Category Archives: 1944

Prisoner of War postcard received 16th November 1944.

Kriegsgefangenenpost

Postkarte                  

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 33

Stamp. Postmark Little Lever Bolton Lancs. 16 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

Lager-Bezeichnung:

            M.-Stammlager Luft 3.

Deutschland (Germany)

Kriegsgefangenenlager.                                                                             Datum: 28.7.44

Sweetheart.  Just a few lines to say I am still in the best of health, and I hope that you are the same, and your mother is keeping well too.  We are getting organised here now we have a cricket league, baseball league.  We play football, badminton and other games.  We also have a whist drive and a concert every week.  This is all for now Darling.  Look after yourself.  I love you.  Your always  Ernest xxxxxx

SECOND WORLD WAR

November 1944

(Britain)               

The first V-2 Rocket (“Vengeance Weapon 2”) was successfully launched against London on the 8th September 1944, in retaliation for the bombing of German cities by the Allies. By the 10th November 1944 the Nazis launched up to eight V-2s daily against Britain. From October 1944 to March 1945 when the war ended a total of 3,172 V-2 Rockets were fired at Britain, Belgium, France and the Netherlands

(Liberation of Europe)                                                                                                                                                         

Following the success of the Battle of Normandy (D-Day) the Allies began a series of rapid advances into the low-countries. All supplies were being brought into Cherbourg in north-west Normandy. As they were so far away from the front line the Allies supply line was totally stretched. British Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery decided that Operation Market Garden (Battle for Arnhem) was to be prioritised after Boulogne, Calais and Dunkirk had been liberated. When the failed Operation Market Garden was called off, the intention to liberate the port of Antwerp was the next priority.

The port of Antwerp had been captured by the Allies on the 4th September1944. Access to the inland port from the North Sea is the River Scheldt running along the west coast of the island of Walcheren. The island and surrounding areas were vigorously defended by the reinforced Germans who were aware the Allies needed to have access to have access to the port of Antwerp. The Allied advance was slow due to the supply chain from Normandy. On the 2nd November 1944 Belgium was liberated and the port of Zeebrugge was captured. The day before, the 1st November 1944, 0peration Infatuate II (Battle of the Scheldt), began. The attacks of Infatuate II were amphibious landings at Westkapelle, Walcheren. The landing craft were “Buffalo” developed to negotiate water-logged conditions. They transported assault troops and conventional armoured vehicles who otherwise would not be able to advance. In the shallow waters, naval support was required to assist the landings in the form of Support Squadron Eastern Flank (SSEF). Additional support was from a battleship and two monitors. Monitor vessels were gun platforms whose guns outranged German heavy shore batteries. As the landings began, due to bad weather conditions, no air support was available or spotter aircraft to guide the shallow draught naval guns on to the German defences. Fully alerted, the German coastal artillery took a toll on the SSEF where twenty ships were either sunk or too badly damaged to be repaired. The Canadian First Army with Polish and British assistance used landing craft and specialised armoured vehicles to gain superiority on the island. The defences, known as “Fortress Walcheren” were being overrun with both the towns of Westkapelle and Domburg being captured on the 3rd November 1944. Minesweepers were ordered to begin to remove mines from the river on the 4th November 1944 in anticipating the fall of “Fortress Walcheren”. Numerous amphibious attacks were slowed down when the Germans flooded vast land areas in the estuary. On the 6th November 1944 the island’s capital Middelburg was captured by “Buffalo” tanks forcing an end to German resistance. With the Germans facing overwhelming forces they surrendered on the 8th November 1944. The Scheldt Estuary had been cleared of all naval mines and underwater obstacles by Royal Navy minesweepers by the 28th November 1944. The first convey led by Canadian freighter Fort Cataraqui entered Antwerp on the 28th November 1944. Antwerp became the major supply route from Britain.

During the Alsace/Lorraine Campaign, in France, the cities of Metz and Strasbourg were liberated on the 23rd November 1944. The Battle of Metz was fought between the U.S. Third Army commanded by Lt. General George Patton and the German Army commanded by General Otto von Knobelsdorff. With the Germans retreating, Allied command had halted the advance of the Allied armies south of the supply route to Arnhem. The halting of the advance enabled the Germans to fortify Metz and surrounding forts. The U.S. army resumed their advance on the 3rd November 1944. Despite heavy fighting with huge losses to both sides the Americans entered Metz on the 18th November 1944. Hostilities formally ended on the 23rd November 1944, however, a number of isolated forts continued to hold out. In order to preserve ammunition for advance into Germany direct assault on the forts were forbidden. By the 29th November 1944 most of the forts surrendered one by one and the last to surrender was Fort Jeanne d’Arc on the 13th December 1944. Meanwhile further to the east the Liberation of Strasbourg was about to begin. The French 2nd Army Division, commanded by General Philippe Leclerc, arrived at the city of Strasbourg on the 21st November 1944. The Leclerc led 2nd Army raised the Free French tricolor over Strasbourg Cathedral on the 23rd November 1944. The raising of the tricolor was considered by the Allies to be the last major objective in the Liberation of France,

(Germany)

In February 1941 Nazi Germany’s Battleship Tirpitz was commissioned and entered service into the Kreigsmarine (Navy). She was the second of two Bismarck-class battleships and was similarly armed as her sister ship Bismarck. With the sinking of Bismarck in May 1941, Tirpitz received a series of modifications adding an additional 2,000 tons to her structure. Not only was she heavier than her sister ship but the heaviest in Western Europe. In 1941 Tirpitz was deployed to Norway in order to attack convoys bound for the Soviet Union. Fuel shortages frequently kept Tirpitz at her anchorage and she became known as the “Lonely Queen of the North” as she was rarely deployed. The Royal Navy retained sufficient ships in the area to contain her. Tirpitz had been seriously damaged by British mini-submarines in September 1943, and by April 1944 had been repaired. British Enigma decrypts revealed that Tirpitz was to conduct sea trials immediately. 40 Barracuda dive bombers dropped armour-piercing bombs, of which 15 scored direct hits and two near misses. She was again repaired and as a consequence had anti-aircraft guns fitted. Various RAF bombing attempts to destroy the vessel were unsuccessful. By September 1944 Lancaster bombers, each carrying one 12,000 lb “Tallboy” bomb were to be deployed to penetrate the ship’s heavy armour. On the 15th November 1944, 32 Lancaster bombers, flying from their base in Russia, attacked Tirpitz and one “Tallboy”penetrated the ship and exited through the keel. A second “Tallboy” hit amidships and caused severe damage by blowing a hole in the ship’s side and bottom. The hole caused the ship to list 30 to 40 degrees before her captain gave the order to abandon ship. The list increased to 60 degrees and shortly after a large explosion completed the task of sinking Tirpitz. Up to 1,200 German sailors lost their lives with the sinking of the ship and approximately 200 sailors survived. “Tirpitz lived an invalid’s life and died a cripple’s death” was the comment Ludovic Kennedy wrote in his history of Tirpitz.

In June 1941 in readiness for the German invasion of the Soviet Union, (Operation Barbarossa), the Nazi Party required a military headquarters in Eastern Europe. The site was to be close to the front line, but safely enough away from the enemy. The site near Rustenburg in East Prussia was chosen. The complex was known as the “Wolf’s Lair” and completed in June 1941. Fuhrer Adolf Hitler arrived for the first time a few days later. On the 20th November 1944, with the Red Army approaching East Prussia, Hitler retreated to Berlin and left the “Wolf’s Lair” for the final time. 

(Eastern Front)

In Poland, the Sonderkammndo Revolt had been suppressed in Auschwitz Concentration Camp by the German Waffen-SS in late October 1944. The Sonderkammndos (special work force) were approximately 1,000 segregated Jews whose task was to feed the murdered Jews into the furnaces of the crematoria. The last mass transport of Jews arrived at Auschwitz on the 30th October 1944. On the 2nd November 1944 Reichfuhrer- SS Heinrich Himmler ordered the SS to halt the gas chamber murders. Finally, realising Germany was losing the war, on the 26th November 1944 Himmler ordered the Auschwitz site to be destroyed. The remaining Sonderkammndos began to clear the site and dismantle the buildings.

The Baltic Offensive, which began on the 14th September 1944, was a battle between the Red and German armies in the Balkan States. Beginning on the 27th September 1944 the Moonsund Landing Operation was an amphibious landing on Estonian Islands. On the 25th November 1944 the Moonsund Landing Operation ended with the Red Army victorious.

(Pacific)

In December 1941 Japan entered the Second World War after the attack on Pearl Harbour. During February 1942 they captured the island of Singapore, resulting in the surrender of British and Commonwealth forces. On the 5th November 1944 the first of eleven long range air raids by U.S. bombers were conducted against Japanese-occupied Singapore. 76 B-29 bombers were despatched from their bases near Kharagpur. India. Each B-29 carried two 1,000lb bombs owing to the extreme range to the target. King George VI Graving Dock was the primary target, with a secondary target of Pangkalan Brandan refinery in Sumatra. With only two bombs on board the bombers were instructed to fly lower than normal bombing height for greater accuracy. The raider’s accuracy was such that the dock was rendered un-serviceable for three months. Damage to the dock ensured that the stricken battleships from the Battle of Leyte Gulf could not be repaired. Seven B-29s attacked the refinery and lost two from flying accidents. Japanese anti-aircraft guns were minimal. The next raid on Singapore was on January 1945.

During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, U.S. aircraft carrier USS Lexington was pursuing the retiring Japanese fleet on the 5th November 1944. She was struck by a Japanese kamikaze aircraft near her control island structure. Most of the carrier island structure was destroyed and fire from the kamikaze aircraft was sprayed in all directions. She was able to continue normal flight action within twenty minutes when all major fires were under control. An American fighter was able to take off and shoot down a kamikaze pilot. Arriving in Ulithi on the 9th November 1944 for battle damage repairs the crew heard that Tokyo had once again claimed Lexington had been sunk. During the kamikaze attack Lexington’s losses were 50 killed and 132 wounded.

Departing from their recently built airfields on the Mariana Islands, 111 Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers attacked Tokyo for the first time on the 24th November 1944. The Mariana Islands are located 1,500 miles (2,400 km) south of Tokyo. The B-29 was capable of reaching the target and returning without having to refuel. The aircraft were capable of reaching speeds up to 350 mph (560 km/h) and altitude of 31,800 ft. (9,700 m) whereby Japanese fighter aircraft could not catch them. Very few Japanese fighters were able to reach that altitude and were easy prey to defensive gunners. The attacks were continued until the end of the war. The attack against Tokyo on the 24th November 1944 was the first attack since the Doolittle Raid in April 1942.

U.S. aircraft carrier USS Intrepid was another carrier involved in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On the 27th October 1944 Intrepid was hit on the port side gun position by a Japanese kamikaze suicide fighter. The damage to the carrier was minimal. On the afternoon of the 25th November 1944 Intrepid was again struck by two kamikazes causing a serious fire. Whilst the carrier remained on station the fires were extinguished within two hours. During the kamikaze attack 69 U.S. sailors lost their lives. On the 26th November 1944 she departed for repairs in San Francisco arriving on the 20th December 1944

(Other Areas)

Field Marshall Sir John Dill was a senior British Officer who served in both the Great War and Second World War. At end of 1941 British Prime Minister Winston Churchill posted Dill to Washington D.C. as his personal representative. He attended many conferences as Churchill’s representative. He was also immensely important in getting the Chiefs of Staff of both countries to function to joint satisfaction. He was particularly friendly with American General George Marshal and the two exercised a lot of influence on President Roosevelt. Whilst stationed in Washington, on the 4th November 1944 Dill died of Aplastic Anaemia. A memorial service was held in Washington National Cemetery as a mark of respect and affection he had earned. The route to Arlington National Cemetery was lined by thousands of troops including his friend George Marshall who was visibly stricken. Following a simple service at the graveside, American Joint Chief of Staff sent a message of condolence to their British colleagues. An equestrian statue of Sir John Dill was erected over his grave. His statue is one of only two at the cemetery, the other being Major-General Philip Kearny, a Union officer during the American Civil War. In 1944 Dill was posthumously awarded the American Army Distinguished Medal.

The 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected in 1933 and by the time the U.S. entered the war in 1941 he was in his third presidency. War production under his administration was healthy.  With the war in the Pacific against the Japanese and in Europe against the Axis powers, Roosevelt decided to run for his fourth term of office. On the 7th November 1944 Roosevelt was re-elected and chose Harry Truman as his deputy.                        

—————————————————-

Captain PC Benham Oct 44

1 Oct (Sun)

Slept all morning – had lunch at 1.45 pm.  After lunch finished Judith Paris, first class book and generally frigged around.  New system operates w.e.f. tomorrow – yours truly does all the work so far as I can see.  On duty 6 – 11 pm.  Bought thermo – 55fr.  Very cold all day still got a stinking cold – lights out at 12.30.

To – L                                                 From L (Lilliput)

2 Oct

On duty very solidly from 9 – 9 – earned my pay – cold at its worst I hope – went over to see Munton – Neil after lunch re case of drunkenness (Sgt Nichols who I’m defending) – Wrote War Diary & to A in V after dinner.  Drink with Phantom lad before dinner.  Sat by fire nattering in B Mess before going to bed – read ‘a prince of Summer’ –

To A                                                    From A

3 Oct

Another v hectic day – nothing to report of interest.  Wrote V1 after dinner.  Tim did sweet FA all day.  LO from 21 Army Gp says if all goes according to plan war over before Xmas.  Hope he’s right.

To A                                                    From L, B

4 Oct

Move to Turnhout tomorrow.  Worked hard 9 – 1.30 then 2 – 2.30.  Went to Antwerp with Miles Morris – via Rear (Paymaster shut) Lievre – Paymaster Antwerp where I cashed a cheque for £8-10-0 (1500f).  Lent Miles 400f.  Good tea (ice and 3 cakes – shop (only spent 75f on lipstick – then bath at Century, quick drink and back home at 8 ocl.  Wrote A & G in V1 after dinner, prepared Court Martial and wrote 4 days of War Diary.

To A                                                    From Nil

     G                                                               G (after X)

5 Oct (Thurs)

Left Sautheven at 10.20 with Clifford Simpson in his Jeep – and arrived to est Corps HQ at Turnhout 11 ocl – remainder on about 12.30 – haversack lunch – a really bloody awful barracks we are in – very modern – very large and dirty – built just before war and used by Boche – drawings in charcoal to glorify war everywhere – now used as prison for collaborators – youths guarding – one block girls – many nice respectable people – ** Mayor & family cleaning our lats all dressed in Sunday best – on duty 8.15 – 10 pm – long day – v weary – hope room – Charles W. Johnnie B I hope we leave this place very soon.

To Nil                                                  From Nil (late post parcel A)

6 Oct Fri

Rest – on tonight.

Antwerp – Lyall Martin – stamps ***.  Spent whole morning writing up cases for Sgts Nicholls & Clark, don’t like look of either.  After lunch went in to Antwerp with Lyall & Martin.  Bath first then shampoo & hair cut after good tea at Century.  Walked miles round shops, bought some stamps.  Met Lyall for drink and then quite good dinner.  Drove back and arrived just in time to go on duty.

To A                                                    From A (World Dig) ECS

7 Oct Sat Visits

C.M. 1000 hrs – rush –

One hell of a bloody rush today.  On all night, relieved 8.30, wash shave breakfast and picked up witness in TURNHOUT and at Shilde 0955 hrs!  Hectic cases evidence completely against.  P.P, v efficient but bullying type.  Both sergeants found guilty of being drunk – first case 10 – 2.30 (3/4 hr for lunch) – second case 2.30 – 6 ocl (½ hour for cup o’char.  Arrived back feeling v tired at 7 ocl, wrote A and read after dinner and so to bed.  Some day!

To A                                                    From – L

     B                                                                  A, B, G

8 Oct

9 – 10.  On duty all day, absolutely FA happening, off about 10.30 pm and after short read went to beddibies.

To Nil                                                              A

9 Oct (Mon)

Visit 49 8 – 10. Offrs shop 9 ocl.

Up early and on duty 8 ocl – marked maps til lunch-time after which went out with G1 to visit 49 Div, tea there then to 146 and 147 Bde – kept for 1 hr outside Div HQ while G1 had drink with his pals – poor show.  Off at 10.15 wrote A, G & L til past midnight.  Offrs shop round this morning bought

Shoes, pair, brown   186fr

3 pairs socks               54

3 handkerchiefs         15

Pair leather gloves     76

331fr

To A                                                                Nil

G, L

10 Oct

Rest Day – Duty 2200 – 0900 hrs.  Miserably wet day – grey but fine when I left here – but got progressively worse towards Brussels and downpour there made golf out of the question.  Cashed cheque for 500fr (£2-16-8).  Coffee, news theatre til 3.15 – shopped, v expensive everywhere then tea and back via Antwerp where I had good bath at Century.  At 8.20 arr back for dinner after which a terrific argument, usual stuff – Reg v TA was waged – G1 v Lyall, Ken H & myself – Cinity stoked it up by supplying cigs and Benedictine!  On duty at 10 pm.  No news.

To A                                                    From B Ian Colville

11 Oct 2¾ hrs sleep during night.

Cashed this month so far   11-6-8

In hand 431 francs                 2-7-6

Spent so far                          £8-19-2

Quiet night – PCB prepared a real bull shitty sitrep as at 0800 hrs!  After wash and shave and b’fast went out on ‘visits’ – left at 10.30 visited 4 Liaison HQ, Pol Armd Div, amazing photos of havoc round Turn and Chaubois – then on to 57 Div where I had lunch, back through Eindhoven, (saw gliders on way all parked neatly in rows) – to 154 Bde, to the Royals for tea & so back at 5.30.  marked maps had glass of Benedictine then wrote A, dinner and so to bed v early.

To A                                                    From G, L

12 Oct Thurs

On duty 9 pm.  Very slack day absolutely no business at all.

To – Nil                                              From A

13 Oct Fri

On duty nearly all day – nothing to report – no mail.

To A                                                    From Nil

14 Oct Sat

Left Turnhout with Tim at 8.40 and arrived at 21 A Gp Brussels at 10.45 – met Tim’s brother and then to Waterloo G C – had 9 holes before lunch – beer and sandwiches.  18 holes, beer, and then back to 21 A Gp.  At Club house met Madame Hamoir who was a Zuite and Camille Seyss now pro at W.  only fly in ointment was frightful balls.  Had drink and dinner with Gordon Conner then back at 8 pm arriving here 10.30 – a bit late for parade but couldn’t matter less.  Very enjoyable day.  V2?  Oostmalle.

To A                                                    From A, L, DF Baccy, Mag, ECS

15 Oct

G birthday.

Quietish night though not much sleep.  Took me time over shaving then went to Church at 11.30 a lot there after Corps Comds letter.  After early lunch went over with Clifford Simmons to Second Army at Helmond, about 10 miles East of Eindhoven.  Had tea there got back at 7.30 after bloody awful drive in wet and dark.  Drink in B Mess with Tim and Eric Bayes.  After early dinner wrote A, then to bed.

To L                                                    From Nil

16 Oct

On Ops all day – had off between 5.15 – 8.15 when I wrote to A and Collie.  Nothing much to report except complete change of plan – we lose 7 Armd & 51 and go Westish.

To A                                                    From Nil

Ian Colville

17 Oct

Infm room & maps all day – on my feet most of them – felt bloody tired about 10.15 when I came off duty – otherwise nothing much to report.  Tac goes out 19th? Main moves, not yet settled but large Tac will go out

To Nil                                                 From L, B.

18 Oct

V Enjoyable quiet restful day.  Pottered most morning – doing accounts, tidying up my boxes and most imp writing to A.  Early lunch, after drink with Charles then to Antwerp.  Arrived at 2.45 where we both had super baths – no V2s! – and listened to music in Century from 3.30 – 5.  Shopping bought pipe 65f and Eau de Cologne, Worth’s Je reviens – 90f.  Left at 6 pm back here at 7.15.  Dinner, potter and then on duty at 2200 hrs.

To A (2) am – night.                                    From Stamp dealer!

19 Oct Thurs

Not too hectic a night – wrote A in the early hours.  After b’fast washed shaved & then went over to 4 Armd Bde just into Holland on the T – E road – went alone & sang there & back!  Poured with rain – after latish lunch pottered til 3 ocl then slept til nearly 6!  Pottered, early dinner then in bed before 9 ocl.

To Nil                                                  From A

20 Oct Fri

Lazy day – attack started – on my feet most of time & at 10.30 when I was relieved feet v tired – wrote A and so to bed.  Attack went well – about 530 PW taken.

To A                                                    From G

21 Oct Sat

On ‘maps & infm room’ all day from 8 am – again bloody tired by time I came off at 10 pm, straight to bed & asleep in no time.  Attack still going well – Monty visiting us tomorrow.  We are likely to move on the 23rd or 24th – probably 24th.  Lovely day but not much good to me.

To Nil                                                  From L

22 Oct Sun

Day off in morning went to Church at 10 ocl then to office at 11 to meet Monty who never came in – saw him.  Wrote L before lunch afterwards went in to Antwerp with Charles good cheap pm.

Arrived A 2.45

Finished bath 3.35

Tea & music offrs club til 5 ocl. 

Walk & cinema (Chavivani) til 7 ocl. 

Drink & ice with Miki til 7.45. 

Dinner at X – v good til 8.30. 

Arrived back – 10 to 10.  On duty for night at 10 ocl!!

To L                                                    From Nil

     A

23 Oct Mon

Not a bad night but very little sleep from 3.30 – 6.15.  After b’fast got myself tied up to visit 12 Corps but plan had to be cancelled as John R was called out – on duty 1.15 – 4 ocl when I went into town & bought some stamps (109fr) at the Poste.  After tea wrote A & packed parcel up – drink with John Hardy before dinner then took letters & parcel to office heard news – well done the RUSKIS – & so very early to bed.

To A (R.L. + Hampers)                    From – Ken Davis

     A (Parcel)

24 Oct

Moved today at 10 ocl from Turnhout to Camp de Brasschact rather in the heart of the V2 country – hectic day – came off duty feeling very weary at 10.15 straight to bed and to sleep – sharing room with Charles Woodford

To Nil                                                  From A, L, B.

25 Oct

Up at 7.30 – very busy all day with not a quiet moment.  Monty came down and visited the Ops Room but not the information room of which I was in charge!  Several thumps quite close today – ? V2s.  I think they were.  Late news that 4 Br Armd Bde are near TILBERG excellent show – War news our area good all day.

To A                                                    From DF Baccy, Argosy ECS.

26 Oct

Wrote most of morning – light in my room now fixed up makes no end of difference.  At 1.15 C and I went into Antwerp & were in there by 2 ocl – bath, ice, listened to music in Century then tea in Excelsior – short walk then Ginger Rogers in Tom Dick & Harry.  Glass of beer dinner and so back in time to go on duty at 10 ocl.

To Mrs TKD.                                     From Nil

    Peter Rawson

     G

27 Oct (Friday)

Battle has gone extremely well today – on all sectors of 1 & 12 Corps fronts.  Frightful night – slept 3.45 to 6 ocl then rush, rush, rush til 9.25 when I came off.  After wash and shave went to see Doc about this awful can’t-stop-ping-racket – pills (he gave me) – then out on visits – went to 4 Cdn Armd Div (lunch there) then to 49 Div back in time for tea.

To –                                                    From

28 Oct

On duty all day 9 – 10 pm.  Very busy but all went well.  Phoned Charles in great form – meeting him on Monday in Antwerp.  Saw Doc – my ‘urine’ ok but loss of spec gravity – pills to cure.  Marvellous post incl SUPER leather waistcoat from A.  GBH.  Battle went well today good show.

To A                                                    From A L, G, Parcel A super

Tattler} L

  ******}

29 Oct Sun

On duty just after 8 am – had cup of char before going to Church, with Alistair Gold ex 339 Bty.  Nothing much to report today but good progress made by Poles who captured and cleared BREDA

To L                                                    From Nil

30 Oct

Excellent day.  Wrote first part of letter to A in am then in to Antwerp at 10.15.  Charles out when I called so went to C, good bath, ice & lunch with Geoff Lambe at Excelsior.  After lunch met Charles W as arranged and went to see Charles C in great form also ‘old Wright’ – he came back to C where the 3 of us had chat & tea.  Charles W & I then had tea & then to ‘Lover Girl’ – Rita Heyworth – v good.  Met Tim & Cinity at E – dinner, drink & so home arriving just in time for a night in the office.

To A                                                    From   L

   J. James                                                     B

J James

31 Oct

Only 1 ½ hrs sleep during night usual morning flap but for once had all the answers.  Tac out today.  Wrote 2 days of war diary in am.  Slept v solidly from 2.15 – 7.15 then dinner and wrote A afterwards before turning in at 11.15 after short read.  Nothing very much on the Ops line.

To A                                                    From – Nil

                                                  THE V-2 ROCKET

3 October 1944, Tuesday, (23.05 hours) – Battery 2/485, Den Haag, Ockenburch, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Wanstead (Leytonstone). Eight people killed, five properties demolished.

7 October 1944, Saturday, (08.58 hours) – Battery 2/485, Den Haag, Bloemendaal, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Pitsea, Essex. Fell in orchard. Forty-nine injured including six with serious injuries.

8 October 1944, Sunday, (07.56 hours) – Battery 2/485, Den Haag, Bloemendaal, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Linford, Essex. Fell in ploughed field.

9 October 1944, Monday, (05.50 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Wanstead. Fell near AA gun site.

9 October 1944, Monday, (09.43 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Havingore Island, Essex. Fell on marshland. No damage.

9 October 1944, Monday, (13.45 hours) – Battery  2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted on marshland at Hydemarsh Farm, near Fambridge, Essex. Rocket disintegrated at high altitude. One house in nearby Southminster slightly damaged by falling fragment.

10 October 1944, Tuesday, (07.20 hours) – Battery 444, Rijsterbos, Middenleane, V-2 rocket fired, impacted North Sea near Frinton (airburst).                              

10 October 1944, Tuesday, (10.20 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted in field at Navestock, Essex. One serious casualty.

10 October 1944, Tuesday, (15.57 hours) – Battery 444, Rijsterbos, Middenleane, V-2 rocket fired exploded 1200 metres high above the harbour of Harwich.

10 October 1944, Tuesday,  (17.50 hours) – Battery 444, Rijsterbos, Middenleane, V-2 rocket fired, impacted at Woods End, minor injuries to two persons.

11 October 1944, Wednesday, (00.43 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted in ploughed field at Rawreth, Essex. Three slight casualties.

11 October 1944, Wednesday, (05.10 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted in potato field at North Ockendon, Essex. Slight damage to property.

11 October 1944, Wednesday, (06.40 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted in mud flats near pier at Southend, Essex. Rocket disintegrated before impact. Slight damage to property.

12 October 1944, Thursday, (+/- 00.06 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Walthamstow. Twenty one people injured.


12 October 1944, Thursday, (+/- 02.46 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Thames Estuary, near Clacton. Rocket disintegrated before impact.

12 October 1944, Thursday, (+/- 10.50 hours) – Battery  2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Rawreth, Essex. Slight damage to property.

In the early morning of Friday October 13, an order was given from Reichsfuhrer SS Himmler that with the exception of Battery 2/485 (which was to continue targeting London) all other batteries were now to target Antwerp. This arrangement was to continue until October 20, when Battery 444 would fire their last rocket at Antwerp before being relocated to the Den Haag area for launching against London.

13 October 1944, Friday, (06.40 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Great Burstead, Essex (airburst).


13 October 1944, Friday, (07.15 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted on a farm at Barling, Essex. Slight damage to farmhouses.

14 October 1944, Saturday, (23.44 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Barking. Fell on marshland.

15 October 1944, Sunday, (05.00 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Rettendon, Essex. Slight damage to 4 houses. Two  people slightly injured.

17 October 1944, Tuesday, (15.44 hours) – Battery  2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Little Baddow, Essex. One Property seriously damaged by blast, another by fire. Two people injured.

21-22 October 1944,  elements of Battery 444 were moving from Rijs to Den Haag on these days. Battery 3/485 opened fire against Antwerp on Oct. 21 from sites in Burgsteinfurt. Already operating in Burgsteinfurt since Oct. 10 was Battery SS 500.

During the previous three weeks in Den Haag / Wassenaar, usually one or two rockets were launched on a day. But now with the Battery 444 troops from Gaasterland, no less then 6 rockets were launched per day. The new launch Site was the Rijswijkse Bos, several metres away from a monument to peace made in 1697.

24 October 1944, Tuesday, (00.22 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Langdon Hills, Essex. 17 Houses damaged. Three Persons injured.

24 October 1944, Tuesday, (20.35 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Bulphan, Essex. Farm damaged.

24 October 1944, Tuesday, (20.40 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted on mud flats at Duck Island, near Grays, Essex.

 
24 October 1944, Tuesday, (22.20 hours) – Battery 2/485, V-2 rocket fired, impacted on mud flats at Canvey Island, Essex.

24 October 1944, Tuesday, there were 6 rockets fired from Sites at Wassenaar and Rijswijk. On October 26, a new launch record was achieved by Battery 444 – a total of nine (9) rockets were fired this day from Wassenaar and Rijswijk, of which three within 45 minutes.

25 October 1944, Wednesday, (+/- 12.35 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Wickford, Essex. Fell in open field. Pumping station of nearby sewage works damaged. Two Persons injured.

27, October 1944, Friday, (11.15 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Leyton. Direct hit on house. Six Dead, thirty seriously injured and six Properties demolished.

27 October 1944, Friday, (12.00 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted on forest land in Chingford. Hotel and historic hunting lodge damaged. Two persons suffered slight injuries. The crater from this incident still exists.

27 October 1944, Friday, (18.55 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted on open ground in Wanstead. No damage, but One person killed, another seriously injured.

29 October 1944, Sunday, (+/- 23.52 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Shenfield, Essex. Fell in field. No damage. No launch record exists. However, impact is confirmed and Battery 444 was the only unit firing at London on this day.

30 October 1944, Monday, (05.10 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Barking. Direct hit on Beckton Gas Works, which was partially put out of action. Two persons seriously injured.

30 October 1944, Monday, (12.26 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted West Ham. Serious damage to buildings at Victoria Dock.


30 October 1944, Monday, (12.27 hours) – Battery 444, V-2 rocket fired, impacted West Ham. Five Properties demolished. Combined casualties for both West Ham incidents: Eleven dead, Ten seriously injured.

Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service October 1944.

Date                Time   Location         Damage

06/10/1944    20.00  Pilgrims          2 houses slightly damaged by cannon fire from

Hatch             friendly aircraft when attacking ‘Fly’.  No casualties.

07/10/1944    08.56  Pitsea             1 H.E. (R.P) fell at Northlands Drive causing 3

serious and 30 slight casualties.  Extensive damage to dwelling houses and shops in the locality.

09/10/1944    09.50  Great              1 – H.E. (R.P) fell and exploded on New England

Wakering       Island 120 yards SE of sea wall and 800 yards SW of Lt Shelford.  No damage or casualties.

10/10/1944    00.20  Billericay        1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in field about 1/2 mile E of Lt

Blunts Farm slight damage to property.  No casualties.

11/10/1944    00.47  Raweth          1 – H.E. (R.P) fell 200 yards S of Beke Hall Chase,

                                                            slight damage to property.  No casualties.

12/10/1944    11.00  Raweth          1 – H.E. (R.P) exploded near Archers Farm 5 slight

                                                            casualties.  30 houses damaged.

13/10/1944    06.47  Great              1 – H.E. (R.P) exploded in the air.  No damage or

                                    Burstead        casualties.

13/10/1944    07.20  Barling           1 – H.E. (R.P) 400 yards ESE Baldwins Farm, no

casualties.  Slight damage to 12 properties and sea wall.

14/10/1944    03.50  Billericay        1 ‘Fly’ exploded at rear of Bulstead Farm causing

fire to stacks and farm buildings, 3 slight casualties, 10 houses severely damaged and 90 slightly.

15/10/1944                Shopland      1 ‘Fly’ exploded in field at Beauchamps Farm,

                                                            slight damage to property, no casualties.

16/10/1944    05.08  Rochford       1 – C.C. ‘Fly’ exploded in field nr Blatches Farm,

                                                            slight damage to property, no casualties.

17/10/1944    22.15  Langdon        1 – Bungalow was superficially damaged by a

Hills                cannon shell fired by an allied aircraft attacking ‘Fly’.

21/10/1944    04.49  Rushley         1 – ‘Fly’ exploded on Marshland 500 yards NW of

                                    Island             Havengore Bridge, no damage or casualties.

21/10/1944    23.21  Rayleigh        1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in High Street completely

demolishing 2 houses, 32 houses seriously damaged and 250 slightly damaged causing 4 fatal casualties, 5 seriously and 20 slightly injured.

23/10/1944    14.15  Nevendon     1 – Susp. Wasp exploded 300 yards Sth Nevendon

Junior School.  Damage to property, 4 slight casualties.

24/10/1944    00.25  Langdon        1 – Susp. Wasp exploded 200 yards E Westley

Hills                Hall Farm.  Extensive damage to property, 4 slight casualties.

24/10/1944    01.00  Dunton          1 – ‘Fly’ exploded 50 yards W Union Jack Tea

Rooms.  5 houses slightly damaged, 1 serious casualty 3 slight casualties.  Gas main and electric cable damaged.

24/10/1944    22.29  Canvey          Susp. Wasp believed to have exploded in mud at

Island             Eastern end of Canvey Island.  Glass damage, no casualties.

25/10/1944    00.10  Langdon        1 – ‘Fly’ exploded (shot down) in mid air at Lee

Hills                Chapel Lane, 9 slight casualties and approx. 60 houses sustained slight damage.

25/10/1944    01.00  Basildon        3 bungalows in Campbell Road were slightly

damaged by cannon fire from aircraft attacking ‘Fly’.  No casualties.

25/10/1944    12.45  Shotgate        1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in field on Shotgate

Farm about 700 yards N of Shotgate Post Office.  1 slight casualty and slight damage was caused to property.

25/10/1944    19.40  Thundersley 3 houses at Thundersley and 5 houses at South

and South      Benfleet were slightly damaged by cannon fire

Benfleet         from an aircraft attacking a ‘Fly’.  No casualties.

29/10/1944    05.15  Rochford       1 –  A.A. Shell exploded in garden 20 yards W of

Doggett’s Farm Cottages, Doggett’s Chase.  N.D.C.

29/10/1944    05.20  Rochford       1 –  A.A. Shell exploded in field 400 yards W of

                                                            Cock Inn Hall Road.  N.D.C.

29/10/1944    05.25  Rochford       1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field at Swaines Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

29/10/1944    05.25  Rochford       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell at Swaines Farm.  N.D.C.

29/10/1944    23.50  Shenfield       1 – Susp. Wasp exploded in field adjoining

L.N.E.R. Railway Inn.  Approx. 60 houses sustained slight damage, no casualties.  Railway telephone lines down.

31/10/1944    06.40  Canewdon    1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell at Holmes Farm.  N.D.C.

31/10/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in garden of Laburnum

                                                            Cottage Hanging Hill Lane.  N.D.C.

Captain PC Benham Sept 44

Friday 1 Sept.

Great news all round, Arras, Dieppe (2 Cdn Div), Verdun etc etc.  Belgium will be ended in 48 hrs.  Off this am overslept & not in to b’fast til 9.30.  Then went swanning with Tim.  Bought powder, cream face & lipstick in ELBEUF.  Hectic afternoon.  Off at 6.15 pm.  Baccy from G & super letter from A.  Long chat & drink before dinner with Lisle Wilson.  Not a bad day – stiffish breeze and sunny

To A                                                   From – ECS.

     G                                                                 Baccy

  A super

2 Sept Sat

Blustery day – almost a gale and very heavy showers – some sun.  On duty 8 – 1 pm.  Very hectic am – still time goes more quickly.  After lunch went to Rear & cashed cheque for £6 – then on to RIVTOT.  After tea wrote L and A & listened to news.  After dinner wrote A in V1 and listened to a good wireless play ‘Thunder in the Air’.  On duty at 11 pm – hectic.  Move details for tomorrow’s move.

To – L                                                 From L

        A

3 Sept Sun

Moved today to FOUCART about 30 miles EAST of LE HAVRE.  Busy but not flappish night 1½ hrs sleep.  Left BOIS INGER at 8.30 – route through ELBEUF – ROUEN – YVILLE.  Busy on journey in V1 – on wireless most of time.  Arrived FOUCART at 3 pm.  Sorted myself out then on duty at 6 pm.  Stephen relieved me at 9 ocl – listened to news – wrote up 3 days of War Diary then to much needed bed and sleep.

To – Nil                                              From – Nil

4Sept Mon

Eggs, scrounged, for breakfast.  Swanned this morning into BOLBEC via FAUVILLE EN CAUX.  Gave lift to 2 Maquis wallahs.  Super scent shop – purchases in Bolbec included – Chanel 1 bot 1 Fr bot of scent – powder – lipstick p.c.s – 2 charms for A’s bracelet.  Back at 12.30.  On duty at 1 ocl – 6ocl.

In BRUSSELS – 12 miles from ANTWERP great show – Finland out.  At 6.30 long letter to A.  Move again tomorrow. 

Surrender terms to LE HAVRE Carlton taken in by CSAO, refused.  Good drinks at dinner time – white wine, Benedictine

To A                                                    From A

5 Sept Tues

Moved this morning at 11.30 to a place about 6 miles East WEST of Bolbec.  After lunch had a half hours lie down before tea and after helping to set my tent up.  At 5.30 went over to Bolbec where Tim & I had a couple of glasses of red wine.  Stopped at farm on way back & had long chat with some evacuees from LE HAVRE – we were the first English they had seen + eggs, cognac – cigs and soap.  Back at 8.15 for dinner – news, not-much then after writing Arthur on duty at 11 ocl.

To A                                                    From A

6 Sept Wed

Quiet night and managed to work in 4 hrs sleep.  Slept all morning after good breakfast comprising, inter alia, egg, bacon, fried spam.  Grey and rather cold day.  Fires burning in LE HAVRE after yesterday evening’s LANC & HALI raid.  After lunch good kit turn out and discovery of odd kerchiefs and collars.  Wrote A before going on duty at 6 pm.  Airmen bailed out over Le H this am in to lunch.

To – A                                                From L, G, B, JB.

7 Sept Thurs

Swanned for last time for some days this morning – went up to FECAMP with Tim & Stephen.  Bought – 1 large bot. Benedictine

12 small  “    “

1bot No 5 Chanel ‘Lotion’

1 box Houbijant Powder.

Drinks before we returned.  V wet all day – not much war news.  On duty 1 – 4.30 pm when I attended very long RA ** Plan conf (Le Havre attack) – latish dinner then down to Kraal – 2 wiz letters from A.  wrote in V1 til 11 ocl to A

To – A                                                From A (2)

        L

8 Sept

Slightly overslept this morning.  Very wet all day, showers and very occasional bright intervals.  After coming off duty at 1 ocl pottered during afternoon.  Had a few swings with golf club in field nearby.  After dinner went in to BOLBEC with Ken Hull and Tim where we had a glass or two of white wine – Tim absolutely stinko when he & I went on duty at 11 pm.  No real news today.

To A                                                    From – Nil

     G

9 Sept (Sat)

Quiet night – no flaps, no interruptions.  Slept very heavily from 10 ocl til 3.30 wash, shave, tea then on duty at 6 ocl.  Very little on but ultimatum handed to HAVRE garrison at 1900 hrs.  Two German officers came to 146 Bde HQ at 22.30 but said, as before, no surrender.  Reading Rogue Hermes by H. Walpole.  Very good.  Off duty at 11 pm bed and sleep.

Very little news from outside world today – opposition stiffening.  Bloody awful rainy day.

To Nil                                                  From L

10 Sept (Sun)

Read most of morning.  Wrote to Mrs Wilson, then after early lunch went on duty at 1 ocl.  Rained a bit during am but otherwise bright & sunny.  Attack on LE HAVRE started at 1745 hrs – Lancs & Halifaxes did their stuff first.  Attacks going well & all first strong points captured.  Very early to bed (9.30) and after reading for a bit soon asleep.

To Mrs Wilson                                  From – baccy from L

     A

11 Sep Mon

Up bright and early – super cloudless day – no rain! (lost 25fr bet to Marshall the Met offr.  Sticky start to Le Havre battle but by lunch time things going well and by nightfall 4,100 PW had been taken during day.  Very good show.  Kip after lunch and read – walk before tea.  After tea pottered – early dinner.  Listened to news – wrote A and played 21 in traffic office.  Lost 50fr.  On duty at 11 pm – got to bed at 2.30 am!  V Cold.

To A                                                    From baccy – DF from G.   ECS

12 Sept

Quiet night but hectic hour or so until 8.30 – Tim did absolutely sweet FA to help.  Bed from 9.30 til 12.30 then wash and shave.  After lunch went on a swan with Lyall and Stephen.  Got to Le Havre, or nearly, fausands of mines etc.  saw also fausands of PW on the roads and in the Corps cage – total about 8,000.  Le Havre virtually captured – excellent show.  Duty from 6-11 pm.  Only main item of news from outside world being US forces into Germany at TRIER.  One egg on way back.  exchanged goggles for compass – good swap.

To – Nil                                              From – Nil

13 Sept Wed

Egg in the Mess for breakfast – very ***e.  During morning wrote to A and L – drew my NAAFI rations and went for short walk before an early lunch at 12.30.  Then on duty at 1 pm – 6 pm.  Odd flap for maps for Rozzer – off duty at 6.30.  Then out on egg recce – got glass of fire water – 2 pears, 3 oeufs.  After dinner finished off letter to A.  Bed very early.

To A                                                    From –A

      L                                                               L

B Baccy (DF)

14 Sept Thurs.

Up in good time and on from 8.30 – 1 pm – no startling news today – 1 mile from AACHEN.  BBC postscript about le Havre.  Finished Rogue Hermes after dinner.  Flap about our move? Tomorrow to Antwerp – BGS brought back news that move not before 4-5 days time.  Good ‘swan’ to bty posn with T, K and CW at BRIERE – got some useful stuff incl super wooden box etc, etc.  Wrote A before & after dinner.  Good dinner incl pork, fried spuds, stuffing etc.  V good & buckshee captured wine (red)

To B       ]                                                       From – A

     Mrs C] LCS                                                          G

      A                                                                           AJA

15 Sept Fri

Quiet night – move to Antwerp postponed for 5 or 6 days so we now sit here with flog all to do.  Siegfried line v much in news today.  Slept all morning and after lunch inspected a Boche battery at St Andrieux – SW of Octeville.  No ‘loot’ – went with Steve & Lyall.  On duty 6-11 pm.  wrote A while on duty – no work to do.  Rained on & off mostly on, after tea.

To A                                                                From Nil

16 Sept (Sat)

After good b’fast incl egg went out with Tim on an egg swan – morning’s bag was 6 eggs, 2 peaches, tomatoes, apples (each).  On duty from 1-6 pm.  good old map flap from about 4 ocl – Came off duty at 6.30 – wrote A and sent off charms, washed my feet (v necessary!) then dinner, drink and so to bed early.  Lyall went back to Army so I’m ‘font sent’ in the tent now – move Mon to Dieppe.

To – A (R.L. + charms)                               From   L

A

Clocks back an hour.

17 Sept (Sun)

When I put my watch back at ‘last light’ just prior to going to sleep found it was 8.45 pm! – Up early good b’fast – egg, sausage, tomato & bacon! (see 16 Sept) – nothing much this morning except at end when I went out to help sort out a traffic problem.  After lunch read & slept til 4 ocl tea then good game of soccer offrs v sergeants – Draw 6-6 (yours truly got 3) – After super wash & dinner wrote A in V1 then packed up prior to tomorrows move and relieved John R at 10.30.  excellent news about 1 Airborne Army drop today.

To – A                                                            From Nil

18 Sep (Mon)

Moved today to Smermesnil – about 30 miles SE of DIEPPE – not far from NEUFCHATEL.  Felt very stiff today – on duty 7- 10.30 – rozzer in one of his usual ill-bred uneducated moods – otherwise not much to report.  News of Airborne landings good – 60% of objectives taken so far.  Good show.  Quiet night no flaps. Left old locn at 9.40.

Finished Flowers for the Judge – v good.

To – L (during night)                                    From Nil

19 Sept (Tues)

Domestic morning – wrote A during morning got kit sorted out – on duty 1 ocl until 6 pm after which had wizard half hours no 6 practice before an early dinner.  Very early night after listening to excellent news all round & finishing off letter to A.  Wizard letter from A, tres bien reçu et avec beaucoup d’excitement!

To A                                                  From A

20 Sept (Wed)

Up pretty early – 7.15 am – expecting to be in the infm Room but plan changed – usual duty 8.30-1 pm.  Lovely day – sunny & warm.  After lunch, armed with mass of cheque books went over to Rear.  For self cashed £3-19-4 (700f Belgian) – after tea wrote A and had half hour with no 6 in field just by Rear Area.  Wrote again after v good dinner which consisted inter alia of trout – paid out my 50f bet lost to Nigel.  Steve a bit tight took over from him at 10.30 pm hectic to start with –

To A                                                    From – L

     G                                                               G, B, JQ

21 Sept (Thurs)

Left at 6.15 after hectic night with one hours sleep.  Route – EU – St Valery – up just W of Bethune where I left the 49 Div column I had been watching – back through Arras (I brought a wizard bot of Houbijaut 350fr) – Cambrai to our staging area just W of Valenciennes.  No real sign of poverty, illness etc – all absolute balls.  Arrived at Staging Camp at 6 ocl.  Shared tent with Roger Hopkins.  Had good lunch up side lane – bought a few eggs and had a couple hard boiled for lunch.  Stephen G tight last night?  Went in – though someone out of office – sure to get away with it – he did!

Through Ochancourt where A Tp in 1940 were surrounded.

From – Nil                                                      To – Nil

22 Sept (Fri) Demob scheme]

                        Extra pay          ] announced

Up at 5.30 and on the rd at 6.30.  Up through Mons, Hal, Brussels, and Mechelin (Malines).  Took up my posn in rd just W of Mechelin but was never given any infm by the G1 (B.S.) who said he would give me the dope before 2 pm.  Brussels super – buy anything – people well dressed – far better than London – no damage.  Had wizard 2d in civvy house seat and chain!  He had fought near Pari in last war – Houthulst Foret – F*** – E on left *** Essex R.  Left at 6.30 & was led by LO to our new HQ in a SUPER hotel at Keerbergen – champagne etc.  Bed at 11 ocl in Hull’s tent – all the Belgium smells & noises.  In part finest just like Zute G.C. Trains etc & car hooters.

To Nil  (Bought pipe in Hal & tomatoes & pears) From Nil

23 Sept (Sat)

Pictures of King & Q Astrid everywhere & notices ‘Hearty Welcome & gratitude to our Liberators’ – crowds v excited – felt quite a hero!

On duty tomorrow am at 8.30.  On duty today 1-6 pm.  Nothing very much doing – no major flaps.  Wrote A during am and again after dinner.  Had superb bath – water not boiling but OK to sit in.  Early night – read Summer Pie and ate large quantities of fruit before going to bed.  Lovely day – masses of gliders over during afternoon.

To A                                                    From Nil

24 Sep (Sunday)

Up at 7.15 and had super breakfast – egg, tomato, sausage and beans.  Lovely day with perpetual showers.  On duty 8.30 – 1.  After lunch had my hair cut by Williams – then had hours shut-eye before tea – feeling none too well – bloody tired and also have ‘external pile’ thanks to this bloody army life.  Dance in mess tonight – thank heavens on duty so not taking part – my next proper dance will be with A (GBH) and I shall enjoy that no end.  Shower & hair wash before dinner – Wrote A in V1 after dinner – 49 doing well across Turnhout – Antwerp Canal.

To A                                                    From ECS.

25 Sept (Monday)

What’s gone wrong with this war, there seems to be no organisation anywhere and everything seems to be just drifting along – no grip – eh bien.  Not much sleep last night.  Slept all morning – pile no better – Doc gave me some ointment.  After lunch went into Malines with Tim.  Bought scent, 4711, powder and nail scissors.  Good tea – coffee fruit ice and macaroons.  On duty 6 pm unpleasant atmosphere as usual in office – Didn’t get away until 11.30 pm.  Dull wet day

To L (LC)                                           From A (2) L, Parcel L.

26 Sept (Tues)

Moved today to SANTHOVEN – messes in Chateau surrounded by moat v picturesque.  Piles no better.  Wrote A during morning then travelled with Martin in V1.  After tea wrote again and had very early night, now have pansy compo table in my tent.

Illustration

** – not meant to be in perspective.

To L                                                    From   L

     A (2)                                                          B

27 Sept (Wed)

Up bright and early good b’fast, egg tomato, sausage.  After coming off duty at 1.15 quick lunch then into Antwerp with Tim.  Super shopping etc town.  Didn’t buy much, purchases incl 2 stamps, I didn’t want much, 2 very nice little danglers for A’s bracelet, crest of Le Havre and Antwerp.  Good tea – coffee, dame blanche ice and creamy cakes.  Had a glass of hock before I left there another on way back at LIERRE where I bought for 21frs, 1 kilo plums ½ kilo Muscat grapes.  So after letter writing, on duty at 11 pm.

To A                                                   From G

28 Sep (Thurs)

Very lazy day – comparatively peaceful night then slept til 2.30 pm – read Judith Paris, first class book, til 4.15 – wash shave tea – After tea I packed some scent into a tin for A then was on duty 6-11 pm – drank Boche Rum – with Tim before dinner.  Letter from A great show – kept it to read in bed – lights (candles) out at 12.15 am.

To – Nil                                              From A

29 Sept (Fri)

Off all morning – b’fast at 9.20 then after writing to A went over to Rear HQ where I cashed cheque for £5-13-4.  Duty 1-6 pm.  After I came off I wrote again to A – oh! God how I just live only to be back with her, will this bloody war never end?  Than very early to bed after dinner.  Otherwise absolutely NTR today.

To A                                                    From Nil

30 Sep (Sat)

On duty 8.30-1 pm.  After lunch packed up parcels to A & L.  Then read Judith Paris til tea.  After tea frigged about until 6 ocl when, in Tim’s car, Tim Lyall & I went in to Antwerp.  Had super bath at The Century Hotel also washed my hair – had couple of drinks with a Belgian – v patriotic type!  Dinner – celery soup, steak, potatoes and beans, fruit ice.  Beau red wine.  Arrived back 10.30 wrote A til 11 pm then on duty – cold and wet night.  Slept 2.45-6.15 – Wrote L and A again before getting to sleep – have got foul cold.

To A Parcel A                                   From A

     L                                                                L (*** L)

                                                  THE V-2 ROCKET

September 1944        
By order of the Reichsführer SS, the date of the initial employment of the A-4 was set for September 5, 1944. Two officers are provided with the necessary authority to bring the two groups North and South into action. Leader of Group North is Major Mertin. Leader of Group South is Major Schulz.         

Shortage of time and the problems of bringing a new weapon into action, as well as the uncertainty of activities at the front, will hinder these plans. The staff of the supply platoon was divided. Oberst zum Eschenhoff remains in Group North, Major Jester is transferred to Group South for the supply task. Group South receives a greater number of vehicles, for the transport platoon 899. In another meeting Major Mertin is charged with the task to determine the transfer of the units of the former Harko 191 and Gen.Kdo. LXV. A.K. to the A-4 troop.              

2 September 1944, Saturday, Battery 444 travelled to Euskirchen with orders to proceed south to attack Paris. On Sunday, September 3, Battery 485 moves into Den Haag (The Hague) to set up operations against London. The influential suburb of Wassenaar is chosen as the first launching location.   

6 September 1944, Wednesday 09.00 hours and 09.40 hours – Battery 444, St. Vith, 18 km southeast of Malmedy (Belgium), rocket misfire.  Both rockets came up to full power, lifted a few feet and then set back down on firing table, still vertical, when engines cut off. The intended target for each rocket was Paris. Battery 444 also suffered its first combat losses this same day when the unit was attacked by partisans.

7 September 1944, Thursday, Battery 444 moves to a new Site (17 miles southeast of former Site) near Houffalize (Belgium). It was a place between Baraque de Fraiture et Houffalize, in an area (very little village, only a few houses) called Petites Tailles. This is about 3 km south of Barraque de Fraiture.  Meanwhile Battery 2/485 in Wassenaar experienced a storm that uprooted trees (one tree fell on the test tent). Also problems with the new ground equipment delayed the launches.

8 September, (+/-18.35 hours) – Batt. 2./485, Wassenaar, crossroads of Lijsterlaan / Schouwweg, V-2 rocket fired, impacted either Chiswick (3 dead, 7 seriously injured. 7 Houses demolished) or Epping, Essex (fell in Parndon Wood. Slight damage to two cottages).

The launches on September 8 from Wassenaar lifted off simultaneously and were performed using the I-Gerät. However, confusing radio signals were transmitted during the launches and the reactions of the enemy observed.

9 September, Saturday, the RAF located the first launching Sites in Wassenaar and attacked. A heated battle ensued with anti-aircraft batteries. Later that night, troops of Battery 1/485 set up operations in the Wassenaar area near The Hague. Group North is reorganized: Major Mertin is charged with special tasks. Major von Ploetz now is leader of Group North. Oberst Hohmann is again leader of Battalion 485.

10 September 1944, Sunday, (+/-21.25 hours) – Battery 1/485, Wassenaar, Beukenhorst, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Fambridge, Essex. The Rocket disintegrated before impact. Slight damage to buildings on two farms.

12 September 1944, Tuesday, (08.14 hours) – Battery 1/485 or Battery 2/485, Duindigt, V-2 rocket fired, impacted Dagenham. Fell in school grounds. Two surface shelters demolished, one wing of school destroyed by fire. Twelve people were seriously injured.

12 September 1944, Tuesday, (17.50 hours) – Battery 1/485 or Battery 2/485, (Site Unknown), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Paglesham, Essex. Fell on marshland. Slight damage to farm building.

13 September 1944, Wednesday, (11.05 hours) – Battery 1/485 or Battery 2/485, Duindigt, V-2 rocket fired, impacted North Sea in mouth of River Blackwater, Essex.

On the 15th intensive air activities over Group North (The Hague) by RAF resulted in losses, both in men and material. The air activities force the V-2 troops to change positions. Replacement launch sites south of Den Haag were determined. One prepared, but unused launch site was even destroyed. Battery 444 arrived at Walcheren from Stavelot, Belgium (via Germany) and set up operations against London. Group South begins launching against Lille.

15 September 1944, Friday, (22.33 hours) – Battery 1/485 or Battery 2/485, Wassenaar, V-2 rocket fired, impacted in a farm field at Noak Hill, near Romford, Essex. The Rocket disintegrated before impact.

General Kammler had travelled to Walcheren and was present when the first launches were performed against London. However, the preparations for the next round of launches were hampered by intensive air activities of the enemy. The supply line was interrupted for 12 or more hours due to the bombings of the road Bergen op Zoom/Middelburg between 19.00 and 20.00 hours.

16 September 1944, Saturday, (+/- 07.00 hours) – Battery 444, Walcheren, Serooskerke, Vrederust, V-2 rocket fired, impacted East Ham. Direct hit on houses. Six people killed and fifteen seriously injured. Four Houses demolished. Large pieces of the rocket remains were taken to the East Ham police station.

 Direct hit on houses in East Ham

17 September 1944, Sunday, (13.02 hours) – Battery 485, (location unknown), V-2 rocket fired, impacted Hockley, Essex. Fell on open ground among brambles. Three people seriously injured.

Just after noon on September 17, 1944, 12 Spitfires of No. 229 Squadron RAF took off from their base at Coltishall. Their mission was to scan a stretch of the Dutch coast looking for evidence of rocket activity. While patrolling at 12,000 feet over North Holland, they witnessed a V-2 rising in the distance at terrific speed. The rocket impacted several minutes later in greater London at Coulsdon. The Spitfires were too far away to discern the exact location from which the rocket had been fired. They could only report the general location, which was near the coast, possibly The Hague. Battery 444 launched their final rocket of the day that evening, which came down at Adelaide Road, Brockley, Lewisham, killing 14 people and injuring another 41. (Ref: T Dungan, V-2: A Combat History of the First Ballistic Missile, 2005).

Later that evening, 27 Lancaster bombers and 5 Mosquito’s, acting on a tip from the Dutch underground, attacked the surrounding area near Beukenhorst between Raaphorstlaan and Eikenhorstlaan. The attack took place between 18.38 hrs and 18.48 hrs. 169 tons of Brisant high explosive bombs and twenty-four 250-pound marker-bombs were dropped. Sighted visually, the target was well marked and the attack was concentrated with many bombs falling directly on target. These heavily wooded areas southeast of Wassenaar were suspected as V-2 supply depots but in fact were not.

Very intensive enemy air activity around Nijmegen and Arnhem during the start of Operation Market Garden. Allied paratrooper landings near the command post of SB.2 near Nijmegen.

After September 18-19 there were no V-2 troops near The Hague. Because of the Allied invasion of Operation “Market Garden,” both the 1/485 and 2/485 moved to positions in the area Burgsteinfurt –Münster-Coesfeld with the new target area Belgian and northern French industrial area, while Battery 444 moved overnight to Dordrecht and supply site Blasig to east of Utrecht, then to Rijs in Gaasterland. Command post of SB.2 and Group North move to Darfeld.

Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service September 1944.

Date                Time   Location         Damage

04/09/1944    18.50  Hadleigh        A Barrage balloon grounded and caused damage

to overhead electric cables, telephone wires and chimney of house.  N.C. or other damage.

10/09/1944    16.25  Childerditch  Ernest Charles Holden, age 49, of 1 Masefield

Crescent Gidea Park was killed as the result of an explosion which occurred whilst he was taking part in Home Guard exercises.

12/09/1944    13.00  Benfleet         A meteorological balloon and kite fell on Bonville’s

                                                            Farm.  N.D.C.

12/09/1944    17.55  Paglesham    1 – ‘H.B’ (Big Ben) fell on East Hall Marshes NE of

East Hall causing crater 45′ x 20′.  A considerable amount of electrical equipment was scattered over a wide area.  Very minor damage to property.  N.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown   Herongate         1 – Ux.A.A. Shell found in bank E side of

                                                            Waterworks.  Date and time of falling unknown.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – Ux.A.A. Shell found in L.N.E.R.

                                                            embankment.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hullbridge          1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in garden rear of

                                                            “Cranley” The Walk.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hockley  1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell on Blackburn Farm, Hurrell’s

                                                            Lane Church Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hawkwell            1 – Ux.H.E. fell in field 60 yards SW of

                                                            Mahala Lodge, Sunny Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in field on Creasey’s Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Herongate  1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in wheatfield 1/4 mile SE of

                                                            Heron Hall.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in field 3/4 mile W of

                                                            Creasey’s Farm.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Shenfield            1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in field 40 yards S of

                                                            L.N.E.R. line and 30 yards W of Arnold’s   N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in Cedar Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Laindon  1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in field 1/4 mile S of Hart’s

                                                            Farm Basildon Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Bowers    1 – Ux.S.Y.B. found 200 yards W of North Staines

                                           Gifford    Farm.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  East         1 – A.A. Shell unexploded fell in copse 500 yards

                                          Horndon W of Military Camp.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Little         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 200 yards N of

                                          Warley     Rectory Chase.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown Herongate           1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field rear of ‘Old

                                                            Dog’ P.H.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Vange     1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in in field 1/4 mile N of Vange

                                                            Hall.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in in field 300 yards S

                                                            of railway bridge Nags Head Lane.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Mountnessing   1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 500 yards N of

                                                            Fitzwalters Farm.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on Hart’s

                                                            House Estate Hartswood Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  East         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in in field 500 yards N of

Horndon  Arterial Road 100 yards E of Thorndon Avenue.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Ramsden            1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 150 yards W of

                                          Bellhouse           The Hall Church Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Rochford 1 – Ux. H.E. fell in field on Shopland Hall.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Pitsea      1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in back garden of 59 Rectory

                                                            Hill Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Ingrave   1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in ploughed field 100 yards S

of Hatch House and 100 yards W of Hatch Farm Thorndon Park.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  East         1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in field 440 yards N of Arterial

                                         Horndon   Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Laindon  1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 50 yards SE of

“Woodlands” bungalow Ladysmith Avenue.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  North       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 150 yards NE of

                                          Benfleet  telephone Exchange Pound Lane.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in footpath N side of Rayleigh

Road 40 yards W of Havering Gore Bridge.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Dunton    1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 600 yards N of

                                                            Dunton Church.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Dunton    1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 300 yards SW of

                                                            Dunton Hall Farm.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Dunton    1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in L.M.S. railway

embankment S of railway line, 10 yards W of railway arch on Dunton Hall Farm.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Rayleigh 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in Cemetery Hockley Road. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown Cranham 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in ploughed field 30 ft S of

Arterial Road and 300 yards E of Front Lane Cranham.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Laindon  1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 600 yards E of White’s

Farm, 300 yards N of Wash Road.  N.D.C.13/09/1944 Unknown  Laindon         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on N side of Arterial Road 1/4 mile W of “Fortune of War” crossroads.   N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Great       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 20 yards E of

                                          Warley     Jermain’s Wood.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Great       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on Oldbury Farm. 

                                         Wakering N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Rochford 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 100 yards NE of

                                                            Waterworks.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hutton     2 – Ux. A.A. Shells fell in field S of Brindle’s Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Great       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 600 yards E of White’s

                                          Burstead Farm.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Crays       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 30 yards S of “Shirley”

                                           Hill          London Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Rayleigh 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in front garden of “Dingle

                                                            Dell” Bull Lane.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Mountnessing   1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on Fitzwalters

                                                            Farm 200 yards W of Stephens House.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Great       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 100 yards E of

                                          Warley     Dickenson’s Farm Warley Street.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hadleigh 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell at Salvation Army Colony. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell exploded on Calcott Hall

                                                            Farm, Ongar Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Vange     3 – Ux. A.A. Shells fell in close vicinity to “The

                                                            Oaks” Timberlog Lane.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Great       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in kitchen garden of Hampton

                                          Warley     House Warley Hill.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Laindon  At 11-00 on 3.7.44 an aluminium canister 14″ x 4″

believed to be an oxygen cylinder bearing the word “Luftwaffe” and various figures, was found on waste ground where it had apparently been for some time.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Herongate          1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 200 yards E of

                                                            Billericay Road.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Potton     1 – H.E. exploded 1 1/2 miles NE of Potton Island

                                           Island     Farmhouse.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Paglesham        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 100 yards W of

                                                            West Hall Farmhouse.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hadleigh A cannon shell caused slight damage to roof and

ceilings of a bungalow “Sunset” Woodfield Road.  N.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Billericay 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in back garden of “Hilltop”

                                                            bungalow Highfield Road S Green.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Childerditch       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell nr dried pond in field

                                                            430 yards SW of Childerditch Hall.  N.D.C.

13/09/1944    Unknown  Bowers    1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell on marshes.  N.D.C.

       Gifford

13/09/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on Bushwood Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

17/09/1944    12.05  Hockley          1 – ‘R.B’ exploded in St Peter’s Road causing 1

serious and 2 slight casualties, also serious damage to 4 large greenhouses and ‘D’ damage to approx. 7 houses.

17/09/1944    20.40  Canewdon    1 ‘Fly’ exploded 75 yards W of Creeksea Washway

Road.  No casualties, slight damage to 2 dwellings and farm buildings.

17/09/1944    Unknown   Vange    A Lieut. Ott of 3rd Btn Essex Home Guard during

an exercise at Vange Hall Farm was accidentally shot through the body by a Pte Saville inadvertently using live ammunition and died at Billericay Hospital on 27.9.44.

24/09/1944    20.35  Ashingdon    An American aircraft believed Marauder crashed

and exploded in field near Noon’s Farm.  The bodies of four airmen were recovered and conveyed to RAF Aerodrome Rochford.  Number and Station of aircraft were not known.

28/09/1944    15.20  Foulness       An American Mustang aircraft crashed 300 yards

Island             SE of Sandy Cottages and 500 yards due W of Foulness Church and was completely burnt out.  The Pilot James W Leek (No believed 0/763243) was killed.  RAF informed.  The number of aircraft and station were unknown.

Captain PC Benham 23 Sept 44

23 Sept (Sat)

Pictures of King & Q Astrid everywhere & notices ‘Hearty Welcome & gratitude to our Liberators’ – crowds v excited – felt quite a hero!

On duty tomorrow am at 8.30.  On duty today 1-6 pm.  Nothing very much doing – no major flaps.  Wrote A during am and again after dinner.  Had superb bath – water not boiling but OK to sit in.  Early night – read Summer Pie and ate large quantities of fruit before going to bed.  Lovely day – masses of gliders over during afternoon.

To A                                                    From Nil

Captain PC Benham 22 Sept 44

22 Sept (Fri) Demob scheme]

                        Extra pay          ] announced

Up at 5.30 and on the rd at 6.30.  Up through Mons, Hal, Brussels, and Mechelin (Malines).  Took up my posn in rd just W of Mechelin but was never given any infm by the G1 (B.S.) who said he would give me the dope before 2 pm.  Brussels super – buy anything – people well dressed – far better than London – no damage.  Had wizard 2d in civvy house seat and chain!  He had fought near Pari in last war – Houthulst Foret – F*** – E on left *** Essex R.  Left at 6.30 & was led by LO to our new HQ in a SUPER hotel at Keerbergen – champagne etc.  Bed at 11 ocl in Hull’s tent – all the Belgium smells & noises.  In part finest just like Zute G.C. Trains etc & car hooters.

To Nil  (Bought pipe in Hal & tomatoes & pears) From Nil