Home of the Infantry Regiments of Berkshire and Wiltshire
War Diary
Detail
1945-05-02
| Regiment | 2nd Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | Witzeeze, Germany |
| Entry | 0800: After a short delay the vanguard moved off and started the advance followed by the main body of the Bn half an hour later. The vanguard advanced without opposition and the main body moved up in rear leapfrogging from one harbour area to another. The advance was continued unopposed to BREITENELDE (9260) where advanced units of 11 ARM'D DIV were contacted. There was no delay here and the vanguard swept on towards MOLLN where opposition was expected, but the bridge over the ELBE-TRAVE canal, although prepared for demolition was found to be intact, and the town of MOLLN itself fell without a shot being fired. The townspeople reported that German troops had passed through the town going towards LUBECK during the night. After a brief halt the battalion moved on again. By this time hundreds of prisoners were streaming back along the road. One interesting prisoner taken, was an S.S. Lieut Colonel belonging to Himmler's personal staff, who provided valuable information later. 1330: For some unknown reason the battalion was suddenly ordered to halt. At this point the vanguard was just short of RAZEBURG. There was no explanation given for the halt. By this time it was obvious that organised German resistance had ceased. German soldiers still fully armed and equipped were surrendering by battalions. The town of RATZEBURG although full of German troops surrendered without a shot being fired. 1700: The battalion was now ordered to continue the advance again to LUBECK with all possible speed. It took some time to get the battalion on the move again, as it had taken up defensive positions and its supporting tanks had gone into "lager" for the night. 2100: When the advance was resumed no opposition was met until the vanguard reached the village of GRONAU (9982). Ref Map CENTRAL EUROPE 1:100,000 LUBECK, where some desperate resistance was offered by a few fanatics on the southern outskirts of the vilage, who were armed with L.M.Gs and light anti-tank weapons. This resistance was overcome after a short sharp fight by the Vanguard. About 300 Germans, mostly old men, were found in the northern half of the village waiting to give themselves up. Our casualties were 1 Officer and 4 O.R's wounded. 2200: After the capture of GRONAU the battalion halted for a short rest and food. It was the C.O's intention to continue the advance to LUBECK during the night. |
