大象传媒

9-13 February 1945 at GENNEP

9 February
O5:00 hrs Massive fire opened by all arms on enemy positions included were both 1st and 1/7 Middlesex Regiment Machine Gun Battalions lined up together. Their 72 Vickers guns fired 7200,000 round of ammunition. Advancing later with 5 Black Watch there was a scene of devastation with enemy dead everywhere. After entering the REICHWALD near GRAFWEGEN a patrol of 3 Volunteers from each platoon (9 men) of 'C' Company 1/7 Middlesex Regiment with 2 Vickers Guns in carriers turned off to recce positions for 'C' Company to deny the enemy using the Mook-Gennep Road. Driving down a track they came under heavy enemy Spandau, mortar and anti-tank fire. Dismounting they then proceeded carrying their Vickers on their tripods. One gun firing to cover the other alternatively and in rushes of about 100 yards. At this stage help was requested from 4 tanks, these fired some Bessa and Shrapnel shells but were reluctant to enter the woods because of the panzerfaust fire and we were too few to protect them.

The Vickers M.G., one manned by Sgt. Dollin and Sgt. Haward and the other, by Corporal Sleeth D.C.M. (I forget the other N.C.O) had now been halted by 4 enemy pill boxes about 200 yards in front. Sgts Dollin and Haward then got 100 yards on the flank. Sgt. Dollin was shot in the head by a sniper and fell, Sgt. Haward went to his help but found him dead.

A spandau opened fire tearing through Sgt. Haward's jacket but somehow not wounding him, he managed to take the Vickers gun to the rear, together with his remaining men they joined a company of infantry and again attacked these enemy positions. After further casualties the infantry were called to rejoin the main attack, Major Pearson MC. 'C' Company commander decided not to continue. This enemy strongpoint was captured that night, it had been held by 40 of the enemy. Of the nine members of 1/7 Middlesex Regiment taking part 2 had been killed and 2 had been wounded.

10 February
10 Platoon were in position covering Mook-Gennep Road, firing at withdrawing enemy transport and infantry. Some prisoners were taken from the woods, late afternoon 10 and 12 Platoons carriers loaded into buffaloes together with infantry for assault across flooded area. It was very cold, snow was falling.

11 February
GENNEP under heavy artillery fire, have difficulty crossing the river we take up positions supporting the infantry.

12 February
11 Platoon moves to Ottersum 10 and 12 Platoon go to high ground at ref 791475 there was another night attack. We occupied former enemy trenches.

While taking these trenches my carrier loses a track as its about to leave, the carrier will be under observation and must be moved, replacing the track was a noisy job. Dennis Daly my driver and Sgt. Alcock start knocking out shackle pin an enemy spandau zeros in firing tracer. Fortunately the track is 'our' side of carrier. Every tap results in a burst of tracer hitting the far side, somehow in record time the track is on and the carrier limps away.

13 February
At first light a farm 300 yards in front of us, which had had been used by the enemy as an aid post for their wounded was evacuated by them under Red Cross Flags. I ordered my guns not to fire on them About midday an enemy patrol of about 30 strong advanced towards us, we think they want to find our positions so we do not fire as our infantry take care of them, about 1 hour later after heavy enemy shelling 3 tiger tanks and 400 infantry attack us. Sgt. Haward is in a forward observation trench with Capt. Hawkins 10 Platoon Commander, the Artillery F.O.O. Signals Officer and Sqdrn Officer of a troop of tanks supporting us.

Under intense fire from the Tiger Tanks (one of which had been knocked out) a shell landed on the parapet of the trench and exploded. The 3 Officers were killed and Capt. Hawkins was buried in sandy soil. Sgt. Haward managed to free himself and with his hands kept Captain Hawkins nose and mouth clear until they were dug out. By now the situation had deteriorated even more, the enemy had infiltrated around both flanks and our guns were under attack from all sides. To make matters worse our own artillery started shelling us, as all our wireless sets had been destroyed we could only send runners off with messages in the hope one would get through, as our casualties mounted we had to stand fast as there was nowhere else to go.

After a couple of hours we heard heavy fighting to our rear and saw the enemy withdrawing. On the first carrier to reach us I saw Major Pearson M.C. our Company Commander. I was certainly pleased to see him! During this action 10 and 12 Platoons fixed 80,000 rounds, Major Pearson was awarded a Bar to his M.C. for his actions in leading the relief column. Sgt. Haward was awarded the Military Medal for his conduct during these 5 days of heavy fighting.
I was awarded the Military Medal for my conduct in this battle but I am sure there were many others equally deserving who's bravery went unnoticed and unrewarded, as N.C.O. it was my duty to react as I did.

Jeffrey Haward M.M.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.