8th ARMORED DIVISION |
XVI Corps L/I #39, 241700 A March 1945 |
| | 5. 8th AD (Reinf) |
| | a. Alert 1 CC for movement on corps order on 4-hour notice. |
| | b. Prepare to move remainder div from pres location on 12-hr notice. |
| | c. Elms of 8 AD atchd to 30th & 79th will revert to div control on issue movement order. |
| | d. B prepared for atchmt 1 inf regt Inf on corps order. |
| 26 March 1945 |
| XVI Corps L/I #42, 261800 March 45 |
| 1. | 8th AD | Move at once across Rhine R over bridges G & H east of Hunxe (A3338). Pass thru the 30th Inf Div and advance S of Lippe R to line Soest (B2530) - Hamm (B0542). Secure intact, where practicable, crossings over Rhein-Herne Canal (Zwiebkanal). By-pass centers of resistance where practicable. Passage thru 30th Inf Div will be arranged by direct communication with CG, 30 Inf Div. |
| | G-3 Journal | 1230 - Col. Burba called Maj. Breen - told him to prepare march orders. Alert CCR to move by 1500.
1415 - Capt Combs XVI Corps called - said CCR wouldn't move before 1700 hrs.
1950 - Col. Dodge released all radios from radio silence.
2050 - Maj. Luth XVI C called - said atchng Plat Trdwy Br. Co. will report ASAP.
2200 - Message XVI C - 8 AD Arty rel'd from atchmt 79th and reverts to control 8 AD 27 March. |
| | G-3 Report | Elms moving to assembly areas E of Rhine R. |
| 27 March |
| XVI Corps L/I # 43, 272000 March 45. |
| 1. | 8 AD (290 atchd) Pass thru 30th Inf Div, adv to E and secure crossings over Zweigkanal. |
| 2. | O/I #17 | a. This div passes thru 30 Inf Div in Z 30 Inf Div and atks E at H-Hour, 28 March 45. Secure crossings over Emscher-Rhein-Herne-Zweigkanals Canal between points A562282 to junction of Zweigkanal and Lippe R (A752425). Final Obj: seize and secure road fr Hamm (B0642) to Soest (B2530). |
| | G-3 Journal | 0100 - XVI C msg - 1st Plat 999 Engr Tdwy Br Co rel'd fr control parent unit & atchd 8 AD effective 262400 Mar.
0130 - XVI C msg - Orders being issued now for 8 AD to move across Rhine on bridges G & H to assembly area E of Hunxe, etc. (see L/I XVI C).
0540 - One plat flails attchd 8 AD (52 Lothian & Border Yeomanry (flails).
1800 - Liaison Officer from XIX Corps brought info that 8 AD will be reasgd to XIX C when it reaches the Dortmund-EMS Canal.
2300 - Called Maj. Katz and was informed that XVI Corps Arty atchd to 8 AD Arty - 275th FA Bn, 695 FA Bn and 215 - 155-Howitzer Bn for operations, adm & supply. Called XVI Corps for confirmation. |
| | G-3 Report | All elms crossed Rhine R prior to 271200 Mar 45 and closed in Pr Assy areas. |
| 28 March |
| XVI Corps L/I #44, 282000 Mar 45. |
| 1. | 8 AD (atchd 290th Inf Regt) |
| | | Capture Dorsten (A4640) prior to 290600 Mar 45, adv E in corps Z and secure crossings over Zwiegkanal. Coordinate adv with 35th Inf Div. |
| | G-3 Journal | 0730 - CCA - crossed LD at 0630, LD line 43
1000 - XVI Corps - Your leading elms firing on adv elms 30th Inf Div at 433330.
1055 - Div Arty - 4 88mm at 4543 - 3580 being fired on by our Arty. Ldg elmts on R at J5.
1055 - Div Arty - 4 more 88mm located 1000 yds of those previously reported. Arty had KO's first four reported.
1055 - Div Arty - Enemy doughs dug-in 436358.
1245 - Div Arty - At 1200 398th in position at E4B4.
1340 - Div Arty reported they fired on tanks at 465345.
1730 - 118 Cav reported AT guns 3000 yds E of Dorsten. S-3, CCA informed.
1845 - XVI Corps called (Anderson to Devine) Army cmdrs orders that Dorsten be taken by daylight. If can't do it alone, call on 30th Inf. If joint effort made, CG 30th in cmd.
2050 - Div Arty - Left and center forces CCR approaching 468352.
2115 - 1153 Engr Gp to G-3 - Don't blow or open lock E of Dorsten until you contact us.
Aircraft Activity -
Eight aircraft reported in at 1315 (approx). We had no available target for them. Instructed them to cover area in front of advance. Found many horse drawn vehicles proceeding east out of Dorsten. Target was attacked and several vehicles were destroyed. Intense accurate light flak was encountered. One Butcher, 373 Gp, 411 Sq aircraft shot down, pilot bailed out at A535425. Aircraft left area at approx 1400.
Eight aircraft from the 406 Gp were called in by this station to attack suspected German counterattack at Feldausen (4535) and on roads south of that town. Aircraft located many vehicles and a few tanks in the area and proceeded with the attack. They bombed and strafed accounting for several vehicles and firing the town of Feldhausen. Aircraft reported in at 1415 (approx) and out at 1445.
Eight aircraft from 373 Gp Gaysong (410th) Squadron attacked Feldhausen and claimed more vehicles in addition to those claimed by the 406th. They encountered intense accurate light flak. |
| | G-3 Report | CCA and CCR crossed LD 0600 thru 30 Inf to atk E and NE in Z.
Intitial resistance light, becoming stronger as atk continued. Encountered generally heavy SA fire, light arty, and well dug-in AT guns. Made plans to capture Dorsten (A4640) and to continue Adv E to secure crossing over Zweigkanal. |
| 29 March |
| XVI Corps L/I # 45, 291300 A March 1945. |
| 3. | 8 AD (atchd 290 Inf Regt). |
| | | Continue atk E in Z. Be prepared to pass 75 Inf Div thru if heavy resistance encountered. 290th Inf reverts to control 75th upon arrival of Div in area. |
| 2. | | |
| 8 AD O/I # 17 |
| 3. | G-3 Report | 8 AD continues atk to E. Secure crossings over Zweigkanal between A680305 and junction of Zweigkanal and Lippe R A752425. Final Obj: seize and secure road fr Hamm B0642 to Soest B2530. |
| | G-3 Journal | 2400 - Reliable sources report elms Pz Lehr at Raadt A434114. Elms 5 Bn 766 Volks Arty Corps at Donberg (A6101) also at Homberg (427007). |
| 2. | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | The enemy defended Dorsten A4751 with heavy arty and HV fire together with hvy AW fire. After our troops occupied the town they were subjected to intense Med and Hvy Cal Arty fires. Our Adv to the E from Vic A445347 and fr Vic 468339 initially met light resistance - SA and some Arty fire. However, our troops encountered severe mortar and AW fire plus Hvy Arty fire as they debouched from Schoven A512335 and at A512329. In the north portion of the Div zone our troops met Hvy SA, AW and Arty fire on the E outskirts of Dorsten and progress was slowed at A496379 by road craters and blown bridges. Mortar fire was reported as hvy along road Dorsten - A490375. |
| | G-3 Report | Town of Dorsten, Feldhausen, Zweckel and Ulfkotte taken during period. Troops also in Scholven. Very determined resistance encountered throughout period. Encountered SA, automatic weapons, mortar, arty and AT fire. Atk continues at close of period. |
| 30 March |
| XVI corps L/I # 46, 301900 A March 45. |
| 3. | 8 AD: | Continue to atk E to secure crossing over Dortmund-EMS Canal, the Lippe Seiten Canal and the Lippe R vic Datteln. Be prepared to pass to control of XIX Corps on completion of this mission. |
| 8 AD O/I # 19 |
| 2. | 8 AD | Continues Atk to E. Secures crossings over Zweigkanal between A680305 and junction of Zweigkanal and Lippe R A752425. Final Obj: seize and secure road Fr Hamm B0642 to Soest B2530. |
| | G-3 Journal | 0220 - G-3 called G-3 Air, XVI C & requested that CCA be given either 1 sq of planes armed with Napalm and 1 sq armed 50% GP and 50% frags or if that much air not available, 1 sq armed 50% Napalm and 50% frags.
0810 - XVI Corps Capt. Hall (Air) called and said mission for CCA will be flown provided weather permits - probably not before 1100 hrs. Column cover for today - 8 planes every 40 minutes.
1005 - Div Arty - 5 tanks reported previously disabled - Enemy tanks reported 525435.
Aircraft activity -
Gaysong (410th) of 373 Gp reported in at 1150 and attacked town at 5435. Three to five buildings were fired. No other results observed. Small marshalling yard was also attacked. NRO. Turmoil (412) of 373 Gp reported in at 1325 with Jenny at 5539 setting fire to several buildings believed to contain munitions or gasoline. Intense light flak encountered. Checked out at 1247.
Koscoe (513 Sq) of 406 Gp reported in at 1400 and strafed woods at 5341. NRO. GP bombs were dropped as well as frags. Checked out at 1500.
Basher (512 Sq) of 406 Gp reported in at 1430 and dive-bombed and strafed woods at 5433. NRO. Checked out at 1515. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | General Summary: Our advance met determined resistance all day with the enemy contesting every foot of ground with intense SA and AW fire, very heavy arty and HV fire, and tank fire.
Armor: Tanks were reported in our zone all during the period. Tanks and Inf counterattacked CCR Vic A5234 early in the period and tanks were reported moving S from Westerholt A5434. At 0900 5 Panthers were milling about in Polsum and were hit hard by our artillery fire and five were reported knocked out. 4 Panther tanks were observed moving S on main road out of Buer-Hassel A525340 and also ov=bserved in the town.
Artillery: Heavy caliber artillery fire was received in Zwecke A4833. The enemy used emplaced HV weapons from the ridge NE of Polsum to hold up our advance into the town. 105mm and heavier caliber fire also received; believed to be coming from woods Vic A555360 and A575413. |
| | G-3 Report | Polsum, Buer-Hassel, Bergmannsgluck, Scholven taken during the period. Bridging operations conducted to continue atk. Preparations for continuing atk and passing thru of elms 75 Inf Div 30 Mar. Encountered SA, light arty and hvy high velocity AT fire. Repulsed two counterattacks each two to four tanks with one inf co. Six E tks destroyed. |
| 31 March |
| XVI Corps L/I # 47, 311800 A March 45 |
| 2. | 8 AD: | Turn over responsibility for present Z to 75th Inf Div nite 31 Mar - 1 April 45, assemble S of Dorsten (A4740) and move N across Lippe R bridges. Upon crossing Lippe R, Div will pass to control of XIX Corps. |
| 8 AD O/I # 20 |
| 2. | a. 8 AD mvs from present location, crosses Lippe R at Dorsten and assembles vic Selm (A815450). |
| | G-3 Journal | 1145 - G-3 to CCA - One plt 18th Tk Bn on road (E-W Rd) thru Polsum so that 88th can put in their clm.
Aircraft Activity:
Turmoil (415 Sq of 373 Gp) checked in at 1525. Enemy aircraft reported in the area. Turmoil was given target at 1545. Attacked tanks at 5935. Three tanks destroyed and MT's attacked. NRO. Checked out at 1625.
Fair Dawn (514 Sq, 406 Gp) checked in at 1610 and given specific target at 1630. Destroyed five vehicles and one searchlight installation. Checked out at 1655.
Gaysong (410 Sq, 373 Gp) checked in at 1717. Attacked targets at 1936. NRO. Roscoe (513 Sq, 406 Gp) checked in at 1725. Targets in area of 5935 were atcked. Results not observed. One pilot hit by flak apparently personal injuries sustained. Intense accurate light flak. Checked out at 1827. |
| | G-2 Reports | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | General Summary: During the night of 30 Mar the enemy clung stubbornly to Buer-Hassel (5243) and Westerholt (A5534), the lower extremeties of his A5240 - Polsum A525365 - Buer A525315 defense line. By 0700 he had been driven from both positions but continued to impede our progress to the E by using high velocity AT and AW fire in liberal quantity. Resistance, however, was scattered up to a point approx 4000 yds W of Recklinghausen. Here the Germans clamped down. SA & AT fire were intense. Fighting degenerated into a house to house affair. At 1415 the 16th PGR made its appearance in the form of approx 15 tks which stoutly defended all routes into Recklinghausen in conjunction with infantry.
Armour: Tanks were obsvd at the following places; 2 tks vic 588365 at 1456, 3 tks vic 5935 at 1415, 10 tks vic 595360 at 1415 and 1 tks vic 543368 at 1200. Following a concentration by our arty in W edge of Recklinghausen several tanks were obsvd burning.
Arty: High velocity AT fire was continuous throughout the period everywhere in our zone. Heavy concentrations fell at 568378, 526336, 560400 and 575384. |
| | G-3 Report | Bel Kerlich, Langenbochum & Werterholt occupied by CCR during period. Encountered intense SA, arty and Hv AT fire. Encountered enemy tanks vic 591352. CCB crossed bridge in Dorsten. Balance of div preparing to cross. This div passes to control XIX Corps on crossing Lippe R. |
| 1 April |
| XIX Corps L/I #134, 012100 A April 45. |
| 4. | | Move 011700 A April over route provided by 83d Inf Div, pass thru elms of 83d vic Lippstadt, seize Paderborn and assemble in area Paderborn, Klaucheide, Delbruck & Thuie. Prepare for further action onto the E. |
| 2. | G-3 Journal | Div moved across Lippe R at Dorsten and proceeded to assembly area vic Selm (A8245). Reconnaissance made to the E and preparation for moving div to its objective, F. |
| 2 April |
| | G-3 Journal | 0320 - Ninth Army to G-3 8 AD & attachments reld fr atchmt XVI Corps and atchd XIX Corps for opns only - effective 1800, 31 Mar 45.
1245 - G-2 to G-3: Msg sent to CO, 88th. Our mission to take next big town Paderborn. CO, CCB executes. Coordinate with him. Same msg to CCB. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Delbruck 5752 was occupied without opposition early in the period, however our reconnaissance troops met scattered opposition in Sande B6542 and hit very determined resistance in the form of heavy SA, AW & HV fire in Neuhaus B6749. Tanks were seen in Neuhaus & 2 Officer PWs reported that there were 20 Tiger Royal tanks near Neuhaus. PWs stated that tanks were almost out of gas, however, civilians report that a tank car of gas arrived in vic Neuhaus yesterday.
Our patrols entered & occupied Sennelager 6853 this afternoon without meeting resistance. |
| | G-3 Report | Div moved to new assy area vic N of Paderborn. CCB, CCA, Div Hq, 88 Rcn Sq, closed at end of period. Bal of div enroute. CCB atkg Neuhaus. |
| 3 April |
| XIX Corps L/I # 135, 031130 B April 45. |
| 2. | | 8 AD (reinf) will atk S in Z at earliest possible time, secure the line of the Ruhr R within Z, protecting any captured bridges with small bridgeheads, gain and maintain contact with elms FUSA on left (E) flank. |
| 8 AD O/I # 21 |
| 2. | | 8 AD will atk S in Z (overlay) secure the line of the Ruhr R within Z, protecting any captured bridges with small bridgeheads, gain and maintain contact with elms First US Army on our left (E) flank. |
| | G-3 Journal | 0912 - Col Sloan XIX Corps - We will atk at once in direction of Hamm. This in confirmation previous conversation. 2220 - CG to CCA & CCR - Prepare to defend to the S & W. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | During the early hours of the period enemy resistance to our adv in Neuhaus (675500) was quite determined and our adv was slowed down considerably. At 0200 the enemy had still not given up Neuhaus. On the contrary, he launched a counterattack against CCR, employing from 2 to 3 cos of infantry supported by a plt of Tiger tks. The c/a was beaten off by early morning. Fighting continued in Neuhaus with slow progress being made by our troops.
At the end of the period, CCA and CCR were attacking south in our new zone. Enemy resistance in the form of s/a, AW and some AT fire was being received in the vic of Erwitte (4235) and Eikelch (4636). |
| | G-3 Report | CCR and Div Tns closed in new assy area vic Dilbruck. CCA and CCR mvd into pos and atkd S and SW in Z. Resistance light. CCB in div res. |
| 4 April |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Resistance was light in the eastern advance to the final objective. In the center our advance was slowed down by the enemy's stubborn defense of Erwitte 4235 by S/A, 88's, S/P guns and 3 tks. In the west, CCR had a tough fight in vic of Stripe 4036. AT, SA, AW and arty fire was encountered thus slowing the advance considerably. This was the first time during the period that arty fire was encountered. Small groups of tanks were constantly active in our entire zone. |
| | G-3 Report | Continued atk. Advance in Z. Met all types of fire. Resistance light in eastern portion of Z but determined resistance has been met as we move E. |
| 5 April |
| XIX Corps L/I #137, 051900 B April 45. |
| 6. | | 194 Glider Inf Regt, having been atchd to XIX is further atchd to 8 AD. |
| 7. | 8 AD: | a. Continue atk to W and envelopement of Soest from S.
b. Employ 194 Glider Inf Regt to clear area in div Z S of temporary no advance line after general line Wamel (B3122) - Bad Sassendorf (B3032) - Ostendorf (2539) had been secured. |
| 8 AD O/I # 22 |
| 2. | 8 AD: | continues Atk to clear area in Z. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Resistance in our northern sector was very light during early hours of the period. CCR occupied Robringhausen 3729, Klieve 3830, Ebbinghausen 3735, Horn 3535 and Bernbrock 3834 with little fighting. CCB passing thru CCR found the burgomeisters of Kaldemei 3738, Uninghausen and Schaller 3333 ready to surrender without resistance. CCA advanced rapidly in the southern sector meeting light resistance at scattered points. Most heavily defended sector was Echelnhoten 3624 where S/A and H/V fire was encountered. In the afternoon the enemy employed mortar fire and arty fire in moderate quantity. H/W fire continued at scattered points thru out the sector. |
| | G-3 Report | Continued atk to the E. Met scattered resistance. Held up in northern sector in order to coordinate with 95 Inf Div for atk on Soest on 6 Apr. |
| 6 April |
| | G-3 Journal | 1015 - G-3 to CCA & B - Notified S-3's that 2d Bn 194 Glider Inf Regt (less 1 co) reverts to CCA at 061200. One co remains under control CCB. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Enemy resistance in the zone of CCB was very light during the period. Scattered resistance was encountered in zones of CCA during the morning increasing to moderate in the afternoon. At 1500 a counterattack from the west was launched against the 194th Glider Regt in the vic of Kallenhardt B4717. This attack was made by Battle Group Hass with a strength of 150 to 200 men. Enemy artillery support in this action was meager. The attack was repulsed with an estimated 25 enemy killed and 100 taken prisoner. A PW states there are plans to attack Kallenhardt B4717 the night of 6 - 7 April. |
| | G-3 Report | Seized Obj A. Atkd and occupied 23 towns and advanced 10 miles in Z. |
| 7 April |
| XIX Corps L/I # 139, 071000 April 1945. |
| 2. | Mission Task Force Twaddle: |
| | | a. Clear enemy from Corps' zone W of Geseke (B5338) to line Hamm (incl) - Westhilneck (B0831) - Wickede (B0981).
b. Protect Corp's right (S) flank from Dortmund-EMS Canal to Ruthen (B4822).
c. Gain and maintain contact with III Corps when III Corps reaches common boundary.
d. Improve position in vic Hamm as situation warrants, and when area of Mohne R is clear, attack on right to connect firmly with XVI Corps.
e. Continue attack in conjunction with XVI Corps to reduce the Ruhr pocket.
|
| | FO # 1 - | Task Force Twaddle - 7 April 1945: |
| | 3 (a) | 8 AD:
(1) Continue atk in Z to Ready line, then defend, prepared to continue atk to N.
(2) Mop up thoroughly in entire zone.
(3) Maintain contact with TF Faith & protect the division left (S) flank forward of advance elms TF Faith.
(4)Patrol aggreasively W of Ready Line to determine enemy dispositions.
Air Activity -
Browning (511 Sq, 405 Gp) checked in at 1015 and given targets between Neheim 1617 and Arnsberg 2311. Two tks destroyed and woods strafed N of river. Tks destroyed were east of Neheim. Very little activity observed. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | General Summary: Our advance met determined resistance from various enemy service and replacement battalions. They are holding every critical town and road junction as long as possible by employing intense S/A and AW fire, heavy mortar and arty fire and H/V fire.
Artillery: Heavy artillery and mortar fire was received at B182232 - B2222.
The promised counterattack against 194 Glider Regt failed to materialize during the early morning hours, and by 1600, objective Suttrop, B4417, and Warstein B4216, had been taken from the hastily organized Battle Gruppe Haas. In front of CCB, the enemy was forced to give up Gerlingen B1828, Blumenthal B1326 and Ostonnen B1827. |
| | G-3 Report | Advanced in Z to present position (overlay). Prepared to continue operation in clearing of Z. Outposted southern flank from B1222 to B4621.
|
| 8 April |
| Task Force Twaddle O/I # 1, 8 April 45. |
| | 1. | a. 8 Armd Div (Reinf) will continue atk in Z 090545 Apr & clear Z of all enemy to Fire line.
b. Continue atk from Aim Line on TF order only.
c. Maintain contact with TF Faith on L (S) & protect TF Twaddle L (S) flank fwd of adv elms TF Faith.
d. Move remainder Co A 53 Armd Engr Bn at first light 9 Apr to Warstein for atchment to TF Faith upon arrival. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | 8th Armd Div Front: The tedioud process of mopping-up continued during the period and as in days past, the enemy employed similar delaying tactics. At Blumenthal B135260 and at Bremen B155230, resistance was stiff. Bremen, the former CP of 60 PGR, was defended by 100 to 200 entrenched infantry supported by 4 or 5 tks and back up by heavy guns vic Echthausen B115220 and woods at B1124. CCB, by-passing Blumenthal, found opposition in Werl generally light with the exception of arty and AT fire which increased in volume as Werl was cleared. By 2000, CCB had advanced W to take Buderich B1027. Opposition during the advance was from the usual odd assortment of units under the guiding hand of 116 Pz. |
| | G-3 Report | Occupied N sector of Div Obj. Reorganized and prepared to continue atk W. |
| 9 April |
| XIX Corps L/I # 141, 091800 B April 45. |
| 2. | | TF Twaddle consisting of following units passes to control XVI Corps effective 091200 B April 45 (8 AD part of TF Twaddle). |
| | G-3 Journal | 0715 - CCB & CCR reported they jumped off on time.
Aircraft Activity:
Jampip (510 Sq. 405 Gp) checked in at 1705 and relayed to CCR & given target. At 1720 attacked targets in woods southeast of Wickede at 1725. NRO. Dive-bombed and strafed 3 colums of German vehicles of approx 15 vehicles each, destroying same. Checked out at 1800. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Enemy resistance increased considerably over the previous two days. Along the Unna - Soest highway, which formed the boundary for 156 and 50 PGRs, 116 Pz Div was forced back slowly. Holtum B080226, was taken with light resistance but, along the line Hemmerede, B0528 - Vinning B050250, entrenched inf supported by SPs and heavy arty put up a determined fight. By 1800, CCB had cleared Westhemerede B035149 and Stockum B029271 and our units were encountering heavy fire as they passed through Stockum toward Unna.
CCR engaged in the heaviest fighting in our zone. Progress was quite slow against the 60 PGR and elms of 16 Pz Regt, who supported by 3 Bn, 23 Para Regt of 2 Para Div. Dual purpose AA, SP, and arty were emplaced in the woods vic Wickede on the S of the Ruhr River. These guns, plus many heavy weapons in the woods vic 1124, fired continuous, well-planned concentrations. 16 Pz Regt did not emply its tanks in mass despite many PW reports that they were in the vic of Wickede, but they added their bit by supplementing the already plentiful arty. By 1600, most of the woods N of the Ruhr were clear and resistance had lessened somewhat as the enemy began withdrawing slowly west. By 1800, CCR was advancing on Wiehagen, B0823, Schluckingen B0925 and Wickede B0922, against lessening opposition.
CCA mopped up the Waltringen B1323 - Neheim B160175 - Nieder Ense R1822 triangle exclusive of Neheim, meeting little resistance except for SA and AW fire at road blocks. |
| | G-3 Report | Continued atk to the W. Mopped up pocket N of Ruhr - Mohne junction. Met increased resistance on the flanks. Prepared to continue atk at daylight. |
| 10 April |
| | G-3 Journal | 1050 - G-3 to G-3 XVI C - Request 1 sq F/B hit Unna A9726 at 101200 in conjuction with ground assaults. 500 GP bombs. We can control with VHF.
1125 - G-3 to G-3 XVI c - Request clm cover of 4 planes every 30 minutes off ASAP to be used by CCR.
Aircraft Activity
Basher (512 Sq, 406 Gp) checked in at 1143 & given target by Brandy (CCB). Bombed (36 GP bombs) main part of Unna, then contacted Grayling (CCR) at 1210 and made strafing attacks on town of Frondenberg, also strafed south of Menden but were driven off by intense flak. Basher checked out at 1230.
Roscoe (513 Sq, 406 Gp) checked in at 1513 and received target at B0219 N of town. Intense accurate flak encountered. Bombed town and started some fires, then strafed woods in immediate vic. NRO. Checked out at 1400.
Basher (512 Sq, 406 Gp) checked in at 1948 with this controller and relayed to Brandy (CCB) who had them dive bomb Unna & vic. 8 500 lb GP bombs in main portion of town. 8 Napalm bombs (fire bombs) were also dropped and many fires thus started. No troops activity observed. Moderate accurate flak (20mm) encountered south of the town. Basher checked out at 2030. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Enemy opposing the advance of CCB toward Unna offered heavy resistance to our troops. Arty fire was moderate but heavy A/W and AT fire were intense on the eastern fringes of Unna.
In front of CCR elms of 156 and 60 PGR's gave ground more easily than they had on 9 April. Wiehagen (0823), Schluckingen (0925) and Wickede (0922) fell during the evening of 9 Apr and by 1800 10 Apr our elms had taken Frohnhausen (048216) and Hohen (033214), while at 1800 Framern (004228), ex-CP of 16 Pz Regt, was being attacked. 16 Pz Regt opposed CCR by piecemeal use of its tanks. 6 tanks were observed moving SW from vic 045214 at 091800 April. 10 tks observed vic 075183 at 101600 April. Heavy arty fire continued from position S of the Ruhr River against our left flank elms. 116 Pz is now less the use of seven tanks, four being destroyed at 06215 at 1300 and three having been disabled vic 991265.
Enemy action was characterized by a slow withdrawal of 116 Pz Div with its various miscellaneous supporting units toward Unna, covered by well observed large caliber fire from arty, AA ground fire and mortar fire. 3 Bn 23 Para Regt is firmly in contact on our south flank but it is becoming increasingly more apparent that 3 Bn is the only bn in 23 Para Regt and that the regt itself is operating independently of 2 Para Div, which is still fighting in the Essen area. |
| | G-3 Report | Div advanced 6 miles in Z. Leading elms on outskirts of Unna at close of period. |
| 11 April |
| | G-3 Journal | 1250 - G-3 to 95th - Reguest help in town Unna. 2 to 3 cos to clean out snipers.
1845 - XVI Corps to G-3; Adv Detchmt from 8 AD will move at once to XIX Corps vic Alfeld (C4378) reporting upon arrival there to G-3, XIX Corps. One CC, 8 AD will move 121200B April from present position to assembly area vic Hildesheim (C5298). Remainder 8 AD with atchd 473 AAA, 809 TD, 10 Armd Gp will move to new assembly area on Corps Order. |
| TF Twaddle L/I # 2, 11 April 45. |
| | | a. Continue atk Ruhr R in Zone.
B. Protect TFT left (S) flank along N bank Ruhr R west of Neheim. Maintain contact with TF Faith at Neheim.
Air Support: -
Jampip (510 Sq 405 Gp) reported in at 1030 and worked jointly with CCA and this controller. 11 tanks were either destroyed or seriously damaged. 8 to 12 motor vehicles destroyed and one ammo dump destroyed. Action took place SW of Unna. Jampip White Leader was hit seriously by light flak and forced to bail out seven kilometers west of our advanced positions. Jampip checked out at 1100.
Schooner reported in at 1150. 8 AD had no suitable targets so SVI Corps vectered them to 9508 for bombing. Spotted 12 tanks north of river but believed them ours. Strafed 3 trucks south of Menden. Destroyed one, damaged two. Checked out at 1250. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Enemy resistance in Unna A9726 was very heavy. The Volkssturm backed by SS troops used 88mm and tank fire to cover all roads leading into the town. Although surprised by an attack from the S, the enemy defended the southern outskirts of Unna with heavy S/A, AT, Mortar and Arty fire. The defense of Unna south to the Ruhr R was moderate. Fromern A005228 and Frondenberg A025195 was defended with S/A, mortar and arty fire. |
| | G-3 Report | Continued Atk in Z capturing towns listed above. At close of period had nearly completed Div mission. Resistance was generally light. In vic Unna considerable enemy resistance was encountered. |
| 12 April |
| Ninth Army L/I #22, 12 April 45 |
| | | Mission XVI Corps was that
(3) Disengage & move 8 AD to the vic Brunswick in army reserve.
XIX Corps
One Combat Command 8 AD (Operational control for security of corps rear area only).
Mission - 8 AD in army reserve.
Assemble in area vic Brunswick, prepared to reinforce XIII or XIX Corps and to assist XVI Corps in its rear area security mission. |
| 8 AD O/I # 28 |
| | | All Elms this Div will utilize available time to perform maintenance in prep for movement E. |
| | G-3 Journal | 0330 - NUSA to G-3 - TWX re-atchmt of 8 AD to XIII Corps for Adm &Supply and XIX C for opns.
1518 - G-3 Air to XVI C - CP of 156 Pz G rptd at Dahlhsn. Considerable arty fire being rec'd from entire position. So. of Ruhr R Vic Dahlsen - Wimbern (Bogig). Request 1 sq F/B 50% 500 lb GP & bal frags. Act as soon as possible. |
| | G-2 Report | Enemy Operations During Period. |
| | | Enemy resistance to both CCA and CCR was light. There was no organized defense attempted and the enemy troops encountered consisted of small miscellaneous groups. Arty, HV and mortar fire continued to fall on CCR from S of the Ruhr River, while both CCA and CCR received fire in somewhat lesser volume from the W. At 1100 five enemy tanks appeared at 922206 in what had the earmarks of a small C/A against CCR. This was stopped cold by friendly air. At the same time, fighting flared up in vic of 925215 but the enemy was forced from this position and withdrew to the W. By 1800, a line generally along 92 northing had been thoroughly cleaned out of all enemy troops. |
| | G-3 Report | Continued atk in Z and gained Div Obj. Mopped up remaining enemy resistance and consolidated positions. Initiated preparation for Mv to E. |
| 13 April |
| 8 AD O/I #29 - 8 AD mvs fr pres area to vic Braunschweig (X9011). |
| | G-3 Journal | 2030 - G-3 to Ln O thru XVI Corps - Div enroute to Heiningen. |
| | G-3 Report | Reld in Z by Elms 95 Div. Mvd to new area vic Wolfenbuttel. At close of period Div 60% closed. |
| 19 April |
| FO #33, XIX Corps, 192100B Apr 45. |
| | | 3 d. 8 AD
(1) Resume control CCA & CCB effective 191800B Apr 45.
(2) Continue security mission in Braunschweig - Immendorf - Wolfenbuttel area until rel'd by 2d AD.
(3) Relieve 330 RCT in Harz Mountains at earliest possible time.
(4) Atk to reduce Blankenburg and clear enemy N of temporary XIX corps - VII Corps bdry. |
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