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Sketches of the Restigouche

The Graphic

        THE NORTH SHORE IN CANADA

        THE NORTH SHORE'S STORY (Part Four)

        QUESNAY WOOD

        On the 9th August the Battalion took over from the Lake Superior Regiment, positioned in the village of Bretteville-le-Rabet. At this time troops of the Polish Armoured Division were on the Battalion's left flank. Their armour's advance was being hampered by self-propelled artillery and well-sited anti-tank guns in the area of Quesnay Wood. It was decided, therefore that the battalion should go in and clear this troublesome wood on the night of the 10th August. This attack proved to be very costly. The woods were strongly held and the resistance fanatical. Moving off at sunset the leading elements of Dog Company got into the small wood north east of Quesnay. Then Charlie and Baker Companies were to assault the large wood. Dog Company almost immediately ran into trouble. Major J.A.L. Robichaud, the Company Commander, was seriously wounded and Lieutenant G.M. Fawcett, MC, who took over, quickly became a casualty himself. However, Charlie and Baker moved up and got into the woods.

        After a short advance it was found that in the woods was a clearing about 150 yards wide, the existence of which had not been suspected. The enemy allowed the men to come on until they were out in the clearing and then poured a devastating volume of fire from dug-in tanks and weapon pits. With all signalers casualties, Battalion Headquarters were out of touch with companies until early morning. Lieutenant Colonel Buell, DSO who was up well forward with the attacking troops was shot through the chest at close range. Over his protests he was evacuated, and Major Anderson then moved forward and began the tasks of reorganizing the Battalion. As the night wore on the situation became worse. Signallers were hit, Charlie Company's Commander, Major J.A.R. Robichaud was seriously wounded.

        Two other officers were killed and three wounded. At two o'clock in the morning on the 11th, Charlie Company's casualties had risen to five killed and 23 wounded. Meanwhile the great Surge forward had begun on the left of the Brigade sector. At three o'clock a message came to withdraw from the woods. Although conditions of control and communications were extremely difficult the Companies reorganized and withdraw as part of the Brigade plan. This particular action is still spoken of among the men who were there as "that black night".

        THE CHASE

        Then began the pursuit to close the Falaise Gap through which the German Army were escaping to the Seine. At Cintheaux the Regiment paused for briefing on the coming attack and on the 12thmoved out to Hautnesnil for a quick refit. The 13th brought another move this time to the area of St. Aignan de Cramesnil. These moves imposed a great strain on the drivers. The roads were jammed with vehicles and armour of every kind, the blinding white dust, the burning August sun-all combined to test and try spirit and the will to endure. At this time the words, "Dust Means Death" were signposted on every road. Drivers knew only too well the risks they ran. The North Shore convoys always met their exacting schedules, thanks to the men behind the wheel.

        After the refit the Battalion pushed forward to force the crossing of the river and attack Sassy. Although hampered by shelling and mortaring the operation achieved complete success. So rapid was the drive into the town of Sassy that many enemy were taken prisoner before they could get their "alarm" positions. The encirclement of the town itself was accomplished by the Carrier Platoon who dashed along the crests overlooking the German positions. They were then able to cover the enemy with Brens and Browning. Under their fire the riflemen were able to get in and clear the houses.

        The unit remained in Sassy for three days and although some casualties were caused by the Germans harassing fire the number was not high. In those hectic days-with so many fighting vehicles of the roads -it was often necessary to pause until the Echelon trucks could get permission to come forward with petrol, and other supplies. On the 17th however, everything was ready for a further advance to Couliboef.

        Enemy resistance was, by this time, becoming less severe. Hundreds of German prisoners passed through the Battalion's hands during this period.

        Until the battle for the Channel ports began the Regiment practically lived on their vehicles. It was flat-out pursuit to the Seine with the remnants of the German Army at full retreat. For six days the race to the Seine went on. Usually the Battalion moved in Battle Groups spearheaded by a Carrier Screen. Many small skirmishes took place but these were dealt with by the leading elements of the convoy. One such action took place at Orbec, another at Elbieuf presented some difficulties casualties were light and the Regiment was disposed in the town before midnight on the 27th August. This phase of the war had some compensations. The were feted every where-in countless small villages dotted along the route the people turned with flags, fruit, flowers, smiles, cheers and kisses for "Les Liberaturs".

        Using Elboeuf as a base the Battalion sent out many patrols and clearing parties to pick up mines and scattered groups of Germans who were hiding in farms and caves in the neighborhood. After two days in Le Perey the Battalion again mounted on every available vehicle-moved off, crossing the Seine at half past nine in the morning. The drive maintained its momentum until the Regiment arrived at Cremarest.

        This is as much as I have because the next page of the paper is missing, if anyone should have it please contact me at 789-2397.... Thanks

       

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