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.