Sword Beach to Bremen., A Veterans tale. Sapper

Brian :

I think it maybe safe to say that your stories/memories are safe here. I can think of several other forums right now that your story would be gone in seconds and used elsewhere possibly for very selfish reasons......please continue.

E

 

HI Sommecourt and Carl. I take in all that you say. to be perfectly honest, I was being naive to think that it would not be copied, or used.

Stevin had suggested that what has been written here could be made into a little book. That seems to me to be sensible. especially if it was shared amongst the forum members. You did mention the copyright. In this case most of what I have subscribed came from my book entitled "Camoes of war" Written for my family.that is on file.

Hello Everyone. I hope that you all had a very nice Christmas. Back to the war!

February 25th 1945, The company joined the battle (Operation Heather) just South of the Reichwald Forest and relieved the 15th Scottish Division at Pfalzdorf near Goch.

Third British infantry division with 8th and 9th brigades up, the R.E. companies providing mine clearing teams with each of the brigades in this battle. On the left with the Suffolk regiment we cleared a path through the thick woods for the leading tanks, while the East Yorks regiment made good headway against considerable mortar fire, making it a very uncomfortable period.

During this time we lifted many Holzmines giving us something else to think about. Lifting mines is always a dangerous business, but even more so under heavy enemy fire. We also encountered a new menace, that of Teller mines buried deeply and beyond the range of our detectors, they lay there while several tanks and armoured vehicles crossed over, then blew up later. This was something quite new, there seemed to be no answer to this problem of deeply buried mines.

Meanwhile, back in England, I had returned to Lake House for final convalescence before being discharged to continue treatment in a Hospital near my home. My final discharge from treatment was to be a long way ahead. It was a time of great frustration and not a little despair. For the possibility of getting back to work seemed so far away, and so remote.

Lake House though, during that time of convalescence was an oasis of peace and relaxation, for Lake House in May time, was a beautiful and enchanting place. The gardens were wonderful, and with the River running through the bottom of the gardens, made it almost magical. All the while, the house itself bestowed on its inhabitants a warm and welcoming atmosphere, something it never lost, for some forty five years later, that welcoming feeling still persisted in this magical old manor House. (More of that later) I look back, (with not a little nostalgia) to my time spent at this place of peace, warmth, and security. A time in my life despite the severity of my spinal and leg injuries. I look back on as a golden period, for this old Elizabethan Manor. Lake House, was a magical place. Still is! (again, more of that later)
Next; the cold hard light of reality for the returning Veterans.
Sapper Brian.

 

Thanks Erich. I listen to what you say with interest. but I must be honest it was a bit naive of me.
Brian

 

Hello Sapper--so far your story has not appeared over on the few sites I live on either. Your story was mentioned over at the Wehrmacht forums by a few members and discussed a bit. I was emailed by a few there who liked reading your stories even though they arent registered members on this forum. I have also noticed that one site I go to--is trying to have a ww2 vet posting there as well but so far--no luck.

 

Just wanted to say Thanks to Sapper for sharing his story.

Thank you.

 

Hello Friends of the forum. Greetings Red Baron!

May I briefly depart from the general theme of this forum and discuss other matters that are allied to the interests of members.

Firstly, My old Division. “Monty’s Ironsides”. “The Iron Division”. Or, The Third British Infantry Division. This was an old and established infantry division, a ‘regular army div’ And, one of long standing. They fought in the ill fated early conflict that culminated in Dunkirk and provided the rearguard that enabled many to get away. On their return to England, they were the only division that was completely re-equipped ready for the next phase of the war. The intention at that time, was to return to France to continue the battle. Unfortunately, by that time France had capitulated.

Being Field Marshal Montgomery’s old Division, it was destined to be the “Assault Division” on the heavily defended ‘Queen Red’ and ‘Queen white’ sectors of ‘Sword Beach’ when the time came to return and free the enslaved peoples of Europe.

This division suffered the highest casualty rate of any division that fought in North West Europe in 1944. Their casualties were roughly equal to their total strength. I have in my possession the list of casualties. Sadly, so many type written pages. One of the unusual things about the casualty lists, are the very high number of those missing in action (MIA) their bodies were never found.

The Division also had the distinction of being the only one to have fought in all the battles from the beaches to the final victory in Bremen. A very distinguished record.
I am very proud to have served with ‘The Iron Division.

That brings me on to another interest for me. I have searched the internet for some considerable time, looking for other Veterans of my age. I must admit with precious little luck, for many of the old Veterans do not seem to be ‘computer literate’ The few I have found appear not to be interested in (or capable of) communicating over the internet. A shame! I hope I am not being unkind to the old Veterans!

Finally, I would have liked to have included the uniform insignia (on the forum) that we carried with us across Europe to Bremen, For I often wonder if there are still divisional sign to be found on the roadsides, scattered all the way on the route fromNorm andy to Bremen?
Next? Information on The present Division, and the NVA.
Sapper Brian.

 

The War. March the 1st. 246 R.E. HI Forum.
With the companies platoons spread far and wide with the Suffolk’s and the East York’s after the battle, had trouble in connecting these two regiment together. One of the sections under very heavy mortar and shell fire lifted 12 Holzmines.

As the division advanced they moved into a harbour area near the 185 Brigade axis, South of the Udem-Weeze road. The whole area was under intermittent shelling, with a few very uncomfortable solid shot screaming through the air. The whole area was heavily mined with Teller 35 s, many of these were lifted. But next day two armoured bulldozers were blown up by mines buried deep, the trouble with that was, they had been borrowed ‘on the quiet’ from the 11th Armoured div, we had lost all of ours previously.

The advance took the company to a harbour area just North of Kervenheim on the Third British Infantries axis.

To change the subject briefly; one of the best war time books, is a graphic description of the Third British Infantry’s exploits from Sword to Bremen. It is a fascinating story, but long out of print. If you can get hold of a copy I would recommend it to you. “Assault Division” Written by Norman Scarfe. Printed by Collins in 1947. The other book that is of great value to me, is one presented to me by Major General Mike Jac

 

The War. March the 1st. 246 R.E. HI Forum.
With the companies platoons spread far and wide with the Suffolk’s and the East York’s after the battle, had trouble in connecting these two regiment together. One of the sections under very heavy mortar and shell fire lifted 12 Holzmines.

As the division advanced they moved into a harbour area near the 185 Brigade axis, South of the Udem-Weeze road. The whole area was under intermittent shelling, with a few very uncomfortable solid shot screaming through the air. The whole area was heavily mined with Teller 35 s, many of these were lifted. But next day two armoured bulldozers were blown up by mines buried deep, the trouble with that was, they had been borrowed ‘on the quiet’ from the 11th Armoured div, we had lost all of ours previously.

The advance took the company to a harbour area just North of Kervenheim on the Third British Infantries axis.

To change the subject briefly; one of the best war time books, is a graphic description of the Third British Infantry’s exploits from Sword to Bremen. It is a fascinating story, but long out of print. If you can get hold of a copy I would recommend it to you. “Assault Division” Written by Norman Scarfe. Printed by Collins in 1947. The other book that is of great value to me, is one presented to me by Major General Mike Jackson. Entitled “Iron Division”. He commanded the successor to the old Third Div, it is now named; the Third UK Division. But! A very different animal to its previous Infantry make up. He has signed it for me.

General Mike Jackson was in charge of the troops that went to Kosovo. I believe they called him “Old Stone Face” Funny thing, everyone in the army has a “Nickname”

Some considerable time ago a few of us got together and formed the Normandy Veterans Association in this area. It is still thriving, but was split into to two, to help with the travelling! I was also involved in the founding of the "Market Garden Association" this was formed by all those that took part in the Arnhem battles,two sections. Those that landed by air, and those that tried so desperately to get them out. sadly, the numbers of both these Associations are fast diminishing.
Sapper Brian.

 

Hi Forum I dont know what happened there? for it seems to have loaded twice, once partly, Very odd.
Brian.

 

The Bells of Hermanville
D Day the 6th of June. 1944

Listen! Hear the Bells of Hermanville?
We who fought there, hear them still.

Across the years, our memories saved.
Of English men, who's lives they gave.
No song of lark, in war darkened sky.
In front of Caen, we all came to die.
In high golden corn, our wounded fell.
Then burned to death, for Freedoms Bell.

Pegasus bridge, came under fierce attack.
Our friends are dead, No! don't look back.
Listen? Is that the Freedom Bell we hear?
From across the sea, to drown our fear?.
For Mother Earth claims those that fall.
With soft Norman soil, to cover all.

For what lay ahead, fear gripped my soul.
The guns must be paid, a human toll.
Pounded in our Norman orchard here,
While men went mad, and died in fear.
Tell me? is that the call of Freedom Bell?
Or is it the harsh strident chimes of Hell?

On darkened, late, Mid-summers night.
With restless dreams, before dawns light.
Familiar faces gather, call my name.
Come! for Freedoms Bell, lets fight again!
Then into battle, with troubled dreams.
Watch men die, scream, curse, blaspheme.

For we, who are old, the guns still roar.
And long forgotten, young voices call.
Searching mortars, for humans seek.
To maim and kill, and wounding's wreak.
Hear the screams of men, in mortal pain?
Are those the Bells? That dread refrain?

Now Freedoms Bells, are muted, still.
Our hopes and dreams are not fulfilled.
We, still live the years of mighty deeds.
And grieve for our fallen, our wounded bleed.
Who will ring the Bell of Freedoms song?
When we are gone? When we are gone?

Brian Guy. Sapper. 246 Field Company, R. E.
Eighth Brigade "Monties Ironsides"
"Sword".

 

March the 2nd 1945.

The company ran into a very heavily mined area and had to make a clear track for the tanks of the 6th Guards armoured Brigade South of Kervenheim. Under fire and still losing tanks to deep buried mines. Then the battle started in earnest. At first everything went well. 11th Armoured div made good progress on left while we ran into schu mines with one of our officers losing his legs and we suffered casualties.

This took us through to the third of March. Meanwhile, back in England I had been to Salisbury Hospital, where I was discharged into civilian care. I found myself outside the hospital gates many miles away from my home. I could only walk with crutches, and then only with great difficulty, I had a “Caliper” fixed to my boots that took the weight on my groin. With my spinal injuries I was in a great deal of pain and I looked just like a concentration camp victim.

How I got home, I shall never know. I made my way by an almost none existent public transport of buses and trains, and it took me many hours. So much for the returning hero’s! One of my most abiding memories is just how bad we were treated, for it was becoming very obvious that we were nothing but a blasted nuisance. That was made even more plain and obvious, when we attended medical boards, to review the percentage of our war disabilities.

My first medical board was in a dingy little room with a bit of threadbare carpet on the floor, and a chair with the backing that was held together with string. Behind the desk was a very unpleasant young clerk who snapped out “Papers” and then virtually threw them back at me. The next thing, Oh dear! I must admit to losing my temper, for I leaned over his desk and picked him up by the front of his shirt until he was two feet off the ground and screamed in his face “call me Sir! you bastard, or I will rip your head off and stuff it up your backside” This had the immediate effect of restoring his manners! I seldom lose my temper, for whatever happens, we all feel a bit stupid after. This time? I felt a whole lot better! One thing is for sure, I bet that clerk was much more polite when handling other Veterans.
Sapper Brian.
The next episode;the drive to Winnekendink and beyond.

 

March the 2nd 1945.

The company ran into a very heavily mined area and had to make a clear track for the tanks of the 6th Guards armoured Brigade South of Kervenheim. Under fire and still losing tanks to deep buried mines. Then the battle started in earnest. At first everything went well. 11th Armoured div made good progress on left while we ran into schu mines with one of our officers losing his legs and we suffered casualties.

This took us through to the third of March. Meanwhile, back in England I had been to Salisbury Hospital, where I was discharged into civilian care. I found myself outside the hospital gates many miles away from my home. I could only walk with crutches, and then only with great difficulty, I had a “Caliper” fixed to my boots that took the weight on my groin. With my spinal injuries I was in a great deal of pain and I looked just like a concentration camp victim.

How I got home, I shall never know. I made my way by an almost none existent public transport of buses and trains, and it took me many hours. So much for the returning hero’s! One of my most abiding memories is just how bad we were treated, for it was becoming very obvious that we were nothing but a blasted nuisance. That was made even more plain and obvious, when we attended medical boards, to review the percentage of our war disabilities.

My first medical board was in a dingy little room with a bit of threadbare carpet on the floor, and a chair with the backing that was held together with string. Behind the desk was a very unpleasant young clerk who snapped out “Papers” and then virtually threw them back at me. The next thing, Oh dear! I must admit to losing my temper, for I leaned over his desk and picked him up by the front of his shirt until he was two feet off the ground and screamed in his face “call me Sir! you bastard, or I will rip your head off and stuff it up your backside” This had the immediate effect of restoring his manners! I seldom lose my temper, for whatever happens, we all feel a bit stupid after. This time? I felt a whole lot better! One thing is for sure, I bet that clerk was much more polite when handling other Veterans.
Sapper Brian.
The next episode;the drive to Winnekendink and beyond.

 

I dont know why this should happen? Sorry Brian

 

Happy New Year Brian--and thank you for the excellent story to end this year with.

Best Regards--Carl.

 

HI Thank you Carl. A very happy new year to all the forum members. may we hope that we are all here next year this time?
Brian.

 

Thank you Sir, I cant wait to "meet" you here in 2003.

I get emails from friends who also read your story but never post and or who are not actual members of these forums. They enjoy your memories very much too.

 

Hi Forum! Having already wished you all a very happy new year, all that we want now is for it to stop raining!

March the 4th 1944.
I can never understand two things about the war, why did Hitler not invade England? He would have had our not inconsiderable manufacturing capacity, and we had nothing to stop him except ‘guts’.

The second query is? Why for heavens sake did they fight so hard to stop the advance of the Allies? Especially when they were being over run by the Russians? The German people knew where they wanted to be, for they were streaming towards the West in droves. I mentioned before, that the enemy rearguards were determined to destroy everything in our path to hold us up. Consequently, we were constantly being obstructed by mined road blocks and cratered roads.

Back to the 4th of March. The battle raged in intensity Our company moved into a brickworks at Winnekendonk just East of Kevalier. All was going well under fierce enemy resistance until we came to a bloody great crater in the road. In that crater was a huge German SP gun. Under fire we blew the gun off, and then burned the tank out, and with our armoured bulldozer pushed it on its side and filled the hole in. just in time for the advance of the Guards Armoured div to pass over the crater and pass through us (Third Div) to take up the attack and on to Bonninghardt.

At the same time the R. E. had to build a tank assault bridge on the Winnekendonk/Kapellen road.

Back in England, my old workplace had refused me my job back, with the words “You are a danger to yourself, and to others in the workshop” I hated that, for I had so looked forward to getting back into normal life. All my ambitions had vanished. Almost immediately I was sent to a “rehabilitation” centre at Egham in Surrey. Sick with disappointment and frustrated. (Though, how I ever thought I could start work with iron legs and crutches, I do now know)

I reported there, and with bad grace, feeling very sorry for myself. When I arrived, there was a man sat in one of the rooms attempting to play a piano. The sound he made was pretty awful, but as I got up close to him I saw that his hands had been badly burned so that his fingers were just bone covered in tight shiny skin. His face looked normal, until he turned round, and then I saw that the whole of his face on that side had been burned away. Lesson One! There is always someone worse off then yourself! The man in charge of the place was blinded, so I started to get things into perspective. That perspective was enhanced, when I became aware of the terrible injuries of the patients there.
Sapper brian.

 

Brian:

Wanted to wish you a personal Happy new year. Looks like almost all the forum members made it through the latter part of 2002 so far. Thank you agian for your continued posts putting things in your own words and the perspective it brings that war is horror ! We all must learn from your experiences.......hopefully.

E

 

Cheers Erich! Thank you for that.The folk on the forum have been very kind. Lets hope they will all be here next year.
Brian.

 

March the 5th 1945. Hi Forum, to continue the tales of long ago!

The company had to prepare for another bridging operation in conjunction with Guards Armoured div, the German anti tank ditches were quite a problem and slowed up the advance. Another section of the company bridged a huge crater on the Winnekendonk/Sonsbeck road.

While this was going on, in another dangerous operation, they removed 2 X 250 live booby trapped Bombs from the verge. Not funny under artillery fire! To keep the attack going they pushed on into the night, later a Kangeroo was extracted with the help of three more Kangeroos from the second crater. Another assault bridge was quickly completed at 2200 hours.

Meanwhile another section was completing the third Bridge at 0130 hours, All these bridges were built in the forward positions, while the Canadians were attacking Sonsbeck from the North West. All bridges were heavily defended against a possible enemy Panzer attack.

Back in England, I fumed with frustration while I recuperated at the rehabilitation centre at Egham. Pottering about in the Garden, would you believe? All the time attending physiotherapy, with the ladies who tried to get some movement back into my limbs. Cruel they were! Utterly and dedicatedly, Cruel, they told me to yell when it hurt, then gave my fixed joints another full blooded yank! Help!

There was a small bar at the end of the garden, but I was unable to get there, it was down a slope and I could not manage it. I made friends with another service man that had lost both legs. He used to walk from Egham to Virginia Water everyday, he would be out of the gates at the end of the drive, before I could get 20 yards. I teetered along with my crutches and my very painful iron calliper accompanied with some very bad ‘under my breath’ language. There is one thing that I lay claim to, and that is; I am undoubtedly, the Worlds worst patient. By a very wide margin! I still find the smell of hospitals deeply offensive!
Sapper Brian.