1st KOSB WAR DIARIES

There was some shelling and mortaring during the early hours of the morning. Very little enemy movement was seen.

A patrol of A Coy reported at mid-day that the enemy had withdrawn his outposts just East of the railway line to the South of the village at the level crossing. During this time five 3-inch Mortars were shooting at targets selected by C Coy on their front.

At 1400 hrs a platoon of A Coy tried to penetrate over the level crossing to the village, but were held up by Schu mines at the crossing.

B Coy sent out 12 platoon under command of Capt TJ Young, who were to find out if the enemy had withdrawn from the houses in SMAKT.

They penetrated into SMAKT without first clearing the houses, and were surprised by enemy MGs well concealed in the houses. Three men only managed to escape, and two more came back an hour or two later. The remainder (1 officer and 19 ORs) are presumed killed or prisoners. This confirmed that the enemy had not withdrawn.

No patrols were carried out by us during the night. We were prepared to give the enemy a very bloody nose if he attempted a patrol.