7th Survey Regiment R.A. March 1945

HOLSBEEK	1		Location of RHQ 891615
HOLSBEEK			Location of 53 Bty 905620
MAASBREE			Location of 54 Bty 825079
HOLSBEEK			Location of 12 Corps S Rg Tp HQ 907621
			day 1
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A. NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			F Sp : visibility prevented any observation from 1530 hrs to 1630 hrs,
			otherwise base fully manned; list of possible enemy OPs Completed and
			sent to CBO and 10 Svy Regt RA : enemy gun activity NIL
			S Rg : 2 periods of activity, 1045A to 1715A, 5 shelreps from guns
			reported as heavy, and 1650A to 1715A, producing 8 shelreps reported as
			several Fd; no locations obtained ; series of explosions reported 95^o
			at 1650A
			Svy : O/A :NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : O/A. NTR
	1/2		Night 1/2
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A. NTR
			Svy )
	1/2		54 Bty
			F Sp ) Both bases out of action 012230A on orders from CCRA 8 Corps
			S Rg )
			Svy O/A NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR
	2		Day 2
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR
	2/3		Night 2/3
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR

	3		Day 3
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
HOLSBEEK			F Sp ) advanced parties sent to HOLSBEEK rest area
			S Rg )
			Svy O/A NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR

	3/4		Night 3/4
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR


	4		Day 4
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
HOLSBEEK	4		54 Bty BHQ location 890615
			F Sp Main body moved to rest area HOLSBEEK HQ 890618
			S Rg Main body moved to rest area HOLSBEEK HQ 890620
			Svy O/A NTR

			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR
	4/5		Night 4/5
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR
	5		Day 5
			53 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, O/A NTR
	5/6		Night 5/6 53 Bty.
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
	5/6		54 Bty.
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps Srg Tp O/A NTR
	6		Day 6
			53 Bty
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty.
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps Srg Tp O/A NTR
	6/7		Night 6/7
			53 Bty
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty.
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			12 Corps Srg Tp O/A NTR
	7		Day 7
			53 Bty
			Fsp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			Fsp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps Srg Tp O/A NTR
	7/8		Night 7/8
			53 Bty
			Fsp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			Fsp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps Srg Tp O/A NTR
	8		Day 8
			53 Bty
			Fsp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			Fsp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
	8		12 Corps SRg Tp O/A NTR

	8/9		Night 8/9
			53 Bty
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			54 Bty
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps SRg Tp O/A NTR

	9		Day 9
PANNINGEN			RHQ. CO on recce, with Tac HQ moving to Area PANNINGEN 7704
7704			53 Bty
			FSp Recce party sent forward
			SRg
			Svy Recce party sent forward
			54 Bty
			Fsp Recce party forward
			SRg Recce party forward
			Svy Recce party forward
			12 Corps Srg Tp Recce party forward
	9/10		Night 9/10
			53 Bty
			Fsp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
	9/10		Night 9/10
			54 Bty
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps SRg Tp. O/A NTR
	10		Day 10
KASTENRAA			RHQ Tac. Now u/c 8 Corps. Holding Party moves to KASTENRAAR to recce
			billets for assembly area for regiment (KASTENRAAR 8122). Meanwhile at
			main HQ at HOLSBEEK the regiment takes necessary srcurity precautions
			removing formation signs from vehicles, clothing, etc. Also completed
			second observation ladder on half - track vehicle.
			53 Bty. Holding party KASTENRAAR. Recce area MARIENBAUM 0545. Main
			still at HOLSBEEK.
			SRg O/A NTR
			Svy See FSp
			54 Bty
			FSp ) Recce In area XANTEN 1041 BIRTEN 1338 SONNSBECK 0535 area.
			SRg ) Holding party at KASTENRAAR. Main Body still at HOLSBEEK
			Svy )
			12 Corps SRg Tp.
	10/11		Night 10/11
			53 Bty
			FSp )
			SRg ) O/A NTR
			Svy )
	10/11		night 10/11
			54 Bty
			F Sp )
			S Rg ) O/A. NTR
			Svy )
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : O/A NTR
	11		day 11
Kastenraa		1600A	RHQ main : moved up to Tac RHQ at KASTENRAA X rds est HQ
819227			53 Bty HQ
			F SP : main body moved up to area KASTENRAA 8122
			S Rg : tp moved to KASTENRAA
			Svy : tp moved to KASTENRAA
			54 Bty
			F Sp : moved to KASTENRAA
			S Rg : tp at KASTENRAA
			Svy : tp at KASTENRAA
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : at KASTENRAA
	11/12		night 11/12
			53 Bty
			F Sp
			S Rg
SONNSBECK			Svy : est RC at area SONNSBECK
			54 Bty
093421			F Sp : deploying area XANTEN : tp HQ 093421
109396			S Rg : deploying base roughly line of rly MARIENBAUM 0545 - XANTEN
			Tp HQ : 109396 ; in action on 4 - 1 at 111810A
	11/12		night 11/12
			54 Bty
			Svy : report centre being est 121200A
128351			12 Corps S Rg Tp, Nos 2 and 3 secs : 4 Pen deploying areas GINDERICH
			1739 and GIEST 1837 : tp HQ 128351
	12		day 12
LABBECK			RHQ : tac HQ in LABBECK mr 063393 ; main still ar KASTENBREE
			53 Bty HQ 028437
031421			F Sp : undertaking close obs by day ; HQ 031421
005419			S Rg : held in reserve ; recced hide at 005419
025425			Svy : closing section report centre at 121800A and opening as permanent
			report centre at 025425 : BPs fixed, 3
			54 Bty HQ : under comd 54 Bty, "B" Obs Tp 10 Svy Regt in action base E
			Post 189333 ( F Sp and closed obs ) : F Post 177358 ( F Sp and close obs ) ;
			G Post 172392 ( F Sp and close obs )
			F Sp : to be in action evening 12 Mar, base now manned by Cnd Obs Tp
			S Rg : tp in action on 4 left - hand mikes and 1 Ap ; will complete base
			by evening 12 Mar ; complete base will be M1 149356 M6 082425 ; AP "P"
			151382 : AP "Q" 112423
097381			Svy : svy report centre opened 121200A at 097381
130352			12 Corps S Rg Tp : tp HQ 130352 est at 121200A ; svy report centre same
			location ; svy of bases almost complete ; No 2 sec deployed HQ 167378,
			AP 171402 M1 180377 M4 150380
181353			No 3 section deployed HQ 181353 AP 198388 M1 182347 M4 179381
	12/13		night 12/13
			53 Bty
			F Sp : recce for close obs posns in area GINDERICH - VYNEN carried out ;
			VYNEN Ch (0846) to be completed during daylight : OP of 10 Svy
			GINDERICH Ch covers area centre 2042
			S Rg
			Svy : 8 BPs fixed during day and evening 12 Mar and list of BPs already
			est obtained from 2nd Cnd Svy Regt : 186 Fd Regt RA supplied with data
			and data completed for 6 Fd Regt RA ; comns est with F Sp, BHQ and RHQ
			54 Bty
093421			F Sp : HQ est at 093421 ; base lines completed and tp in action by
			121800A ; posts A 506025 545515 ( F Sp ) B 510007 544217 ( F Sp ) and
			( close obs ) ; C 511270 541256 ( F Sp and close obs) D 512694 539811
			( F Sp and close obs ) ; results during night - 2 HBs, 3 int reps, 4
			shelreps ; comns good
109396			S Rg ; Op HQ 109396 tp rear HQ 055406 ; base in action on 6 and 2 : svy
			completed : base M1 149356 M6 082425 ; AP "P" 151382 ; "Q" 112423 ;
			results - 7 HBs during night and 4 shelreps
			Svy : svy of S Rg base completed : 14 BPs provided in allotted area :
			smoke screen made difficulties in work
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : No 2 sec AP line laid and completed by 122330hrs;
			quiet night ; No 3 sec : jeep blown up by Riegal mine, 4 casualties -
			Gnr HARWOOD killed, Gnr JARVIE died of wounds 13 Mar, Bdr MELVILLE and
			Gnr COOPER serious injuries : jeep written off. Under comd 10 Svy
			counter mortar - base M1 182347 M4 178379 AP 197368 ; in action ;
			report line comn est with B tp 7 Svy Regt at 122100A.
	12/13		"B" Tp 10 Svy Regt : in action
	13		day 13
			53 Bty
			F Sp. D post deployed as single OP during day, withdrawn at 1700A at
			VYNEM church 0846. Recce for short base at MARIENBAUM church completed
			and REs contacted ref construction of tower. Results of D Post - 12
			Intelligence Reports
			S Rg. MARIENBAUM base recced M1 1034 4162 M6 0556 4580. Marked with
			banderole.
			Survey. Following regts on theatre grid : 59 Hy Regt RA, 67 Med Regt
			RA, 13 Med Regt RA, 79 Fd Regt RA, 186 Fd Regt RA, 80 Fd Regt RA, 6 Fd
			Regt RA. German Trig at 0835 found to be incorrect on trig list - true value 5
			508805.2 535125.1
			54 Bty
			F Sp. Lifting of smoke screen during afternoon gave OPs chance. 9
			Int Reps were produced of infantry activity which in most cases was
			taken on by local gunners. Considerable enemy gun activity after
			lifting of smoke screen and road XANTEN - MARIENBAUM came in for
			more attention particularly Y junction 105418 and X rds 088432. Alter-
			native line routes recced and will be laid morning 14 Mar.
			S Rg. Increase in gun activity during day produced 11 locations average
			accuracy B. Troop waggon lines moved to 113391. Increased visibility
			confirmed that AP"Q" Has covered approach but that AP "P" has last 200^x
			under obsn. "STOP" notice erected. AP "Q" disturbed at 1450 hrs by sudden
			arrival of shot down "squirt" jet plane ( probably ME 262 ) 100 metre
			NW of AP location.
			Survey. Special areas survry completed . " George " Radar, 79 Fd Regt
			RA and 25 Fd Regt RA and 65 med Regt RA supplied with theatre data.
	13		12 Corps S Rg Tp. Survey of bases completed and both bases in action
			Slight activity during day, no mortar activity. Survey : 16 BPs and
			points fixed during day and survey in allotted area complete
			No 2 section 10 Svy Regt. "B" Tp 10 Svy Regt : good visibility
			produced 12 Int reps including 50 infantry at 1435 hrs area 193417. These
			were dealt with by local gunner. 2 Shelreps obtained.
LABBECK			RHQ Main RHQ joines Tac at LABBECK. Comns established to Btys and tps
			and sigs centre to CBO 8 Corps.
	13/14		night 13/14
			53 Bty
			F Sp. NTR
			S Rg. NTR
			Svy. NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp. Visibility poor throughout night. Results - nil HBs. 15
			shelreps. Comns good.
			S Rg. 2 HBs, 17 shelreps, comns good.
			Svy. NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp. No 2 section. Extremely quiet night, two films only
			run. Results NIL. AP report that enemy have been reported digging
			in. No 3 section : several enemy guns active from 2014A to 2100a. No
			locations obtained but 8 sound bearings obtained. No HB or HM activity
			from 132100A onwards.
			"B" Tp 10 Svy Regt RA - NTR
	14		day 14
			53 Bty
			F Sp. OPs deployed. D Post at VYNEM ch ( 0846 ) and A Post at WARDT
			ch ( 1044 ). Results : Intreps, 4 : sound bearings, 8. Ground
			haze rendered visibility to between 1000^x and 2000^x for most part of day
	14		S Rg. NTR
			Svy. 6 BPs fixed. All Canadian BPs checked and found correct.
			54 Bty
			F Sp. Close obs impossible due to poor visibility preventing OPs
			from seeing any part of the river. Zone of obs of OPs increased as
			follows : A 35 - 145^o , B 355 - 136^o , C 10 - 110^o , D 00 - 120^o , Shel-
			reps produced - 6.
			S Rg. Enemy activity considerably less than preceeding 24 hours.
			Main activity AA but two HBs active at 1141 and 1258. Using
			experimental mike on base.
			Survry. 3 BPs fixed,
			12 Corps S Rg Tp . Little activity. Nil HBs. 8 BPs fixed. Data
			issued to 534 Hy Regt RA, 81 Fd Regt RA and Radar.
			No 2 section 10 Svy Regt. One HB location
	14/15		"B" Tp 10 Svy. NTR
			night 14/15
			53 Bty
			F SP, S Rg, Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : only 2 shelreps reporting during night
			S Rg : 18 HBs - all AA except 2 ; comns good.
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp. No 2 section : no locations obtained ; film
			complicated by aircraft and our arty activity ; AP line cut by shell
			fire at 2204 - restored by 0034 hrs . No 3 section ; no activity
			No 2 section / 10 svy Regt : no activity
			"B" Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : 5 shelreps
	15		day 15
			53 Bty
WARDT			F Sp. Close obs OPs manned at WARDT and VYNEM churches with "I" Posr
VYNEM			manning additional post at 0786 4890. REs completed erection of
			tower at 061443 and B post personnel are finishing off cabin construction.
			Good visibility during day resulted in 25 Intreps being produced. Also
			1 shelrep.
			S Rg : NTR
			Survey : 4 BPs fixed. Survey of MARIENBAUM base ( C Tp ) completed
			72 Med Regt supplied with data.
114380			54 Bty HQ est 114380. Efforts made to evict HQ from billets resisted
			vigorously.
			F Sp : improved visibility from 1400A gave D post a chance to see something of
			what goes on across the water. Total of 11 Intreps were produced - the
			majority covering infantry activity. C Post reported BISLICH church well
			and truly hit and at 1815 hrs it collapsed. Shelreps 3.
113358			S Rg. Quiet day with only 1 location. A number of films were run by
			Q on suspicion, but the gun or guns were inaudible. Tp main now at 113358.
			Survey : 2 further BPs produced in special area.
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, No 2 section. One location obtained. Little
			activity. New AP line laid on alternative route avoiding village.
			No 3 section. No enemy HB or HM activity during day. Lines to two
			mics o/a for one hour due to activities of bulldozer. In action by
			1520A. Svy : fixed 5 BPs and issued data to 77 Med Regt RA.
			No 2 section / 10 Svy Regt. No HM activity - little HB activity. Nil
			HBs, 3 shelreps.
			B Tp, 10 Svy Regt : 11 intreps, mainly covering infantry activity, were submitted
			and 7 shelreps.
	15/16		night 15/16
			53 Bty
			F Sp. S Rg, Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : 1 location ; visibility NIL from 0045 hrs.
			S Rg : 3 HBs and 5 activities reported
			Svy NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, No 2 section : marked enemy arty activity 1830A to
			2000A and 2300A to 0130A resulted in 14 Locations being obtained during
			periods. Rest of night quiet. 1 Intrep, 1 shelrep.
			No 3 section : enemy active at frequent intervals during night. 3 guns
			and 2 mortars located, 7 shelreps. Base out of action for one hour,
			151600A to 151700A due to broken lines
			No 2 sections / 10 Svy Regt : NTR
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : 5 int reps and 30 shelreps
	16		day 16
			F Sp, B Post tower completed at 061443. Three posts deployed. "I" Post
			as single OP at 0786 4890, D post at VYNEM church and A post at WARDT church.
			Visibility poor and 3 Intreps submitted during day.
			S Rg : NTR
			Survey : data issued to 59 Hy Regt. Internal survey of 165 HAA Regt RA
			in progress in area 0344. Troop compasses have been calibrated.
			54 Bty ; "Blind" day due to artificial and natural fog. Temporary
			improvement in visibility during early afternoon produced two intreps.
			Fwd OP recced and tower found to be extensively damaged and working party
			sent to repair it for use. Shelreps 3.
			S Rg. : quiet day producing 3 early morning locations and the "usual" one
			one location at 1645 hrs. Investigation of so-called "suspect AA films
			confirm that at least 90% of locations are actual gun posns.
	16		Svy : NTR. Prepared to move troop less report centre to 114381 owing to
			demand for billets.
			12 Corps S Rg Tp. No 2 section : two locations obtained. No 3 section
			Nil locations, 4 sound bearings obtained. Survey issued data to 13 Med Regt
			RA, 547 Fd Arty Bn US Army ( 9 ) and 549 Fd Arty Bn Us 9th Army.
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : obs impossible owing to visibility conditions. Fwd
			OP manned by tp Cdr throughout day but with NIL results. Shelreps 4
			No 2 section / 10 Svy Regt : slight HB activity - 4 locations obtained and 2
			shelreps sent to CMO.
	16/17		night 16/17
			53 Bty
			F Sp, S Rg, Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp. Comns good : Nil HBs and one shelrep reported
			S Rg. Comns good : 2 HBs and 1 activity obtained ; 1 morep and 5 shelreps
			submitted
			svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, No 2 section : generally quiet period ; AP line out at
			0100hrs and in action again by 0200hrs. Comns by 38 Set attempted but
			not successful owing to interference. At 0535 AP reported hy guns
			firing bearing 340 - 350 but records confused. One location obtained.
			No 3 section : 5 locations and 9 sound bearings obtained
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : 9 shelreps, 6 intreps and 1 morep obtained.
			No 2 section 10 Svy Regt : NTR
	17		53 Bty
			F Sp : day of excellent visibility produced some 77 intreps, building up
			picture of enemy locations ; B post survey completed.
			S Rg. : NTR
			Survey : Internal survey completed for 165 HAA Regt RA
	17		54 Bty
			F Sp : excellent visibility gave the troop its busiest day yet and 35
			intreps were produced. Ranging shoots were caried out with 59 Hy Regt
			on MEHR ch 1348 and HAFFEN church 1149. 18 rds on each tgt resulted in
			5 hits observed on the former and 4 on the latter. Demolitions in area
			of XANTEL caused frequentbreaks in line of right section of base.
			S Rg : 3 locations, otherwise comparatively quiet day until 1630 hrs when
			CBO gave warning of impending AA activity : 28 shelreps.
			Svy : 2 further "George" posns fixed.
			12 Corps S Rg Tp. No 2 section : 10 locations obtained. No 3 section :
			no locations obtained due to adverse wind conditions
			Survey : fixed 7 BPs and 3 microphone posns ; issued svy data to 548 Fd Arty Bn 9th
			US Army, 186 Fd Regt RA, 5 RHA, 1st Mountain Regt RA, 3 RHA and 133 Fd Regt RA.
			B tp 10 Svy Regt RA : 27 Intreps and 7 shelreps ; 2 active HBs observed from fwd
			OP but only area location possible. Two successful ranging shoots carried out
			on WESEL church and granary 219397 with 69 Hy Regt RA : WESEL church tower
			received 14 direct hits for expenditure of 40 rounds ( 7.2 ) but tower.
			still standing ; Granary now somewhat split with top missing.
			No 2 section 10 Svy Regt : 8 locations obtained.
	17/18		night 17/18
			53 Bty
			FSp, S Rg, Svy, : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : 2 locations HBs : 6 shelreps ; 7 intreps ; comns good.
			S Rg, 7 HBs - 4 HAA from the afternoons burst of activity : 5 shelreps;
			comns good
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, No 1 section : in action 0015hrs ; HQ 195371 ; AP
			202387 ; Mic 1 198365 ; Mic 4 180389 : nil locations during night.
195371	17/18		No 2 section 12 Corps S Rg Tp : 20 locations obtained during night.
			Great deal of trouble with comns but all locations sent to CBO. Flares
			seen and reported during night. No 3 section : no locations ; 13 shel-
			reps ; 2 moreps obtained.
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : 2 locations, hostile mortars : one shelrep.
			2/10 section 10 Svy Regt RA : 2 locations, hostile mortars ; one shelrep
	18		day 18
			53 Bty
			F Sp : smoke and mist made visibility extremely poor : 3 posts deployed
			as single OPs produced a batch of 16 intreps ; 1 HB location and 3
			single bearings.
			S Rg. : NTR
			Survey : data issued to 59 Med Regt RA, 72 Med Regt RA and survey of
			another troop position for 165 HAA completed.
			54 Bty
			F Sp : although smoke screen ceased at 1100hrs it was not until 1500
			hrs that visibility lifted sufficiently to allow observation of far bank
			of RHINE and at 1645 hrs smoke once more obscured entire zone . Never-
			theless 13 intreps were produced concerning movement in BISLICH 1342 and
			MUHLEHFELD 1543. The "usual" HB activity at 1630 hrs resulted in one
			location being obtained. Visibility postponed shoot on MEHR church and
			delayed considerably ranging shoot with 59 Hy Regt RA on HAFFEN churh ;
			12 rds fired resulted in 3 hits before smoke put and end to day's shoot.
			S Rg : 3 locations during day, all to left flank of base ; 2 of these
			were heavy guns and the third HAA.
			Svy : Svy Tp now at 114381 with report centre remaining in position
			advertised.
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : No 1 section : enemy activity slight on front with
	18		satisfactory record. No 2 section : one location : 4 shelreps, No 3
			section : enemy activity slight except concentration of about 35 rnds at
			1350hrs. Record confused and NIL locations : 4 shelreps sent in.
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : smoke and mist delayed continuationof shoot with
			59 Hy Regt but eventually WESEL church received a further 35 hits out of
			50 rds fired. The spire has now collapsed and the stone lower portion is
			considerably damaged. No intreps due partly to visibility and partly to
			accurate shooting of the enemy necessitating evacuation of forward OP. 10
			shelreps sent in.
			2 Sec 10 Svy Regt: HM and HB activity between 0430 and 0515 hrs was only
			activity reported. Films taken were confused and one plot was obtained.
			5 shelreps sent to CBO
	18/19		night 18/19
			53 Bty
			F Sp, S Rg, Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : results 2 HBs and 3 HBs active : 40 shelreps and 1 morep ; 19
			intreps : all comns good.
			S Rg: good comns ; 5 HBs and 2 activities reported during night
			Survey : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, No 1 section : HB activity slight until early hours of
			the morning : 4 locations obtained and 5 shelreps and 1 morep reported.
			AP shelled with troop salvos between 2030 and 2100 and heavy spandau fire
			over AP area. No 2 section : six locations obtained during night : AP
			line out at 0425 and repaired at 0545 hrs. Lines being dug in where
			possible. No 3 section : no locations : 16 shelreps ; activity mainly AA.
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : 1 area location : 23 shelreps and 3 intreps during
			night.
			No 2 section 10 Svy Regt : little activity reported except some HM and HB
	18/19		activity between 0430 and 0515 hrs nd 1 round from HB at 0550 hrs. Films
			difficult to read ; one location obtained ; 5 shelreps.
	19		day 19
			53 Bty
			F Sp : heavy smoke screen during most of day caused very poor
			visibility ; 3 posts deployed, produced 1 location, 25 intreps
			and 23 shelreps.
			S Rg : NTR
			Svy : survey data issued to 4th RHA
			54 Bty
			F Sp : smoke screen contained throughout day in area "A" Post but rest of
			base enjoyed good visibility and 25 intreps produced : shoot with 59 Hy
			carried out with 2 posts resulted in 15 direct hits and several very near
			misses on MEHR church 1348 for expenditure of 45 rounds ; tower consider-
			ably damaged but all shells hit stonework and spire has not yet collapsed
			HB was observed by 2 posts during shoot : location accuracy "Z".
			S Rg : 5 locations obtained - all AA ; more activity than of late, but a
			bad day for location. During busy period base out of action due to
			automatic wire layer cutting several lines ; 34 shelreps.
			Survey : 1 further BP established
			12 Corps S Rg Tp. No 1 section : 6 locations obtained, moderate HB
			activity ; MV of enemy guns very slightly above velocity of sound - shell
			wave obscures gun wave and makes film reading difficult. No 2 section :
			3 locations - quiet morning. Line being buried . No 3 section : 2
			locations obtained : 6 shelreps produced. Survey : NTR.
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : good visibility and 21 intreps obtained ; obs from
			OP at 200375 hastily concluded at 1531 hrs by enemy shelling - for the
			second time in 2 days ; 29 shelreps.
			No 2 sec 10 Svy Regt RA : slight HB and HM activity reported during the
			period ; 2 area locations were obtained and 12 shelreps were passed to
			CMO,
	19/		night 19/20
	20		53 Bty
			F Sp, S Rg, Svy NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : Nil HBs ; 11 shelreps ; 15 intreps ; comns good
			S Rg : 2 HBs : 27 shelreps : comns good.
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, No 1 sec : no fresh locations : adverse wind. No 2
			section : AP reported quiet night ; gusty wind confused films and
			increased during night to make S Rg impossible : additional mikes
			installed as follows M 5 519006 537581, M6 516785 537850. No 3 sec :
			1 location ; 5 shelreps ; slight HB activity. Svy :NTR
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : 11 int reps
			No 2 sec 10 Svy Regt RA ; no locations ; four shelreps ; 1 veesum. HQ
			shelled 1900 - 1920 hrs, fell 30^x away
	20		day 20
			53 bty
			F Sp : visibility good, comns good ; 4 posts deployed as single OPs,
			results 89 intreps, 16 shelreps.
			S Rg ; NTR
			Svy : data issued to 112 LAA Regt
			54 Bty
			F Sp : excelent visibility throughout day ; 55 intreps produced. Shoots
			with 59 Hy Regt on HAFFEN church and MEHR church 1348 completed. Written
			off as OPs HAFFEN church 1149 received 28 hits for expenditure of
			47 rds ; stone work still standing but wooden spire has colapsed, MEHR
			church 1348 received 23 direct hits for expenditure of 41 rds fired, 4
			in addition to hits secure before, is seriosly damaged. The spire has
			been removed altogether with 50% of the stonework. 1 HB reported
	20		S Rg : 2 locations, 1 activity result of days work, with 12 shelreps ;
			less activity than yesterday.
			Svy : internal survey of 3 regts has been checked.
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : no fresh locations obtained by No 1 sec ; 1 veesum
			sent in. No 2 sec : no locations obtained during a very quiet period ;
			lines dug in ; gun regt personnel moving into adjoining cellar. No 3
			sec : no HBs or HM activity during day : svy data issued to 83 Fd Regt
			RA, 61 Med Regt RA, 548 Fd Arty Bn 9th Army and Radar ; 2 BPs fixed
			( BP Rise and BP George ) . Data checked and internal survey checked 53
			Hy Regt, 77 Med Regt and 61 Med Regt RA.
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : "E" Post redeployed at 517924.8 535776.9 with zone of
			274^o - 51^o : 33 intreps produced during day : 9 shelreps.
			2 sec 10 Svy Regt : one location obtained ; 6 shelreps and moreps sent to
			CMO
	20/21		night 20/21
			53 Byt
			F Sp, S Rg, Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp, 4 HB, 9 shelreps, 11 intreps ; visibility poor poor ( 2000^x ) up to
			0200 hrs owing to smoke screen : good after 0200hrs
			S Rg : 9 HBs, 2 activities, 43 shelreps, 4 moreps, base fully in action
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp, No 1 sec : very quiet period ; 1 HB recorded at 0042
			own barrage made enemy guns inaudible . No 2 sec : 5 locations obtained ;
			at approx 0500hrs hy arty activity by own guns resulted in all records
			being unreadable. No 3 sec ; 1 location and 1 sound bearing. Svy :
			NTR
	20/21		B Tp 10 Svy Regt : 9 shelreps and 8 intreps reported ; comns good.
			No 2 sec 10 Svy Regt : 4 locations obtained, with many films taken
			unreadable ; 9 shelreps passed to CMO
	21		day 21
			53 Bty
			F Sp : 3 OPs deployed as single OPs during day, A at 172392, B at 062443
			and I at 079489. Results : 17 Intreps, 16 shelreps.
086432			S Rg : in action on mics 1 - 5 and Peter AP : base M1 510274 541642, M6
			505567 545760 ; troop HQ at 086432 and AP Peter at 099448 ( day) and
			096446 ( night ) : results : 4 sound bearings since 1400 hrs.
			Svy : internal survey of 72 Med Regt checked.
			54 Bty
			F Sp : bad visibility and smoke at 1500 hrs prevented the production of
			many results today. Nevertheless the 59 Hy Regt Baker Tp combination
			considerably damaged windmill in square 1643 with 12 hits out of 40
			rounds. This shoot was delayed by visibility until 1400hrs and
			abandoned at 1500 hrs when smoke screen commenced. 13 Intreps and 1
			shelrep completed the days work.
			S Rg : 8 locations and one activity ; 7 AA victims in area of square
			2050 provided majority of days bag. Line laid to 63 Med Regt RA and
			all lines now run full length of railway on base. Shelreps 21.
			Svy : operationally idle day. Maintenance carried out, otherwise NTR.
			12 Corps S Rg Tp No 1 sec : 2 locations, possibly AA at approx 1200 hrs.
			No 2 sec : quiet up to 1600A ; one location obtained . No 3 section :
			one location obtained at 1530 hrs At 1200 hrs No 3 section 4 Pen of
			10 Svy Regt arrived to take over base at 1800A. Svy : NTR
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : smoke and poor visibility interfered considerably
			today but 40 intreps of minor importance produced, also 8 shelreps. C
			Tp ( S Rg ) 10 Svy Regt also U/C, now concentrated at this HQ.
			No 2 sec 10 Svy Regt RA : six locations obtained : all AA. Poor
			accuracies, mainly "C - areas" ; due to extreme range of plots. Eleven
			shelreps sent to CMO.
	21/22		night 21/22
			53 Bty
			F Sp : short base in action ; Baker at 06194432, C at 06064551. Results
			7 " CONSUM" reports, 6 shelreps and 4 intreps, comns good ; smokescreen
			opened up at 0630 hrs - short base closed down.
			S Rg : in action on mics 1 - 6 and Peter AP ; activity slight to 0230hrs.
			thereafter quiet : 2 locations, 11 sound bearings.
			Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : 1 HB active ; 8 intreps ; 13 shelreps and comns good.
			S Rg : 7 HB locations : 4 activities : 49 shelreps and sound bearings ;
			8 moreps
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : No 1 section : 2 locations, HBs moderately active but
			large amount of shell - wave trouble. AP "W" taken over by No 3 sec at
			0600 hrs. No 2 sec : 6 locations in two spells of activity 0145 - 0352
			and at 0600 hrs ; 1 shelrep. No 3 sec out of action 211800A, base being
			taken over by No 3 sec 10 Svy Regt
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : 1 area location : 27 shelreps ; 4 intreps ; comns
			good.
			No 2 sec 10 Svy Regt ; 7 locations obtained
			No 3 sec 10 Svy Regt ; took over base from No 3 sec as above at 211800A ;
			3 shelreps obtained during night
	22		day 22
			53 Bty
			F Sp : visibility poor : smokescreen down all day : results - 8 shelreps
	22		S Rg : base in action on 6 mics and Peter. Peter moved to 098447 due
			to smoke from smoke screen. Results : 3 Locations, 8 activity reports ;
			50 sound bearings. Majority of sound bearings are due North of AP.
			Survey : survey data has been issued to 131 Fd Regt RA, 181 Fs Regt RA
			and 190 Fd Regt RA
			54 Bty
			BHQ : 5 shelreps reported during day ;
			F Sp. : smoke screen and/or fog prevented close obs throughout day: 1 Int-
			rep and 3 shelreps sum total of days work
			S Rg : steady activity during morning with quiet spell in afternoon untill
			1500hrs when more activity was recorded which continued until 1630 hrs;
			12 Locations and 2 activities produced ; 8 AA from 1 film : 21 shelreps
			sent in.
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp No 1 sec hand over to No 3 sec. No 2 sec : very
			quiet morning : NIL HB activity . No 3 sec took over from No 1 section
			and in action 1200A : no locations or shelreps. Survey : issued data
			to 3 RHA ( Bofors Posn ) and checked internal survey of following
			regts : 83 Fd Regt RA, 81 Fd Regt RA, 186 Fd Regt RA, 133 Fd Regt RA,
			547 Fd Arty Bn US 9th army and 549 Fd Arty Bn US Army. With one
			exception all checked to 01'
			"B" Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : NTR due to poor visibility.
			"C" Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : in action on 5 and 1 : M1 179333 M5 145382 : AP
			191371 HQ with B/10 Tp : results 7 locations during day, general accuracy
			B. No 3 sec 10 Svy RA : 9 shelreps or Moreps sent to CMO : slight
			HM and HB activity during period .
	22/23		night 22/23
			53 Bty
			F Sp : B and C posts in action as short base ; comns ok but visibility
	22/23		poor ; results - 4 shelreps
			S Rg : 3 locations since 1800A : Little activity throughout night until
			0500A
			Survey : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : nil HBs ; 18 shelreps ; nil intreps
			S Rg : 16 HBs located : 4 activities : 23 shelreps : 5 Moreps : base
			fully in action and comns good
			Survey : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp No 2 sec ; 1 Location ( the first centuary ) at 2250 hrs :
			met reports now arranged through C Tp 10 Svy Regt. No 3 sec : no
			locations : very slight HB and HM activity in zone ; 7 shelreps. Svy :
			NTR
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : 1 shelrep : 1 Intrep
			C Tp 10 Svy Regt : 2 HBs ; 16 shelreps ; 3 moreps
			No 2 sec 10 Svy Regt : nil HBs ; 6 shelreps.
	23		day 23
			F Sp ; Fair amount of activity on front with visibility from 5 - 1000
			yards. Item post in action as single OP at 0786 4890. Results
			shelreps 8, intreps 22.
			S Rg : inaction pn 1 and 6 ; some activity reported between 0900 and 1030
			hrs and 1530 and 1700 hrs ; results - locations obtained 7, activity
			reports 8, sound bearings 20.
			Svy : following regts have been checked for internal svy - 59 Hy Regt RA,
			131 Fd Regt RA, 181 Fd Regt RA, 190 Fd Regt RA, 6 Fd Regt RA, 4th RHA,
			80 Fd Regt RA ; svy checks to greatest error of 5'.
			54 Bty
			F Sp : visibility poor in early morning, improved at midday. The
			afternoons observation was interfered with by smoke but this cleared at
			1600hrs ; 27 intreps, 1 activity, 6 shelreps and 1 morep sum total of
	23		day's work. C-in-C visited C post during afternoon and spent considerable
			time in OP.
			S Rg : steady enemy activity throughout day ; one fresh location ; 7
			activities, 37 shelreps.
			Svy : last outstanding regt checked ; bearings of rds and rlys calculated
			and forwarded to RHQ.
			12 Corps S Rg Tp No 1 sec : base taken over was in action by 231500A :
			little HB activity - 1 location. No 2 sec : morning generally quiet ;
			burst of activity 1400A to 1500A resulting in 3 locations and 1 activity.
			Base comns and lines in order. No 3 sec : HBs and HMs fairly active at
			1300hrs ; no locations obtained : line to AP out of action for one hour.
			Svy : 3 RHA, 5 RHA, and 549 Fd Arty Bn internal svy checked : rly line and
			power line bearings calculated Eastern bank of River RHINE.
			F Sp 10 Svy Regt RA : visibility as reported above ; 6 intreps and 4 shel-
			reps during day.
			S Rg 10 Svy Regt RA : 40 new locations, majority with shelling connection
			- in 4 previously undetected gun areas. The first centred around SPELLEN
			2235, the second around sq 2736. The third area grid intersection 2940 and
			the fourth in BRUNEN 2748 area
	23/24		night 23/24
			53 Bty
			F Sp : "B" and "C" in action on short base ; ground mist ; comns OK,
			results 8 shelreps and 4 intreps
			S Rg : NTR
			Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : nil HBs : 29 shelreps : 20 Intreps
			S Rg : 3 HBs, 3 activities and 19 activities.
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S RG Tp No 1 sec : bulldozers making new track across line near
	23/24		mic 1 and at 2300A 3 lines out of action. No 2 sec : 5 shelreps : line to
			CBO jammed with traffic, causing delay. Report on enemy searchlights sent
			in 0032A. No 3 sec : much trouble with lines after start of operations ;
			base out of action from 2245 hrs due to lines - all lines out from
			240400A. 9 shelreps. No locations. Good deal of activity after
			American offensive opened. No 2 sec reports records impossible to read
			since commencement of "BLOTTER",
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt ; 7 intreps, 18 shelreps
			C Tp 10 Svy Regt ; 3 HBs, 10 shelreps
	24		day 24
			53 Bty
			F Sp : visibility approx 1500^xB post deployed at 0619 4432 ; results
			7 shelreps 1 consum report ; comns OK.
			S Rg : in action on 6 and Queen ; 3 locations obtained since 0600A ; 27
			single bearings also obtained : day has been reasonably quiet relative
			to enemy CB.
			Svy : data issued to 59 Med Regt area WAROT and work in progress for 13
			Med Regt at 110449
			54 Bty
			F Sp : poor visibility during day has interfered with detailed obs of
			the OP but 53 I reps produced concerning air and river activity, the
			latter between 1342 and 0946. Ferries at 106463 117463 117456 125433
			appear to have run with very little enemy interference throughout day.
			RE bridging coys reported concentrated at 133415 and 114457. Slight HB activity during
			morning resulted in 2 shelreps. C-in-C again visited "C" during morning and airborne
			operations.
			S Rg : general racket has only allowed 1 location today area 2044 but
			enemy gun reaction to operation has been light with only 16 shelreps during
			day, 2 further mikes recced for new base at 168406 and 174396.
	24		Survey : completed new mike base survey.
			Note : The Prime Minister and General Sir Alan Brooke spent the period of
			the airborne landing operation on the high ground adjoining 54 Bty and
			watched proceedings from there. Mr CHURCHILL refused tea and had his
			Bovril from thermos flask. Half an hour after he left, the spot he had
			occupied was "stonked" by 170's.
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : average visibility during day only 1500^x ; only 2
			intreps possible : 4 shelreps produced.
			C Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : 1 location today area 3237 and 13 bearings, troop
			remaining in action until 251800A
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : No 2 section - from 0950 to 1035 shelreps, mainly AA,
			sent to CBO. Records impossible to read owing to interference, line
			trouble. No 3 section, slight enemy HB - 1 shelrep obtained. Svy :
			issued data to 133 Fd Regt RA. BP fixed at 187402.
	24/25		night 24/25
			53 Bty
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : in action on five mics, and P on line. 5 locations obtained
			Radio comn established with Q at first light
			Svy : data issued to 13 Med Regt area WAROT
			54 Bty
			F Sp : Nil HBs ; 1 shelrep ; 19 intreps ( including 8 consums )
			S Rg : quiet night : the few records obtained unreadable owing to our
			guns. Nil HBs : 7 shelreps
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp. No 2 sec : no locations ; guns shelling WESEL br
			completely inaudible and reported to CBO. No 3 sec : 1 location ; 13
			shelreps obtained, our guns spoiled films sent in during night
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt RA : 5 shelreps : 1 intrep.
	24		C Tp 10 Svy Regt : 5 HB locations and 13 shelreps
	25		day 25
143449			53 Bty : Tac HQ moved to 143449, East of R RHINE
			F Sp : NTR : base out of action
			S Rg : in action on 6 and Q ; only HB activity during day resulted in 1
			sound bearing
181478			Svy : sec of X Tp at 181478 has issued data to 181 Fd Regt RA : area
			177487 and 4th RHA area 182476 : BPs fixed at 129463, 157468, 167476,
143449			177487. German trig at 194471 standing ; X tp HQ est at 143449
			54 Bty
			F Sp : C post and B post manned as shelrep OPs during day ; B post at
			VYNEM church 0845 ; no shelling
			S Rg : main base ; enemy completely silent with no shelreps from single
			AP at 128411 ; new base in action at 1930hrs ; flank mics M1 199366
			M6 168205 ; AP 204195
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : survey ; data issued to 61 Medium, 146 Med, 63 Med,
			53 Hy
			B Tp 10 Svy Regt : 6 shelreps during day ; base closed down at 251800A
			C Tp 10 Svy Regt : 8 locations general accy B ; locations of guns harrassing
			bridging operations at 208401 obtained at 1423 hrs. Base closed down at
			1800hrs.
	25/26		night 25/26
			53 Bty
			F Sp ; NTR
			S Rg : in action on 6 and 2 at 2300hrs both APs gave report that there
			was no activity that could be heard above our own guns ; CBO reported
			only activity was HF on WESEL br, from enemy posns to NE and EAST of
			base
	25		Svy : NTR
			54 Bty : nil HBS ; 2 shelreps : 6 intreps
			S Rg : new base in action on 1 to 5 and AP "U" ; 1 HB located
			Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : NTR. No 1 sec closed down 1630 hrs ; No 3 sec handed
			over to "D" tp 1800A ; 1 location obtained during day
	26		day 26
			53 Bty
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : base closed down at 1630 hrs
			Svy : 181 Fd Regt and 4th RHA issued with necessary svy data
			54 Bty
			F Sp : C Post at VYNEM church manned for shelreps during day ; 1
			shelrep ( ie - 5 airbursts over sq 0451 ); Ops closed down 1600hrs and
			F Sp base now out of action. OC B Tp att 7 Armd Div RA wef 1700hrs
			S Rg : new base reports no activity during day : main base closed down
			0900 hrs and NTR
			Svy : D sec att 7 Armd Div from 1000 hrs and crossed river 1400 hrs. C
			sec measured width of river XANTEN - BISUCH for future bridging ops
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : NTR. Svy data issued to 547 FA Bn and 549 FA Bn US
			Army
	26/27		night 26/27
			53 Bty
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : NTR
			Svy : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : base fully in action : nil HBs : 4 shelreps
	26		Svy : NTR
			12 Corps S Rg Tp NTR
	27		Day 27
144450			Tac RHQ moved fwd to JOLKERN 144459 ar 1500 hrs
			53 Bty
			Rac moved fwd to area
			F Sp : concentrated area of HQ
			S Rg : provided 4 Pen section to move fwd with Tac HQ : remainder of Tp
			concentrated at Rear HQ
			Svy : data provided in areas as ordered
			54 Bty
			F Sp : posts concentrated area 114414 BHQ B and D post lines reele in
			S Rg : distant HAA produced 1 shelrep ; no other activity
			Svy : remainder of Tp ( C sec and HQ ) moved fwd with Rac RHQ
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : all sections moved over river with Tac RHQ : No 1
			sec 4 pen under comd OC 53 Bty : remainder of svy sec also moving over
	27/28		night 27/28
			53 Bty
			F Sp : NTR
			Svy : NTR
			S Rg : NTR
			54 Bty
			F Sp ; NTR
			S Rg : NTR ; base closed down at 272136A
			Svy : NTR
	28		day 28
			Tac RHQ : same location
			53 Bty : HQ 184474
	28		F Sp : moved to concentration area near HQ
			S Rg : moved to concentration area near HQ, less 1 sec fwd
			Svy : working in gun areas
			54 Bty
			F Sp : concentrated area LABBECK
			S Rg : concentrated area LABBECK
			Svy : working in 7th Armd gun area
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : No 2 sec deployed general line 139492 - 124494 :
			expected in action 1800hrs. Svy : RC est 163455
	29		day 29
			Rear RHQ : no change of location
			53 Bty
			F Sp : nothing to report
			S Rg : NTR
			Svy : completed survey in allocated areas
			54 Bty Tac RHQ : at DINGEN 227523
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : NTR
			Svy : RAESFELD area - report centre est at 386580
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : svy carried out in 7 armd area
	30		day 30
			Tac RHQ : area RHEDE 2962
			53 Bty
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : NTR
			Svy : gun areas surveyed for regts of 53 (W) Div
			54 Bty : Tac moved to RHEDE 287619
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : NTR
405690			Svy : report centre established at mr 405690
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : svy sec completed survey for regts of 7 Armd Div
	31		day 31
RHEDE			Tac RHQ - area RHEDE
			53 Bty
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : NTR
			Svy : svy of 53 (W) Div gun regts
			54 Bty : no change
			F Sp : NTR
			S Rg : NTR
476833			Survey : RC est 476833
			12 Corps S Rg Tp : NTR