WAR DIARY of 61 Recce Regt RAC October 1944
– Lt Col P.H.A. Brownrigg
Date 12th Place HERVELD
'After a quiet night enemy movement has increased again particularly on “A” Squadron’s front where men digging, ambulances and horse drawn tpt (transport?) have been seen throughout the day. An armoured car patrol from “A” Squadron moved to the SOUTH bank of the R WAAL in the DRUTTEN* area and watched enemy movement in front of our Forward Defence Lines. All movement seen today has been engaged by artillery. “A” Squadron patrolled towards the DODEWARD* area. Leaving at 1400 hrs the patrol was unable to make any progress cross country owing to the wide ditches. The patrol Commander (Lieutenant C.R.Griffiths***) then decided to move down the ditch by the NORTH side of the road towards 555693. At 558699 an enemy outpost was encountered. The occupant did not need much persuasion to make them surrender and proved to be from 363 Infantry Division. They stated that a mixed company was holding the area and that morale was low. The patrol was then fired on by spandaus from the NORTH and mortared heavily from the same area. It withdrew safely however and suffered no casualties.'
*Druten is north-west of Nijmegen.
**Dodewaard is on the north side of the Waal, west of Herveld.
***See 'Amiens and the Somme' and 'Across the Frontier' for more information on Lt. Griffiths. “This Officer’s example of cheerfulness and steadiness in every danger has had far reaching effects on his Squadron” (from 61st Recce Battle Honours.)
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