Good question, Ivor. They all say that someone elose has them. Your guess is as good as mine.
John
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Good question, Ivor. They all say that someone elose has them. Your guess is as good as mine.
John
Hello Ivor.
I have the War Crimes files and in their wisdom they pursued only four crimes from the whole lot .There was no positive outcome and no person was actually accused .The cases were heard with witness testimony but no soldier was brought to justice. They did indeed try to lay the blame at the Commanders door but were unable to pin point which actual battalion/company of Germania was responsible with the finger of suspicion falling on III Battalion/company who despite admissions that they were in the area, not once but twice claim that there were other German troops already there when they arrived this was in addition to an engineer company acting independently.
I will check and see which officers had already been killed but I know it was agreed that the tribunal could find no evidence of a General Order relating to the treatment of prisoners and that any mistreatment was carried out on a local basis ie Squad leaders but ultimately the German CO was responsible for his mens conduct.
In relation to documents being removed, I too considered that option but if they were in the Missing Men File originally then the File Index does not show any mention? I would assume the index would hold all of the correspondence with edits made alongside if they were moved? I have been told by a member of WW2Talk of Casualty lists at the National Archives for wounded, dead, missing WO 417 but I do not know what these files hold? I have statements obtained from American sources on the war Crimes these are held by FOLD. The War Crimes files evidence etc went to SHAEF these became the records of Allied Operational and Occupation Headquarters, World War (Series RG 331) and some but not all are held at their National Archives (NARA?). Do they hold British Files? I honestly do not know their index system doesn't seem to bring any up.
I think John is right ,no one has them, its always another department who are affiliated to each other and in todays society there is no interest in the events of WW2 unless of course there`s an anniversary or commemoration and no one can be bothered to actually look. Not all but some are not even aware there was a War never mind appreciating the sacrifices made in it. If only ,just once, an enquiry fell onto the desk of a person who actually had an interest and a sense that people like Anthony Corkhill and others still missing `STILL MATTER` Thank heavens for forums like this where their sacrifice is acknowledged and they are still remembered with honour. The world has changed and its still changing...and not always for the better . (Sorry about the little rant )
Jim
Morning.
Thanks Jim. a very detailed post. With regard to the Germania. I believe, if my memory is correct, they were approaching the area in an Easterly direction.While the Totemkopf were approaching from the South and west, so it is quite possible that the Germania statements are correct. Also we know of the Engineering Co as it was their equipment that was captured by the approaching RWF, and then attacked by the RWF when they were approaching St Venant from the north.
I will agree that in ''Normal'' Circumstances the CO would be responsible for the conduct of his men, But, the problem here is that these S.S Units were not really normal, some of the men were Arrogant,Sadistic,Murdering Bullies who had No regard for the Geneva Convention or any other authority. I have read accounts where these men were removed by their own people.
With regard to the War Crime Files, i suspect that the Americans would have taken possession of any relevant files i would imagine that they would be re numbered within the American system with some cross reference somewhere,possibly.
With regard to your last paragraph (your little rant) i think you are quite right. However you missed something out. Anniversary, commemoration AND the Trial of some 90 odd year old soldier who had the unfortunate posting of being a concentration camp guard.
Now on a more personal note, for various reasons i had not seen my Grand children for a number of years. But we manager to meet up the other weekend and the conversation came around to School and stuff. I as totally amazed when my 16 year old Grand daughter said that they were taught about WW2 as History. unfortunately i was not able to discuss this further but i find this to be rather alarming. What or Who's Version of WW2 are they being taught. Do these young people Even Know that there are Men Still Missing i doubt it. I Suspect they are taught a Sanitized version which bares very little resemblance to the truth.
Some of you will have seen the report of the death of 96 year old Les Munro the last of the Pilots of the Dam Busters raid. a comment was put on Facebook...''Rest easy Squadron Leader..Thank you for my Freedom'' this is something that MUST be Remembered. not only the Fly Boys But Every Man who fought in whatever unit is owed this Debt of Gratitude.
Those that did not survive and are ''Unknowns'' are just as important.. a final Quote
'' When you go home, tell them of us and say that for their Tomorrows, we gave our Today''
ivor
You are correct about Germania Ivor they cane through the berks area as dad remembers the cuff titles on some dead men of the regiment
Morning (Just)
Looking at the War Crimes File the final outcome is listed as :-FILE CLOSED AFTER PROLONGED INVESTIGATION IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TRACE (OR EVEN IDENTIFY!) THE CULPRITS.
German report from May 27th 1940
27 May 4o. Attack by regiment within its division across the canal in easterly and north-easterly direction. Dispositions for the attack same as before.
a) Morning.
Reinforced II Bn came forward rapidly and soon reached ST. VENANT. Reinforced III Bn in level terrain covered with hedges and solitary houses met with very tough and courageous resistance and at first advanced very slowly. Regimental staff at the beginning of attack on rail and road crossing BUSNES-GUARBACQUE. At beginning of attack strong artillery attack there; staff and forward sections of I Bn sustained casualties.
b) Afternoon
Reinforced II Bn advancing further to east/north-east just north of LYS Canal.
Reinforced III Bn good progress south and in south,west part of BOIS MOYEN. Left, neighbouring regiment "Der Fuehrer, apparently up against rather strong resistance, advancing slowly.
Order of the Division:
Reinforced III Bn turns north to relieve Regiment 'Der Fuehrer'. III Bn carried out turn as ordered without attacking to north.
O.C. III Bn seriously wounded (later killed in the East). Attack by Regiment 'Der Fuehrer' then got under way. Positions reached roughly by Regt by evening: reinforced II Bn approximately at .LE SART. and north there of, reinforced III Bn approximately in south-easterly part of BOIS MOYEN (road). I Bn with regimental staff near HAVERSKERQUE (Road).
Information supplied by a PW Heinrich stated that Atrocities,as described in St Venant would have been dealt with at all levels and those responsible executed.....It is then noted that the character of Regimental Commander DEMELHUBER is known too well which makes this statement of PW HEINRICH bear no weight at all.
The battle report further states that III BN advanced along the road of LA BASSE CANAL without seeing any fighting but were then held up at THE CHURCHYARD. It was established that unless further was found that the soldiers fighting in St Venant were III Bn and 16 Comp Engineers.It was taken that No 9 Company of IIIBn were the ones fighting in the town as one of the interogated prisoners remembered the details but denied any knowledge of atrocities. It was felt that unless it could be proved that other units were present then DEMELHUBER could be held responsible for the actions of his men. He never was and was released from captivity in 1948 and died in 1988. For anyone who wants to google him his name is KARL MARIA DEMELHUBER .
Jim
QUOTE]O.C. III Bn seriously wounded (later killed in the East)[/QUOTE]
I`m just adding a little more detail for this `monster` and a small correction to the War Crime File assumption he had been killed in the EAST? The man referred to was Adolf Rudolf Reinhold Diekmann he was shot in the Lung at St Venant a wound which appears to have had a psychological impact as well as a physical one Diekmann was appointed A.D.C. to II Company of the SS-Regiment 'Germania' and shortly afterwards became Adjutant of III bn. It was during his time as Adjutant that he was severely wounded by a gunshot to the lungs on 27th May 1940 at Saint Venant . Soon after (on 20th August) he was awarded the Iron Cross First Class. He was sent to Elbogen on the river Eger in the Sudetenland (present day Loket on the river Ohre in the Czech Republic) for convalescence. Diekmann never fully recovered from this wound and was described in his last assessment (of 1st June 1944) as being, "Physically well and completely fit, but sometimes somewhat handicapped by his lung wound ?." DIEKMANN was killed in Normandy by shell splinters to the head but not before his unit (Now Das Reich) had completely wiped out the village/town of ORADOUR SUR GLANE killing its population and raising the buildings to the ground.
This is of course all background information on the events at ST VENANT and there`s no direct link to Anthony Corkhill or his disappearance that we have found yet. I think this information falls under the heading of `Bad Character Evidence`
Jim
morning Jim.
Thanks for the above report. interesting. But sadly the conclusion is not very helpful. It would seem that Demelhuber was a well respected man as he gained promotion on a regular basis and also he was also quite highly Decorated. But sadly i do not believe he is our man, as he survived the war. He may have been I/C but even if he was aware of what was going on seems to have covered his back very well. I will have to look back into this, but the name DIX comes to mind in this area.
We have the reports of PoW's being shot in their Hospital beds and the shooting of men in the Forest of Neipe from which a witness escaped.
It would appear that Germania was the focus of investigations but Totemkopf was also heavily engaged in the area around Calonne and the Forest. I would think from a point of view of who was where, this area was a Mess.
i will keep digging, but,and i am sorry to be a nuisance, is there any reference to Totemkopf in your files.
ivor
Hello Ivor,
DEMELHUBER was a groom in the German army prior to obtaining a commission in the SS. It was recorded that he was cleared of charges relating to the massacre of British Troops in 1940 authors had assumed it was in conection with Wormhoudt or Le Paradis it was neither it was St Venant but the massacres at St Venant are not well reported. He could not be directly linked and was freed in 1946.
Totenkopf SS were 9miles away at Bethune on May 24th 1940 but their armour was withdrawn for the push on Dunkirk. On May 27th 1940 when St Venant was overran troops from 14th Company SS Division Totenkopf committed the massacre at Le Paradis They were under the command of Hauptsturmführer Fritz Knöchlein who was executed in 1948 for the crime
One of the reasons Demelhuber was never prosecuted was the presence of 3rd Panzer Division in St Venant their rifle companies took a mixture of thirty six prisoners Officers and men from the DLI,RWF and R.Berks and it was recorded that with the exception of the officers the enlisted men stated they had fought so hard because if captured they had, without exception, expected to be shot?
Jim
Heres the German statements in full;-
CONFIDENTIAL
Report No. WCIU/LD0/LDC 1262/( a) - UWMPB
JAG Ref MD/JAG/FE/7/5 (2F)
.VOLUNTARY STATEMENT of PRISONER of WAR
LD 1189 SS-Obersturmfuhrer Heinz KOEKE
Report of my service in the `GERMANIA` Regt
The GERMANIA Regt was formed from the Regt SS2 of the pool of reserve troops (Verfuegungstruppe) and was named thus at the Reich Party Rally at Nuremberg in 1936. The various Bn's were garrisoned as follows :-I Bn. at HAMBURG-; 2 Bn at ANOLSEN; 3 Bn at ',WOLTERDINGEN. 3 Bn was transferred in 1937 to RADOLFSZELL am BODENSEE. The Regt Staff and the Regt units were at HAMBURG.
On 9.9.1934. I came to the 1st Bn and belonged to 3 Coy until I was wounded on 17.7.1941. In April 1937 I became Unterscharfuhrer and my appointment was that of Gruppenfuehrer (Section Commander). As Scharf\ihrer I was appointed Officer in charge of the Goy in the autumn of 1938 and
in that capacity I took part in the Polish campaign.
After its termination the Regt was transferred to the area of BERNN, Czechoslovakia and some time later about the end of Nov 1939, to the KITZINGEN area. 1 Bn was at MARKBRIET At the beginning of February 1940 the Regt was moved to Western Germany, into the area of BECKUM in WESTPHALIA and towards the end of March 1st Bn moved to WALTROP which we left on 10th May 1940 to go into action on the .Western Front.
On the way to HOLLAND we passed BREDA. We had no contact with the enemy in Holland. Our first battle was at .ACHTERBRODE, Belgium, in mid-May, against rearguards of the French army. When the fighting - -which lasted only a short, time - was finished, we continued on the way to France. After several days' journey during which we had no contact with the enemy, we passed ARRAS and reached LILLERS later on. There we took up positions on the Northern exit of the town. On the same day, in the afternoon, it must have been near the end of May, our Coy was advanced to the LA BASSEE CANAL. We then moved along the CANAL in a south easterly direction, crossed the canal by means of an emergency bridge, reached ROBECQ as Coy in reserve.
In that area I saw two shot-up English or French tanks. ROBECQ must have boon taken by 2 Bn because a comrade Of mine, Rottenfuehrer WETEKOMP, was killed in action there. In ROBECQ I noticed 8 to 10 English soldiers who were prisoners, some of them were wounded and were being bandaged by our medical orderlies. In ROBECQ we remained until about 11 o'clock at night and were later withdrawn again via the same route. Lighters in the canal were on fire. In the e LAMIQUALLERIE area,, not far from BUSNES, we took up positions and on the next day again about noon, we reached the LA BASSEE canal again, where the LILLERS-ST. VENANT road crosses the canal.
There our Coy received orders to attack in the direction of ST.VENANT in order to form a bridgehead across the canal. An emergency bridge had been thrown across the canal at this point as a result Of which our Engineers Coy had lost two vehicles because the drivers, ignorant of the position, had driven across the bridge in order to turn round in ST. VENANT. The two trucks stood, shot-up, on the road up from the canal to the town. At that time I knew only that the unit on the left , I cannot remember which - had already made contact with the enemy on the other side of the canal, I do not know which troops were deployed on our right either We were not told because the orders were given hurriedly and perfunctorily. At that time the OC Regt was Standartenfuehror DEMELHUBER, Battalion commander was Sturmbannfuehrer SCHMIDTHUBER, , my Coy commander was Hauptstummfuehrer Franz SCHREIBER and my Platoon commander was Unterstummfurher HAUS. The other two second in commands of our Platoon were Oberscharfuehrer WISCH and Unterscharfuehrer Rolf SUEL.
-.
WISCH was killed in action in Russia and SUHL is in Russian captivity in Siberia. At that time I had orders to proceed 50 metres on the right of the road leading to ST VENANT. I and my section went over the bridge first. Right and left of the road there stood some houses and I had some cover from gardens and hedges. After I had gone about 50 metres out of the covered area the ground began to rise a little and we were fired on by several Heavy MGs so that it was impossible to proceed further. The order came to dig in and I was able to reach a small trench which was also occupied by my Zugfuehrer. We lay there alone for some time as our men who were huddled together in the dip could not gain any ground on account of the concentrated fire. We knew we were face to face with British soldiers of good quality and after mortars had been brought against us, we expected a counter-attack. Heavy arms were 'brought into play on our side and the enemy's fire slackened off. We were lying right opposite the water-tower and on the railway line, which was hidden by the trucks standing there, we could pick out Heavy MG positions. The distance was some 5-600 metres. Late in the afternoon dive-bombers were sent in against ST VENANT and I presume that after the air attack most of the English and French troops evacuated ST VENANT.
We remained in position during the night and here and there left of the road battle noises were heard, The next day our platoon became the reserve platoon and we were able to clean our arms which had been dirtied by the rain in the proceeding night. About 10 or clock in the evening we were relieved by the 7th company. When we mustered on the road south of the canal our Motor Transport arrived and was shot at by artillery and turned round and drove back empty in the LILLERS direction.
We marched to BUSNES where we waited for our MT. After we had a days rest in the LILLERS area we marched to LA BASSEE canal but this time arrived at a spot 4km west of the emergency bridge. A little way from the canal we came under heavy artillery fire and as we were still marching in close order the company had 7 fatal casualties.
At midday we went on in a more or less westerly direction towards ST VENANT. The town was clear of enemy troops and we assembled on the edge. It was then I heard that our Engineer Coy had lost 27 men killed in the fighting on the canal north of ST VENANT. We then marched through ST VENANT, crossed the second canal and in the evening arrived at HAVERSKERSQUE 2 km north of ST VENANT. Here we were supposed to go into rest but on the same evening the order to move off came and we marched through the wood in a general northerly direction,
A little way on the other side of the wood a halt was called on the LILLERS-HAZEBROUCK railway line near STEENBECQUE and a search was made for quarters. At MARBERQUE we spent the night in a barn and the next morning moved off in the HAZEBROUK-CASSEL direction. We did not get as far as CASSEL.
The next day we were back as far as ST QUENTIN where we had three days rest. After that the only thing I can report on is a battle which we fought near ROSIERES with French Colonial troops. Our platoon had taken over the guarding of a part of the place and did not go into action. This day (6th or 7th June) the Comander of the second platoon Oberscharfuehrer BAHNSEN was killed and buried in the cemetery there. Then, acting on orders, I took over the command of the 2nd Platoon. Neither during the time of the French campaign nor at any time later have I ever heard of any shooting of English or French prisoners. I have made the above statement voluntarily and without compulsion.
(Sgd) Heinz KOEKE
(Sgd) M. ULLMAN, WOI
Signed in my presence: LDO 12 July 1946
Distribution Copies
JLG : 2
AG-3 1
(VW) File 3
************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************************
Report No;- WCIU/LDC/1259(a)-U/WMPS
JAG. Ref; MD/JAG/FS/7/5(2F)
VOLUNTARY STATEMENT BY PRISONER OF WAR
LD 1216 SS-OSTUF ROBERT KRAFT 2BN GERMANIA
My position
At that time I was Rottenfuhrer and drove a vehicle (Kuebelwagen) in the 6 Coy, 2 Bn , this was . the vehicle in which the Gruppenfuhrer (Section Commander) of the heavy Machine gun and his runner, together with the apparatus„ were driven. It was my duty to drive the section during battle to the position ordered. As soon as the section dismounted, I had to drive the truck some distance away under cover, according to the circumstances, and to see that it was safe from air observation and artillery fire.
The Campaign in Northern France
We came from the ANTWERP area area and drove towards ARRAS As far as I remember no fighting took place in the course of this journey. The direction was then changed and we drove into the area of BURBURE„ LILLERS. In LILLERS we were bombed by German aircraft when entering the town. We then continued in the direction of the canal and, as far as I remember, we were pushed out to the left and went via BUSNES into action in the area of GUARBECQUE, on the canal. The fighting during the first few days was severe and we had about 16 dead . Opposing us were English units, who wanted to hold the canal. After a few days it became quiet and the English units were withdrawn. The Battalion assembled and we continued on in the direction of ST. VENANT. We had no fighting during this journey but I believe other units had moved along this road before us We then continued into the HAZEBROUCK area.
I can no longer say which road we took.
Of Prisoners of War during this period I only saw one Englishman. Who was wounded and was taken by a medical orderly to a First Aid Post situated on the road LILLERS . I do not know of any other fighting in this area. I testify by my signature that I know nothing of the shooting of Prisoners of War nor have I ever heard any talk about it.
I have made the above statement voluntary and without compulsion.
(sgd) Robert KRAFT
Signed in my presence: (sgd) M.ULLMAN W.O.I.
LDC 12 July 1946.
Distribution: copies.
JAG 2
AG3 (VW) 1
File 5
************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************
Report No; WCTU/LDC/1260 (a) -U/ML
JAGs Reference;- MD/JAG/FS/7/5 (2F)
CONFIDENTIAL
VOLUNTARY STATEMENT BY PRISONER of WAR
LD 1187 SS-Hastuf HERBERT CHRISTIANSEN
STATEMENT OF MY ACTIVITIES IN MAY1940
In my position as TF.,K II (2nd in Command Technical Mobile Company) with the Bn.Staff, I worked together with the T.F.K I on all questions connected with technical and administrative matters, I had. nothing to do with tactical matters. I was mostly with the vehicle repair column, which was under my orders. Here un-serviceable vehicles were repaired.. Therefore we drove at the tail end of the marching column and. were about 10 - 15 km behind the battalion Battle Hq during engagements.
The Bn reached LILLERS district from the South or Southeast from the neighbourhood of .ARRAS. The attack in the district of St. VENANT took place after the advance air-field at LIGNY LEZ AIRES had been captured. I got orders at the air-field to go into quarters with the repair-column and all vehicles which were not needed during the fighting at, LIGNY LEZ AIRES. The repair column moved into quarters in the school and remained there with the Coy supply columns which were parked in the immediate vicinity until the fighting had ceased in this district and the march was continued to the Northwest. The schoolhouse was not inhabited and the lady of the house returned only after a few days. Her husband the teacher, was a French soldier and she told us, had been captured by the Germans in this neighbourhood.
During the first days I drove back on the road of the advance to look for a lorry that had fallen out at ARRAS and to bring it up. Also on the other days I was often on the road to obtain missing M/T spares. Several times I was together with the fighting units.
During the first day I met 1 Coy, which had received a direct hit shortly before I arrived, during an Artillery attack; it might have been in BUSNES, I also heard there that my Battalion n Commander Hauptsturmfuehrer POLEWACS had been wounded. He had been shot in the stomach from an M.G.-burst. I visited him in the field hospital and the next day brought him a few things -which he wanted from his luggage. A company commander took over the Battalion in his stead.
I might have been fairly often at the Battalion Battle HQ, but do not remember any particulars.
During my last visit to the Battalion I found it in the last phases of an attack on a stretch of wood. After reconstructing the situation on the map, which was not at my disposal at the time, it might have been the "BOIS D'AMONT", Vehicles stopped on the road North-west from HAVERSKERQUE and picked up troops for the pursuit. Recce - troops, arrived continually, and more were still on the way. The enemy had evacuated the terrain en masse during the night, as far as I remember, and the reminder feigned a full complement in a Self Sacrificing fight..
I cannot remember having seen any Prisoners of War on that morning, but I saw some dead on the western side of the road who undoubtedly were killed in action, as they were still in possession of their weapons and some still partly in their positions. I myself did not leave the road. I spoke however, with several colleagues whose impressions of the fighting were still fresh. I was shown the position whore 10 Coy had to interrupt their attack temporarily as the Company Cmdr Obersturmfuchrer POLETIN had been killed and there were further casualties. In my opinion this place must have been several hundred metres south of the wood "BOIS D'AMONT“
The attack may have taken place the previous day as there had been some fighting in and around HAVERSKERQUE. Several shot,blown and burnt out lorries lay there. North of St Venant in the neighbourhood of the auxiliary bridge however several shot down enemy tanks and armoured vehicles stood about, which had been shot down during a counterattack to prevent the establishment of the GERMAN bridgehead. It was evident from the conversation that the fighting including the day before had been very heavy and that a tough opponent prevented a further advance. Also losses were heavy.
I could not stay for long as I received the order to get the supply column ready to march. The same day we continued the march as far as I remember towards the North West in order to drive the next day towards the southeast into the district of ST QUENTIN.
On the return journey I stopped at the Auxillary Bridge north of ST VENANT owing to the formations which did not belong to our Regiment coming towards us from the opposite direction.
At the beginning of my interrogation I was told that executions were supposed to have been carried out in this operational area. Since I belonged to the same Regiment uninterruptedly until the summer of 1943 I would have heard something about it. If nevertheless it did occur? Then I consider it out of the question that parts of GERMANIA or any of its personnel took part in it.
I declare hearby on oath that I have no knowledge of such occurrences nor have I heard anything about it in conversation.
I have made the above statement voluntarily and without compulsion.
(sgd) Herbert CHRISTIANSEN
Signed in my presence
(sgd) M.ULLMAN WOI
L.D.C
12 July 1946
Distribution Copies
AG3 (VW) 1
JAG 2
File 5.
************************************************** ************************************************** **************************************************
CONFIDENTIAL
Report No WCIU/LDC/1263(a) U-HV
JAG Ref;- MD/JAG/FS/7/5 (2F)
VOLUNTARY STATEMENT BY PRISONER of WAR
LD 1459- OBERSCHARFUHRER -ERICH ODDEY III GERMANIA Regt
Description of my part in Operations at ST VENANT During the campaign in France May 1940
I served as a rifleman in the GERMANIA regiment, 9th Coy/III Battalion as Coy runner. The mot Regt GERMANIA came to the airfield of LILLERS as reserve; the III Bn being in the rear. The troops now dismounted, and the vehicles were parked. Our Coy was made ready on the airfield, but I do not know which Coy was on our right and which was on the left. This was at dawn. We were then bombed by our own airoraft. For this reason a change of clothing was carried out, but I no longer know exactly why. It was said that we had been mistaken for the enemy from the air. We then started in the direction of the canal, and all I remember is our reaching factory buildings. I believe it was those on the sketch. We lay down to rest, with some men on guard, but I do not know how many and over what area. I iwas quartered in a building with the 0C Coy. It was my Job to signal white flashes by means of Very pistols and bandoliers to the German aircraft during the march or while resting; besides this I carried the automatic pistol of the Coy Cmdr.
On the following day we dug in over the whole width behind the canal. I believe I could recognize the cana1 by the high banks. The enemy was said to have armour on the other side. Therefore the 14 Coy covered this with its guns. Engineers laid mines and plain wire concertinas. At sunset orders were given to start and we crossed the Canal as far as I could tell from the map shown . It was an asphalt road with a ditch on either side. We were conducted through the mines by Engineer Company Troops. Then 1st Platoon of 9th Coy turned off the road into a lane on the left and took up positions there. I do not know anything about our neighbouring units on the left and right I only know that the Coy battle HQ was in a house on the left side of the road not far from the lane. There the Coy Commander was billeted, also .several runners and myself.
The next morning I bicycled to the No 1 Platoon to take to them the order to attack. I returned on foot because the firing was too intense. The Coy battle HQ was under Artillery or Mortar fire. Later the 2 Platoon was also deployed on the left side of the road and the Coy Cmdr was moving alonug the road. A Dispatch rider from the Battalion passed and told us that Obersturmfuhrer POLLETIN Commander of 10th Coy had been killed. 10th Coy were said to have been on our right; I do not know who was on our left. The attack progressed slowly because the ground on the left where the Platoons were was very marshy and there were lots of ditches running across the ground. At about noon we reached ST VENANT and it was there that I saw 1st Platoon again for the first time since delivering their orders. But there were already German soldiers in the town.
At the other end of the town we rested a while on the road in front of the bridge. I fell asleep and was woken by a loud rumbling the first Artillery fire of my life. It was well-directed Artillery fire, and we escaped from it by rushing over the bridge out of the line of fire. It was the bridge over the LA LYS on the road to HAVERSKERQUE. One could clearly see the small town. I remember the church and the cemetery because we advanced on the left of the road and dug in not far from the town. We had casualties, DECKER, and HARZIG. Before that the anti-tank guns and Infantry Mountain Guns (J.G.Ks.) shelled the town. covering detachments which were further forward. It became dark and orders were given us to withdraw immediately behind the Canal because we had advanced too far.
We then arrived at a place behind the Canal where assault guns and armoured MG. carriers had arrived. Where this place was and what its name was I cannot tell by the map because it was dark and I could not see anything. I believe that the attack started again next morning. The armour was in front and also another Battalion which was probably one of our Regiment. I know that we passed through. ST VENANT once again far enough to see the forest. We also passed by the deserted British Artillery positions. We spent the night beyond HAVERSKERQUE. It was said that the Regiment "Der Fuhrer" was combing, a wood obliquely to us. In HAVERSKERQUE I saw British Prisoners of War for the first time, about 30 men who were taken to the rear guarded by two men, but I do not know where they were taken to. I do not believe that they were shot.
The next day it began to rain and it was only in the afternoon that we proceeded along the road into the wood where we found the assault guns already in position. After a short skirmish in the wood we came through it and could see the goods trucks on the railway. The Battalion Comdr POTTOWTSCH was wounded in this wood and RUMOR took over. As far as I remember we retreated obliquely to the left, and had to wait until the Rest of "Der Fuhrer" reached us. I did not see it myself but I believe we were heavily fired upon by this Regiment by mistake of course as it was night. I have drawn the sketch from the map of HASBROUCK and have reproduced from memory the movements of 9th Coy. I no longer remember the dates.
I have made the above statement voluntarily and without compulsion.
(Sgd) Erich ODDEY
Signed in my presence
: (Sgd) M ULLMAN WOI
LDC
Distribution Copies
JAG 2
AG3(VW) 1
File 5
12 July 1946
Jim
Morning all.
First, Thanks Jim for the info, very interesting. But, and i am sorry for this, i do not think it is relevant to our time frame.
Let me try and justify my thoughts.
There are No Dates in the Statements. But from statements made by Koeke, i think it is possible to come to a conclusion. I believe this is Prior to the arrival of RWF/DLI etc
First. on their advance from Robecq they are met with M.G. fire from what might appear to be a prepared position. When RWF first encountered the Germans on their advance towards Robecq, 25/5/40 They Came under fire from the Germans who were in a prepared position. If you read the Statement of 4188082 Sgt Griffiths ( see thread of that Title) it does not correspond to the statement of Koeke. I believe that Koeke's statement refers to a fight with the English/French troops that had withdrawn to a defensive line from Robecq.
Secondly. Koeke refers to an Air Raid being called in. I am not sure of the date but i recall that the only air raid mentioned was recorded, 21st or 22/5.
Third. and this may be a little bit argumentative. I now think the air raid took out the 'French' bridge. We have the record of the Temporary Bridge mentioned. We also know that there was a German Engineering Unit operating Independently in the area. I now think that this 'Temporary Bridge' which is shown in the 2 Paintings we have seen was erected by the Germans to replace the bridge damaged in the air raid. The Bridging Equipment captured by RWF was actually the Support Vehicles belonging to this bridge.
fourth. Koeke states, with others, that when they passed through St Venant towards Haveskirque, there were No troops there. I think this could have only been on 23/5 before the arrival of RWF.
Although these statements are useful, i doubt that any of these units could have been involved with any thing after the 24th.
ivor