.30 – 7.30 pm.  On duty at 10 pm after ‘patience’ with Charles.

To Brian                                             From Nil

28 Nov

Bloody awful day.  Relieved at 7.45 am – b’fast and then out to BEST for Traffic control – out until 4.30 – no future in riding motorcycle this weather.  Got back soaked to skin at 6.15 good hot bath then on duty after dinner ‘til 10 pm.  Letters from home but nothing from A.  off for 48 hrs tomorrow.

To A                                                    From  L, G, B

29 Nov

Left T at 10.30 and got lift with Van Lacre.  Stopped for lunch at LOUVAIN and eventually arrived at Brussels at 2.30.  went to 214, Avenue Laurie where the Hs and Maurice Geeraerts were delighted to see me – Maurice will give me bed & b’fast the Hs other meals.  Went to films then excellent dinner and chat.  Film I had seen ‘T D &  Harry’ – Ginger Rogers.  Was shown some of the ‘sights’ of Brussels on way there.  Dinner – Soup – sardines, cold chicken, ‘cake’ sweet, coffee & brandy, wines with same.  Back at 10 ocl with Maurice, sleep after seeing his house – v dilapidated now, poor old M, so full of tales of woe but meaning none of them

30 Nov

Up at 8.45 – b’fast at 9.15 – porridge, toast & jam & tea.  Went to Credit Auvensoise & drew 1000 francs from bank.  Caught train with Mrs H & M at 11.30 for Waterloo – super lunch partridge each & chips – v good.  Excellent game of golf won 3 & 2 & 15 francs – wet under foot but a lovely day.  Back for dinner at 6.30 pm – soup, super mushroom omelette – mushrooms on toast then to Music Hall which was very good (second half better) – beer at a Sing Song place – & so back to 15 Rue Van Eyck.  Wrote A before going to bed.

To A

Locns HQ 1 Corps

LA DELIVRANDE

DOUVRES

BIEVILLE

Just S COLOMBELLES Factory

QUATRE PUITS (5 m W of ST SYLVAIN)

LA MOTTE (4 m W of LISIEUX)

LA MOTTE (12 m E of LISSEAUX)

BOIS INGER (just W BOURG ACHARD)

FOUCART (S of FAUVILLE)

MANDEVILLE (5 m W of BOLBEC)

SMERMESNIL (SE of DIEPPE)

Harbin area – SW of VALENCIENNES.

KEERBERGEN.

SANDTHOVEN.

TURNHOUT.

Camp de BRASSCHAET.

TILBURG.

Date                Time   Location         Damage

04/11/1944    18.05  Great              1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in minefield 400 yards E

Wakering       of Wakering Stairs Headway and 200 yards N of sea wall.  N.D.C.

04/11/1944    19.30  Hutton            1 – ‘Fly’ was shot down and exploded in field near

Bushwood Farmhouse causing slight damage to 13 properties but not casualties.

06/11/1944    17.53  Little Warley  1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in garden of bungalow in

Hall Lane causing 15 slight casualties.  3 bungalows demolished and slight damage to 20 others.

06/11/1944    20.35  Foulness       1 – ‘Fly’ exploded at Eastwick Farm nr farmhouse. 

                                    Island             No casualties.  Slight damage to farm buildings.

07/11/1944    09.08  Canvey          1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in field 60 yards East of

Island             Pantile Sluice and 1/4 mile N of Pantile Farm.  No casualties.  Slight damage to 2 houses and 9 shops at South Benfleet and to 1 house at Canvey.

09/11/1944    22.05  Warley            1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in Mount Crescent Warley

Mount.  Casualties killed – 3 (1f, 2c); slightly injured – 16 (6m, 6f, 4c).  Damage – Cat ‘A’ – 3; ‘B’ – 4: ‘C’ – 16: ‘D’ – 300.

10/11/1944    19.42  Foulness       1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in the air halfway between

                                                            Foulness Point and River Roach.  N.D.C.

11/11/1944    01.50  Great Warley 1 – ‘Fly’ (carrying leaflets) exploded in field 200

yards N of Arterial Road and 350 yards West of Warley Street.  No casualties.  Slight damage to property.

11/11/1944    13.00  Hadleigh        A British Meteorological instrument fell in Harvey’s

                                                            Coal Yard High Street.

11/11/1944    Unknown  Laindon  1 – Ux. A.A. Shell was found in field 75 yards East

of High Road (rear of ‘Fairview’) between Old and New Fortune of War P.H’s.  N.D.C.

13/11/1944    16.30  Crays Hill       A British Spitfire ( No B.5.FP8799) belonging to

North Weald Station crashed in a field 300 yards N of Crays Hill School and 1/2 mile West of Jackson’s Farm Billericay and was badly damaged.  The pilot F/Lt F.H. O’Neil (No. 1272382) aged 29 was slightly injured and conveyed to St Andrew’s Hospital Billericay.

13/11/1944    18.22  Hullbridge     1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in field 150 yards West of

Waddon Park Chase and 300 yards South of Lower Road causing 2 slight casualties.  2 bungalows were partly demolished and 38 others sustained superficial damage.

13/11/1944    22.15  Laindon         1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in the garden of a house

in Vowler Road causing 4 serious and 17 slight casualties.  4 houses demolished – 21 houses seriously damaged and 250 other properties ( including Group ‘F’ Group Centre) sustained slight damage.  60 people rendered homeless.  Electric cables and telephone wires also damaged.  EGG-Shaped Container Found.

13/11/1944    22.35  Billericay        No. 6345157 Gunner Herbert Mountford aged 22

single, of 449.66 Searchlight Regt. R.A. was on sentry duty at Searchlight Site Lawness Farm, when he discharged a round from a sten gun with which he was armed and received a gunshot wound in the head from which he died instantly.  The evidence points to possible suicide.  Inquest has been fixed to be held at Billericay Police Court at 11-30 hours on Wednesday 15.11.44.

14/11/1944    22.15  Raweth          1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in field 200 yards South

of Beak Hall.  No casualties.  Slight damage to property, telephone and electric cables.

15/11/1944    00.12  Rayleigh        1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in High Road 50 yards North of

the Weir Hotel.  A.129 High Road Rayleigh blocked between Crown Corner and Rayleigh Weir.  Casualties: killed – 3 (1m, 2f)  Seriously injured – 18 (6m, 12f) : Slightly injured – 14 (7m, 5f, 2c).  Damage  – Cat ‘A’ – 3 :  ‘B’ – 6 :  ‘C’ – 20 : ‘D’ – 180

15/11/1944    09.15  Foulness       1 – Susp. Wasp fell in sea off Foulness Island,

Island             approx. 3000 yards East of Wakering Stairs.  N.D.C.

17/11/1944    19.05  Foulness       1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in mid air between Rugwood and

                                    Island             Eastwick.  N.D.C.

17/11/1944    19.23  Rayleigh        1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in Raweth Hall Wood.  No

casualties.  Superficial damage to property.  Part of fuselage found.

17/11/1944    19.23  Hadleigh        1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in Church Road, 100 yards North

of junction with Woodfield Road.  Casualties: killed – 1 (m).  Seriously injured – 10 (2m, 8f) : Slightly injured – 6 (4m, 2f). Total 17 (7m, 10f).  Damage – demolished 7 houses and 1 hall, seriously damaged – 31 houses, church and building works, slightly damaged – 386 other properties.  80 persons rendered homeless.

17/11/1944    19.25  Foulness       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell was found at Hall Farm.  N.D.C.

Island

21/11/1944                Laindon         1 – Susp Wasp exploded in Durban Road. 

Casualties: killed Nil.  Seriously injured – 3 (1m, 2f)  Slightly injured  2 (f).  Damage – demolished – 2 houses, seriously damaged 4 houses, slightly damaged – 90 houses.  Electric cables and gas mains also damaged.

22/11/1944    15.05  Canvey          1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in River Thames 800

                                    Island             yards East of Chapman Lighthouse.  N.D.C.

22/11/1944    16.05  Great              1 – Susp. Wasp exploded on Seaview Estate. 

Wakering       Casualties: killed – 1 (c ) : Seriously injured – 4: Slightly injured – 6.  Total – 11.  Damage – demolished 2 houses, seriously damaged – 2 houses, slightly damaged – 50 houses.  Overhead electric cables and telephone wires also damaged. 

23/11/1944    01.00  Great              1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in mid air over Great Burstead

Burstead        village.  Casualties – killed – Nil, seriously injured – Nil, slightly injured – 3 (1m, 1f, 1c).  Damage – slight damage to 50 properties including an historic church.

23/11/1944    19.35  Foulness       1 – Susp. Wasp exploded 150 yards West of Quay

                                    Island             Farm.  No casualties.  Damage to farm buildings.

23/11/1944    20.15  Bowers           1 – Susp. Wasp exploded on Dust Shoot on

Gifford            Marshes.  No casualties.  Damage to office buildings, telephone wires and electric cables.

26/11/1944    13.50  Billericay        1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in NE corner of Mill Hill

Wood Queen’s Park.  Casualties: killed – Nil, seriously injured – Nil, slightly injured – 5 (1m, 3f, 1c).  Damage : demolished – Nil, seriously damaged – 2 properties, slightly damaged – 23 properties.

26/11/1944    15.45  Foulness       A meteorological kite (without balloon or

Island             instrument attached) was found in Foulness Road and deposited at Hadleigh Police Station.

28/11/1944    08.30  Hadleigh        A No.27 British Nose fuse was found in hedge

beside the London Road and subsequently handed to B.D.S.

28/11/1944    22.10  Foulness       1 – L.R.R. exploded in sea 1 1/2 miles East of

Island             Newlands.  No casualties.  Slight damage to property.

29/11/1944    03.12  Barling           1 – L.R.R. exploded on marshes at Barling Hall

                                                            Farm.  N.D.C.

30/11/1944    10.30  Foulness       2 – Sappers – George Gilchrist, No 14562145, of

Island             the 214th Platoon, 22nd B.D.S. and Joseph Levett, No 3454983 of the 219th Platoon, 22nd B.D.S. Royal Engineers, were killed as a result of a mine exploding whilst they were working on a minefield.

B/5583

2^nd Bn. THE BORDER REGT.

SOME NOTES ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE ORIGINAL 7^TH DIVISION.

Nov. 1^st.         On November 1^st, the enemy again renewed his attacks and by mid-

day the whole of the line was heavily engaged, some ground had to be given but the front remained intact on the general line VELDOEK Cross roads – Farm 1 mile East of KLEIN ZILLEBEKE.

“  2^nd.  An intercepted wireless massage this day announced the arrival of the Kaiser

on this front and as was expected, at about noon on November 2^nd another desperate effort to break through was made by the enemy from the direction of GHELUVELT against the 1^st Division and against the right of the 20^th Infantry Brigade.

The attack succeeded in driving back the 1^st Division and all its available reserves were used up without result.  The last reserves of the 7^th Division were then sent forward to try and preserve the flank of the 20^th Infantry Brigade.  The fighting this day was particularly fierce – the finest troops of the German Army, under the eyes of the Kaiser, hurled themselves in vain against the battered line of the 7^th Division.

This was really the last big attack the enemy made – for although he continued to bombard and attack our line, it was only in a half-hearted manner.

Some idea of the severity of the fighting the Division had taken part in may be formed by examining the fighting strength of Brigades at this time.  The 20^th Infantry Brigade was reduced to 18 Officers 900 other ranks; the 21^st Infantry Brigade 13 Officers 910 other ranks; the 22^nd Infantry Brigade 13 Officers 586 other ranks.

“ 5^th.    On November 5^th, the Division was relieved with the exception of the 22^nd

Infantry Brigade which remained as a reserve for the

“ 6^th.    1^st Corps, and on November 6^th this Brigade made a very successful counter-

attack at a critical period.  This Brigade was now so reduced in strength that one Battalion was formed out of the remnants of the Brigade, the 4 Battalions of the Brigade becoming Companies and the whole Battalion being known as No. 1 Battalion, 22^nd Infantry Brigade.

“ 8^th.    On November 8^th the 22^nd Infantry Brigade was finally relieved.

What the outside world thought of the doings of the 7^th Division at this period

can be gathered from the following extract taken from one of the British papers at the time:- “There is no finer passage in the annals of the British Army that the world has known, than that which has been written concerning the deeds of the 7^th Division and the 3^rd Cavalry Division in Flanders.

30,000 strong, these two Divisions undertook the defence of YPRES, the key to CALAIS, until reinforcements should arrive.  Against them was arrayed the flower of the German Army, in the proportion of 8 to 1, and day after day this overwhelming force was hurled against our gallant band in vain.

When relief at last came, and the shattered remnants of the two Divisions were enabled to withdraw, there remained of 400 Officers of the 7^th Division but 44, and of the 12,000 men but 2,336.  Those figures are more eloquent of the splendid courage of our men than any words.  Reduced to less than one fifth of their original numbers they still held out, YPRES remained, and still remains, uncaptured, and the losses of the enemy were vastly greater than our own.

Perhaps the most remarkable testimony to the vigour and accuracy of the British fire is conveyed in the words of a German Officer who tells us that the enemy believed that 4 British Army Corps were holding the positions actually maintained by less than one”.  

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

TO Royal Flying Corps       Indian Corps

Senders Number                  Day of Month                                    In reply to Number

G.Q./21/1                                           21

Please carry out following reconnaissance on AVRO LILLE SECLIN DOUAI LENS AAA

Send report to R.F.C. H.Q. AAA  Cancel Capt Jackson’s message concerning Capt Cholomondeley.

From:

Place: Commanding No. 3. Squadron.

Time:  

(Sd) W. Salmond, Major. G.S.

Signature of Addressee

===========================

18A

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

TO G.H.Q.

Senders Number                  Day of Month                                    In reply to Number

G.194.                                                21

Enemy biplane containing two German officers landed at Le Touret this afternoon owing to engine trouble and were captured AAA All quiet on front of Indian Corps.

Org C.G.S.

Copy I.

R.F.C

From: Indian Corps

Place:

Time:  5.4 0p.m.

18B

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

TO Indian Corps

Senders Number                  Day of Month                                    In reply to Number

G.Q.21/11                                          21

Please preserve German aeroplane intact AAA  Expert will inspect machine tomorrow AAA

From: R.F.C., H.Q.

Place:

Time:  7.45 p.m.

(Sd) W. Salmond. Maj. G.S.

Signature of Addressee

Kriegsgefangenenpost

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 33

                                                                                    Stamp PASSED P.W. 7916

                                                                                    U.K. Postmark Little Lever 29 No 44.

An                   Mrs. E. Wilkinson

                        Empfangsort:  Little Lever Nr BOLTON 1068 Bury Rd

                        Strasse:          84 Settle Street Breightmet

                        Kreis:              LANCASHIRE          Bolton

                        Land;              ENGLAND.

Gebuhrenfrei!

3-9-44

Sweetheart.  Just a few lines to wish you very many happy returns of our wedding anniversary.  It is not such a happy one for you I am afraid, but I will make sure that the next one is much happier.  Well Darling how are you, I myself am as fit as the proverbial fiddle, and I hope that you are keeping well too, and that you are taking care of yourself.  Because when I get home again I am going to give the best time that you have ever had, and I don’t mean maybe.  How is your mother.  I hope that she is keeping well too.  Give her my love.  Also give my regards to Uncle Dick and the rest of them, and my regards to Uncle Arthur, Aunt Ethel and Ivy.  Also to all at Horwich and Breightmet, and don’t forget to give my love to all at Prestwich.  Well my Darling this is all for this time so I will say cheerio and God bless you Sweetheart and look after yourself until I come home again.  All my love to you dear I love you. 

Yours forever

            Ernest

xxxxxxx

On back

Absender.

Vor und Zuname: Sgt. E. Wilkinson

Gefangennummer: 136. L.7.

Lager-Bezeichnung :  Kriegsgefangenenlager der  Luftwaffe Nr 3

Deutschland (Allemagne)

Kriegsgefangenenpost

Postkarte                  

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 33

Stamp. Postmark Little Lever Bolton Lancs. 29 NO 44. 

An                   Mrs. E. Wilkinson                            Stamp PASSED P.W. 7916

Gebuhrenfrei!

                                                1068 Bury Rd.

                        Empfangsort:  Little Lever Nr BOLTON Breightmet

                        Strasse:          84 Settle Street Bolton

                        Land;              LANCASHIRE ENGLAND.

Absender:

Vor und Zuname:

Ernest Wilkinson Sgt.

Gefangennummer: 136.L.7.  SAGAN/SCHLES

Lager-Bezeichnung:

            M.-Stammlager Luft 3.

Deutschland (Germany)

W

Kriegsgefangenenlager.                                                                             Datum: 12.9.44

Sweetheart.  Here we are again.  I am still keeping in the best of health, and I hope that you are the same, how is your mother I hope that she is keeping well too.  We have started educational classes, and can take practically any subject you can mention.  This is all for now Darling.  So cheerio and God bless you.  I love you.

Yours forever.

Ernest xxxxxx

A.M. Form 1509.A.

AIR MINISTRY, (Accts 7)

Whittington Road

Worcester.

29.11.44.

Airman’s Name E. Wilkinson  No. 2211329.

Madam,

            The amount of the Royal Air Force weekly payment to you has been increased with effect from 8.10.44 by the sum of 2/6 for the following reason Airman’s Promotion to F/ Sgt

A supplementary Royal Air Force order book is enclosed (together with a postal draft in respect of arrears for the period 8/10/44 to 6/12/44)

I am, Madam,

Your obedient Servant,

Signature unreadable

for Director of Accounts.

Mrs. E. Wilkinson

H.Q. R.F.C.

G/112/40.

INFORMATION

==========

2^nd Corps.

            The following notes on defensive measures taken during the recent fighting in front of YPRES may be of assistance to other troops.

The section of defence held by the Division was in wooded country.  The tracks through the woods became almost impassable owing to mud, the whole area was under constant shell fire and wires were constantly cut.  Communication was therefore slow and difficult.  It was found that when the enemy made a breach in the line it was a slow and costly business to turn him out, if he was given time to establish himself.  On the other hand, immediate counter attack was almost always successful.

Local reserves were therefore placed close up with orders to counter attack with the bayonet whenever the enemy penetrated the line.  Small supporting points were established close behind the line, prepared for all round defence, wired in all round, and, as far as possible, concealed from observation.  These posts had garrisons of from 20 to 40 men.  They should be under an officer or selected N.C.O.  It was found that they broke up the attack and checked it sufficiently to enable a successful counter attack to be organized.

The general experience of the fighting was that a field of fire was of far less importance to infantry than freedom from exposure to artillery fire.  The portion of the line held by the West Kents and K.O.S. Borderers had a field of fire of from 30 to 40 yards.  It was well wired in and never seriously troubled because the enemy could not bring his guns to bear on it.  All the enemy’s attempts to attack were repulsed with heavy loss.

It was found in places where the line was exposed to artillery fire that the two lines of trenches, connected by zig-zag communications were of value.  On several occasions our men were shelled out of one line but by moving back to the other avoided loss and were able to prevent the enemy’s infantry from occupying the abandoned trenches.  The forward line was usually re-occupied without difficulty when the shelling ceased and was invariably occupied at night.

Loopholed iron plates were found very useful for snipers when the enemy had established himself close to our line.

With reference to G.H.Q. No. O.A.401 some rabbit netting was put up over the trenches round YPRES but when our left had not undergone an actual test by “Minenwerfere”.  Both the infantry and cavalry in the trenches objected to it on the ground that it prevented them using their bayonets, in which objection I entirely concur, and consider it an inseparable one.  I think it should not be used either in fire or support trenches, except over machine gun emplacements and with outposts where it might be useful.  It might also be used over reserve trenches and would there also form a good support for some form of protection against the weather.

I do not think any form of protection against “Minenwerfere” can be designed for the fire trenches which will not have the same objection to its use.  As it appears almost impossible to spot them so that they can be dealt with by artillery, the only method of dealing with them would seem to be to make a sortie in the neighbourhood they are supposed to be in.

(Sd) W. Salmond

Major, G.S.

H.Q. R.F.C.

1-30 p.m.

            29/11/14.