Service number:

197252

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

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1 April 1945 WO 171/5201 - 1 Herefordshire Regiment
Bn. with 2F&F Yeo u/c moved with the intention of passing through 4 KSLI at BIRGHTE Bridge V9406 across the Dortmund Ems Canal. Route Leer, Bursteinfurt, Emsdetten V8697, Mseum V8404, Elte 8605, Riesenbeck 9307, Birghte 9406.The enemy had been located by 4 KSLI on the wooded high ground at 972060, and A and D Coys. (left and right respectively) were deployed to attack this position, the close country making tank support impossible. "A" Coy reached high ground at 972060, but were counter attacked three times and were finally surrounded. On orders from Bn.HQ, they managed to make their way to the Southern edge of the wood. "D" Coy on the right also had difficulty and later were ordered to withdrawBoth Coys suffered casualties, the total for the operation being:- Offrs.Killed 2 (Lieut.Spittal and Lieut.Hopkinson) Wounded 2 (Lieut.Mannering and Lieut.Mason.OR's killed 3 Wounded 36 and missing 13:The Bn. eventually consolidated on the reverse slope with "A" at 963051, "B" at 987053, "C" at 964055, "D" at 967049 B.H.Q. at same area. The enemy were first class troops being a composite unit formed from the NCO Inf.Trg.School at Hanover. Birghte Bridge and the Bn. positions were attacked twice by enemy aircraft, during the afternoon and evening without causing casualties. Adwards for this action "A" Coy. Major Tapper awarded Military Cross. C.S.M. Hartnett and Sergt. Bevan awarded the Military Medal.

4 June 1945 WO 171/5201 - 1 Herefordshire Regiment
Composite pl. u/c Major R.G.Tapper MC.,patrolled FORST HENDEWITT MR 1791. NTR.

19 June 1945 WO 171/5201 - 1 Herefordshire Regiment
19 Reinforcements posted to the Bn. WEDING MR.1989 patrolled in the morning. N.T.R. The following week, Coys have been alloted ranges and are to concentrate on zeroing rifles.A special patrol of 1 pl. from the duty Coy u/c Major R.G. Tapper MC., went out at 2000 hrs to sweep FRIEDHOLZ WOOD MR.228975 in order to check up on German service personnel being out without passes. In one hour 58 persons were arrested and detained in the barracks. They were handed over the following moring for disciplinary action.

30 June 1945 WO 171/5201 - 1 Herefordshire Regiment
An Adjutants parade in the morning had to be cancelled owing to rain. The C.O. inspected all company billets during the morning. A Platoon of "A" Coy. u/c Major R.G.Tapper MC., carried out a check of all passes and vehivle permits in Flensburg during 1200/1300 hrs. The Brigade Commander (Brig.J.B.Churcher DSO.) inspected "B" Coy at 0900 hrs, before they left for guard duties at 8 Corps HQ., for the following week.

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