TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!
Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence Summaries are contained in F.S. Regs., Vol. 1. and the Staff Manual respectively Title pages will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY
or
INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY
Army Form C.2118
Unit: 23rd Hussars
Month and Year: May 1945 (Erase heading not required). Commanding Officer: Lt.Col. R.P. HARDING, DSO
Place Date Hour Summary Reference
3   "B" Squadron Group was ordered to move up and investigate TRAVEMUNDE. The enemy was surrendering in thousands. Captain Weiner negotiated the surrender of airfield on the peninsular by telephone and then went across the river to take over. The water-ferry was still working. He went over in a Scout car. Germans poured onto the narrow neck of land trying to cross to escape from the Russians, who they thought were coming up in their rear. "C" Squadron Group was sent to NEUSTADT. The main road was blocked but they bypassed to the east. In NEUSTADT great confusion reigned. Two ships full of Baltic DPs had just been shot up by the RAF and many were killed. Those who escaped were in very poor condition, and largely without clothes. Their condition was reported as reminiscent of that of the inmates of BELSEN. Higher authority was inclined to doubt it but they were later convinced.
16.00 hours. 23rd Hussar Group less "C" Squadron moved to the area NIENDORF, 8395, 1/100,000 Sheet K4 to harbour and prepare for move to Eclipse area. One half-tracked International M-5 truck, 15-cwt received from 8th corps CS and VP.
2 x Comet tanks received from 270th FDS.

Source: Neil Grimshaw.

Disclaimer: This War Diary is based on its original, but typos might be corrected. Locations are calculated, so might not be in the correct place. For historical research, always check the originals.