19th September 1944

GOC returns from 1 Para Bde – reported that Brig. LATHBURY, Comd 1 Para Bde, was wounded and being taken care of in a private house near br 7377.

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19 “

0845

CRA & GSO.1 visit 4 Para Bde, whose task for the day is to occupy high ground at KOEPE 7179. Comd 4 Para Bde reports that KOSB who had been directed on LICHTENBEEK 7079, had been unable to adv beyond rd about 701798 and had been withdrawn to JOHANNA HOEVE 6980. 156 Bn were about to attack LICHTENBEEK again with 10 Bn on their left directed on rd junc 703803. At this time 7 KOSB was under command 4 Para Bde.

2 S.Staffords report they have reached 733781 but were being heavily mortared and shelled and suffered casualties.

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19 “

1155

Recce Sqn received report from civilian sources that 100 enemy tks were arriving in ARNHEM and APELDOORN.

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19 “

1215

HQ, RA report that a FOO was on North end of br 7476 and that he had reported that 2 S.Staffords and 11 Bn were held up on rd at 733781.

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19 “

1325

Report from RA that remains of 2 and 3 Para Bns with HQ 1 Para Bde were established at North end of br 7476 and that Lt. Col. FROST, OC 2 Para Bn was in comd.

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19 “

1330

GOC left, arrived 4 Bde 1400 hrs about pt 281, 68202 and informed Comd 4 Para Bde that 4 Para Bde less 11 Bn and 7 KOSB was to disengage, move inside the main divisional posn and to occupy a posn on the line rd and ry crossings 712784, 715780 and 712774, so as to protect the Div from attack from the EAST: later, if possible, 4 Para Bde should make contact with 11 Para Bn and occupy high ground North of ry 7178. 4 Bde HQ now 674799.

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19 “

1500

4 Para Bde started to try and disengage in order to implement this plan.

Re-supply dropped on pre-arranged SDP ‘V’, which was in enemy hands. Yellow smoke, yellow triangles and every conceivable means were used to attract attention of pilots and get them to drop supplies within our lines; this had very limited success. Glider element of Polish Para Bde landed on LZ ‘L’ but was very heavily opposed from ground and air and suffered severe casualties.

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19 “

1900

4 Para Bde report unable to disengage at 1925 hrs. Reported that they had moved SOUTH of ry and met further opposition there, which would prevent movement during darkness.

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2215

POW taken by 4 Para Bde reports possible attack by two coys about 0300 hrs.