Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

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2 April 1945 WO 171/4693 - 23 Hussars
During this time the 15th/19th Hussars Group had established a bridgehead across the Dortmund - Ems canal and had pushed through a gorge across the ridge of the Teutobuger Wald. The 23rd Hussars/8th RB Group were ordered forward at 12.00 hours, led by "B" Squadron Group. Having passed over the canal we passed slowly up the wooded gorge north of BROCHTERBECK, 0003, past T junction, 0005, east to TECKLENBURG, 0502. The leading tank of "B" Squadron was hit by a Bazooka as it reached the centre of the town, which lay in a hollow between two ridges and consisted of very narrow,old-fashioned streets. Whilst "B" Squadron and F Company were trying to clear this most unpleasant place, where even the civilian population seemed to be fighting, A1 Echelon was attacked by machine gun and rifle fire in the gorge of the Teutobuger Wald, wounding both the Echelon Commander and the Signals Officer. Towards evening an attempt was made to work "C" Squadron Group round from the west but by nightfall 3rd RTR had managed to outflank the town from the east and had cut the main road to the north. Orders were received to advance during the night. Captain J.G. Sandford, Captain I.S. Geikie and 2 x Other Ranks were wounded. 1 x Tank, a Comet was left for recovery, notified backloaded to 3rd Echelon 19th April, 1945. 1 x Truck, 15cwt 4 x 2 G.S. Bedford and 1 x Matchless solo motor cycle destroyed by enemy action. 1 x Trailer, 10cwt G.S. received from 8th Corps C.S. and V.P.

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