In late December 1944, eighty years ago, the 5th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (5th DCLI) had spent the previous seven months taking part in some of the hardest fighting seen in Northwestern Europe. The separation from loved ones, events of the past year, the current situation and apprehension for the future would perhaps, play on the mind.
The Regimental War Diary
Fortunately, according to the War Diary, on the 20th December the 5th DCLI were not in the front line but located in Bilsen (or Bilzen), a town in Belgium. There was some uncertainty with the possibility of a move at any moment, however, this did not prevent the very important, ‘ceremony of the Privilege Leave to the U.K. ballot.’ 1 The War Diary frequently mentions the ‘German counter-offensive’, now commonly known as the Battle of the Bulge and the plans put into place to provide support for the American Army if required. Whilst there was uncertainty over future movement, the Battalion, for the next few days remained in Bilsen, ‘The stay in Bilsen was to prove very comfortable, the change in language back to French after so long listening to Dutch and German being very welcome. We were last in Belgium on the 20th September’. 2 The uncertainty continued, at least for the Officers, until 1830 hours on 22nd December at a Brigade ‘O’ Group it was reported that the Americans would be able to hold the counter-offensive. On Christmas Day the War Diary lists the programme of festivities as follows.
1000 hours. Holy Communion
1100 hours. Church Service
1200 hours. Officers and Serjeants (Drinks and Christmas greetings)
1330 hours. Christmas Dinners
1500 hours. Battalion football match
1630 hours. Teas
1800 hours. Concert3
Christmas dinner consisted of, tinned turkey, pork, baked potatoes, Christmas pudding, cigars, apples, oranges, and beer but perhaps most appreciated was the billeting arrangements within civilian buildings allowed for warmth, tables, tablecloths, china and beer glasses. The diary alludes to a relaxed evening with possibly a few drinks to while away the time, ‘The evening was spent in the usual Christmas manner’. 4 Whilst the Belgium beer may have been a little too sweet for some the no work before 1000 on the 26th December instruction was probably much appreciated although Boxing Day for the most part was a normal day with much training including, P.T., Bayonet fighting, rifle practice, map reading and compass work. At 0530 on the 27th December a Reconnaissance party left Bilsen for Elsloo, near Beek in Holland, followed later in the day by other units of the Battalion. At 0815 on 30th December the whole Battalion was prepared to move on receipt of orders to carry out anti-paratroop work but instead seems to have moved to Merkelbeek to dig defensive positions. In the afternoon an All-Ranks Dance was held in a Café Hall in Elsloo and a New Year Greeting telegram was sent to the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, US Army. The last day of 1944 consisted of a continuation of training and the preparation of defensive positions. 1944 therefore closed in the cold of Holland with the Battalion carrying on in the best traditions of the British Army.
The Diary of Private Antony Adams
The War Diary is one source of information but how does it compare to a personal diary, do World events register with those at the sharp end? The diary of Private Antony Adams during this period reflects the day-to-day tasks he carried out in the course of his duties.
Wednesday 20th December
… Quiet time during the afternoon and most of the evening, on duty 1930-2100 hrs. Some flying bombs over after we retired to bed.
Sunday 24th December
Went to recce an area for map reading exercise and then took NCOs around it, very nice morning. Quiet afternoon had lovely tea at our house, a few games of cards afterwards, then had a few drinks and some ice cream. Wrote to Myra.
Monday 25th December – Xmas Day
Went to a church service at 1030 and on our return we prepared for dinner. CO came round at 1330 hrs and informed me of MM award. Spent a very quiet afternoon, visited football match between us and 7 Som L I. Played a few games of ‘nap’ and went to bed early.
Tuesday 26th December
Visited tailors [f]or MM ribbon. Took out 5 junior NCOs for map reading, returned to Bn HQ at 1230 hrs, had a few ports. Had a few games of ‘nap’, then took Cpls on compass work. Sing song during the evening, also wrote home and to Myra. Received news of an unex-pected move.
Wednesday 27th December
Arose at 0530 and dashed about preparing to move, did so at 0645 and after a journey in frost (I was warm in a carrier) arr. ELSLOO at about 1200. Billets at Ho 21 office at bit low-er. Reasonable comfortable.
Saturday 30th December
Went out on Ex at 0830 into BRUNSUM in the frost, did A Coy psn [position] then returned to Merkelbeek for lunch. Out once again in snow, returned to Elsloo for tea. Went to dance at 2000 hrs had a nice time, danced with Elizabeth.
There is some crossover between the two diaries, it is fair to state that in general Private Adams mentions items of direct interest to him, the rushed move to Elsloo being the prime example, rather than items of general interest such as the German attack in the Ardennes. The impression is that Private Adams had an enjoyable Christmas in the circumstances, ‘the lovely tea at our house’ on the 24th shows the appreciation of billeting in a private house, unfortunately it is not clear if the owners were still in residence and provided the tea.
The 5th DCLI parent Division was the 43rd Wessex, which produced its own newsletter, the Wyvern News. Such newsletters were produced at regular intervals and a copy of the Christmas 1944 issue is shown. Whilst this represents a further Official view it is interesting for the sentiments and the mention of Woolworths!