KENNEDY, SAMUEL DAVID

October 10, 1944:

1. The situation in this vicinity is as follows: the 3 Cdn Div crossing of the Leopold Canal is progressing, though with heavy casualties. It was over this same canal at a more difficult spot, with one third of the force and with one quarter of the support, that we were forced to withdraw some time ago after sustaining enormous casualties. In the north (Braakman Inlet), the 9 Cdn Inf Bde (SDG, HLIofC, NNSH) landing is progressing favorably. The high comd appreciation shows the Germans to be pulling out by way of Knocke-sur-Mer (Knokke, Belgium).

2. We were given the task of finding out his strength on our front with a bn effort. If we gain our objective, 8 Cdn Inf Bde (QOR, Chauds, NSR) will push through our posns in 24 hrs.

The plan was to advance two coys up, right, to MR 185058 (Isabellaweg / Clarapolderweg, Netherlands) and left, to MR 181051 (Clarapolderweg / border Belgium and Netherlands) and then pass a coy through to rd junc MR 184061 (Van Doeverenpad / Savooyaardsweg, Netherlands). Phase 1 - “B” Coy under Maj J S McLeod, had as an intermediate objective, rd junc MR 191054 (Savooyaardsweg / Dijckmeesterweg, Netherlands) and as a final objective, rd junc MR 185058. Then a task pl to MR 185056. Phase 2 - “D” Coy under Maj W A Johnston, on the left to rd junc MR 188048 (border Belgium and Netherlands at cross road Notelaarstraat). Final objective MR 181051 and subsequently a task pl to MR 179057. “A” Coy under Capt R B Stock to advance on Lt Col Bradburn’s orders and pass through “B” Coy’s final objective, thence to rd junc MR 184061 with exploitation fwd to MR 181064 and right along the dyke rd.

3. The A&SH of C Tps under our comd, with Maj Harper in charge, will take over our defensive posns. A full arty plan was laid on with concs on suspected strong points. MMGs were also included in the effort while preparations were made with intelligence for the reception of PW. “H” Hour was set for 0300 hrs. Lt Col Bradburn and Lt Cohen, IO, went to an OP to observe the arty’s effort and the show got under way at 0300 hrs. Progress was very slow, “B” Coy was held up and pinned down by fire from enemy strong points and after a few casualties, they were forced to withdraw. Capt W F Grafton was among the wounded. On the left, very few men of “D” Coy managed to get through the obstacles at MR 194046 (border Belgium and Netherlands / Boekhouteweg, Netherlands) and these were pretty well cut up as the obstacle was covered by enemy LMG and grenade fire. When the attack bogged down, Lt Col Bradburn decided to withdraw and ordered a medium conc to be laid on.

4. A new “H” Hour was laid on for noon but this was later changed to 1230 hrs. Brig J C Jefferson was with us all morning and favored the offrs with his presence at breakfast.

5. In the afternoon, Capt R A Scott took over comd of “D” Coy from Maj Johnston who is going back for a rest. The afternoon’s attack, led by “A” and “D” Coys, met with no better success than its predecessor and another withdrawal had to be effected. After this the bn returned to its former posns and prepared for a possible counter-attack. The day’s casualties were one offr and 20 ORs.