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December 1944

DateWar DiaryNotes
1-10 Regiment at Deurne, 6520.  
4 4 x Cromwells IV received. 5 x Shermans V disposed of.  
6 1 x Sherman 1C received. 14 x Shermans 1C disposed of.  
9 28 x Shermans V and 1 x Stuart VI disposed of.  
10-13 Regiment at Geldrop, 4815.  
12 1 x Stuart VI and 2 x Cromwells IV received.  
14-15 Regiment moved to rest area Ypres for re-equipment. Disposal of Shermans 75s to 2nd ARG, Brussels. 23H Story Page 185+.
16-19 At Ypres.  
16 2 x Other Ranks missing, 1 x Other Rank wounded.
1 x Cromwell IV and 2 x Comets 1A received. 		The two missing men had gone on leave to Antwerp and were killed when a V2 Rocket fell on the Rex Cinema.

This was the first day of the 'Battle of the Bulge'.

RIP DIED THIS DAY
20 15.00 hours. Regiment move on wheels to Brussels to collect tanks.
7 x Shermans and 4 x Honeys move on tracks under Captain Blackman. 		23H Story Page 187+.
21 09.00 hours. "C" Squadron left Brussels to take up position in area Givet.
15.00 hours. Regiment less "C" Squadron move to Givet. 		23H Story Page 189+.
22-24 Regiment under command H Company 8th RB in position protecting bridge at Givet, "A" Squadron forward, "C" Squadron and H Company in Givet, "B" Squadron in reserve west of the River. R.HQ at Agimont.
10 x Carrier Pigeons attached for communication with 21st Army Group. 		23H Story Page 189+.
25 Move forward to "lying up" positions east of River Meuse. "A" Squadron at Neuville, 0672, "C" Squadron at Famesne, 0675, "B" Squadron at Gozin, 0373. No contact. Withdraw to Beauraing, 0171 for night. 23H Story Page 191.

The Regiment would celebrate Christmas on 21 Jan 1945!
26 Same positions  
27 "B" Squadron changed reserve position to Baronville, 0173. Recce troop patrol to Chanly, 1567. Some enemy seen.
2 x Other Ranks wounded. 		 
28 Same positions  
29 Two troops of "A" Squadron and "C" Squadron to former positions only. Remainder to Beauraing. 23H Story Page 192+.
31 "B" Squadron at Baronville.

The following received awards as stated:-

M.C.

D.C.M.

M.M.