NIEDERBUSCH

1

Bn in reserve. Bath Parades.

2

Orders received that Bn would relieve 12 K.R.R.C. in area STAHE on the 3rd, and that 5 DCLI would occupy our present posns.

BIRGDEN

3

18.00

Bn commenced relief of 12 KRRC in BIRGDEN sector.
Bn. H.Q. at STAHE. Relief completed by 23.00 hrs.
"B" Coy in same posns as before (reserve Coy) taking up posns on "stand-to". Area known to be actively patrolled by enemy during hours of darkness.

4

Quiet day. Contact made with Bn on left during night.

5

Spasmodic Spandau and Mortar fire on forward Coys throughout the day. Standing patrols from 5 DCLI arranged to strengthen Bn layout during night.

5

18.45

Fighting patrol sent out. Intention - to take prisoners.
Enemy opposition encountered and patrol withdrew - unsuccessful.

6

Bn. relieved by 4 Wilts - Relief completed by 23.30 hrs approx.
Bn. returned to BRUNSSUM.

Appendix "A"

7

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".

8

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".

9

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".

10

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".
Corps Comd lecture to C.O.'s at BEEK.

11

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".
Recce of ground & minefields.

Appendix "B"

12

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".

13

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".

14

Area BRUNSSUM preparations being made for operation "Shears".

15

Operation "SHEARS" cancelled. All aerial photographs etc. retuned to Bde.

16

14.00

"R" Party moved to recce area AALBEEK (6757).

17

Recce party returned and at 14.45 hrs moved off en route for TILBURG.

18

Recce Party at TILBURG.

19

09.00

Bn moved off at 09.00 hrs for TILBURG but destination was changed on route owing to large scale enemy offensive in area MALMEDY.

BILSEN
(BELGIUM)

Bn concentration in area BILSEN (4455).

20

Bn. in area BILSEN.

21

Bn. on 1 hour notice to move. Preparations made for holding line on River MEUSE.

22

Bn. at 1 hours notice to move.

23

Bn. at 3 hours notice to move.

24

Bn. at 3 hours notice during day and 1 hour by night.

25

Christmas festivities on limited scale owing to situation.
C.O. visited all Coys.
Still at 3 hours notice by day and 1 hour by night.

26

Situation unchanged.

Field Returns d/d 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

BILSEN
(BELGIUM)

27

06.00

Recce Party left for BUNDE area followed by the Bn embussed leaving at 09.30 and arrived new location at 14.00 hrs approx.

BUNDE
(HOLLAND)

28

Defensive posns were recced in area of BRUNSSUM as it had been appreciated that and enemy attack might be launched on GEILENKERCHEN.

29

Defensive posns were recced in area of BRUNSSUM.

30

Digging of Bn Defensive posn was started on the 30th.

31

Work continued on the 31st on these defensive posns. Bn "R" Group together with 3 TK Scots Guards carried out recces for 5 various counter attack tasks North of BRUNSSUM.