大象传媒

After crossing the river Seine our tank regiment the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO)led the Brigade on the chase, preceded by scout cars.
We were the lead tank and ahead on the road we could see what looked like soil and stones. As soon as we hit that bit of road there was the most almighty bang. I was flung up from the gunners seat into the cuppola and our new crew commander was rendered somewhat shell shocked and incoherent. Eddie Frazer, our wireless operator and I grabbed him and pulled him inside. We realized we had hit a mine or mines and the usual after effect was to be attacked by machine gun but none was forthcoming. Then, we heard shouts coming from the hillside to our left, we emerged from the turret and saw civilians high up on the bankside signalling to us that there were german soldiers dug in in front of them! Pete, (my brother) and I were promptly sent up the hillside to make them prisoners which we duly did! Meanwhile on the wireless net, whilst this was going on we could hear the late Brigadier Prior-Palmer shouting, 'push on, push on.' We couldn't, the front suspension had been wrecked by the mines and we were blocking the road. We were very quickly pushed out of the way and the advance continued without us. It would seem that the enemy, having seen the hosts of tanks and infantry had decided not to make a fight of it. Icanopit 2 (Tank name)had been destroyed and we were soon supplied with number 3 and told to catch up with the advance!

Part 2
The winter of 1945 was bitter indeed and particularly in and around the Siegfried Line. One day our squadron was given the task of moving into country where it was known the enemy sent patrols at night. This was an unusual tactic for tankmen, we usually, withdrew at night after the infantry had dug in. So our tanks were duly positioned and I was instructed to man the turret machine which one did by standing on the crew commanders seat in the turret. Eddie Frazer, our wireless operator, a Scot, was told to dig a trench and be ready for the enemy. The rest of the troop took up various positions and we all waited. Sure enough we eventually heard the enemy patrol marching down the road and talking amongst themselves. Suddenly Eddie shouted out in true Scots style, 'Halt! Who goes there!' The silence was intense and then we opened fire. I had visions of German soldiers lobbing their grenades on sticks into the turret and my knees were nearly up to my chin. The cease fire command was given and then a terrible cry of pain rang out and it seemed to go on and on. At first we thought it was part of a plan to trap us into giving our positions away, but in the end it became obvious some one was seriously wounded. So, our searchlights were switched on and firing resumed, up in the air, this time and a rescue was effected. The man had serious leg wounds. Early next morning our patrol found quite a few enemy wounded who had taken cover in the deserted houses nearby, in the bitter cold.

Part 3
Early in 1945 after much continuous action the regiment was withdrawn and some of us were sent to Louvain and there in the grounds of the Cathedral lots of tents had been set up. We were told there would be no parades or drill! but that we could sleep as long as we wanted, that food would always be available, no matter the hour. It was really quite wonderful and so peaceful and quiet. A touch of bliss indeed.

Part 4
Early in 1945 home leave was allowed and so all names were put in a beret. Pete and I put both our names on one piece of paper. This was quickly ruled out of order and so we put them in singly. Came the draw and I drew the week which included the 29th Jan and Pete drew a week which included the 12th March. The problem was Pete's 21st birthday was on the 29th Jan. So,we swapped dates, and I came home on the March date. Whilst at home I received a letter from Pete to say that Icanhopit 3 had been hit and there had been casualties. Eddie Frazer had been made crew commander for the battle in another tank and had been killed. I ended up kicking our pantry door in despair at the news. Icanhopit 4 was to follow. On the 4th May, my 21st birthday, we captured an 88mm gun and crew which had targeted us, but once again having seen the opposition and the columns of prisoners coming from the Bremen area, had decided discretion was the better part of valour. The war was definitely over!
Trooper L. A. Burn 14402732 5th Troop 'A' Squadron

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