1st KOSB WAR DIARIES

During the morning rifle Coys were constantly and accurately mortared, shelled and Nebelwerfered. Few casualties caused.

Coys spent all day in improving their slit trenches, which were not as yet very habitable.

2/Lt Simpson of A Coy took out a small patrol to the railway and then back by way of the orchard 798318 where they found two dead Germans. They also saw two of the enemy walking northwards along the railway line in the area 798318.

B Coy sent out a patrol towards the railway but the patrol leader Cpl Pritchard was killed while observing from the railway.

C Coy sent out a patrol which observed from the railway between 797329 and 798324. They observed three houses occupied by the enemy, one of which was flying a red cross flag, and looked rather like an OP.

During the afternoon B Coy had sent out a patrol to recce the stream and bridge at 793313. After three attempts to approach, they had to withdraw owing to accurate mortar fire. This was the worst shelling and mortaring the Bn has experienced so far. Sixteen of our Shell and Mortar Reps were dealt with by the Artillery.

During the night contact was made with 3 Recce Regt on the left and with 2 RUR on left right.

A Coy patrol reported Schu mines on the level crossing and heard voices in the village.

B Coy sent a patrol out to orchard at 796310 via the bridge and the houses. There were no enemy there.