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getting through and captured four jeeps, 10 medical personnel, and two A & P men before it was
knocked out by the 2nd French Armored Division.
In all, the Battalion on this day took 530 prisoners, knocked out four tanks, two halftracks and an
undetermined number of miscellaneous vehicles. That same afternoon, an officer from the
Reconnaissance Regiment of the Polish Armored Division came to the CP and requested us to relieve
them of some 750 prisoners which they held. The Reconnaissance Regiment had been cut off from their
supply lines by Germans trying to escape and were almost out of food and ammunition. So, this
Battalion evacuated their 750 prisoners, including the Major General commanding the German 49th
Infantry Division.
Added to all this polyglot, an officer from a Canadian Cavalry Squadron came to the CP at 2200
to exchange information with us.
By the 21st we had in the Battalion area elements of British armored, Canadian infantry and
armored, Polish and French armored units. This plus our own armored and infantry units really lent an
international touch to the whole affair.
On this day the Battalion took 83 more prisoners, bringing the total for the three days to 933. In
addition, the Battalion during the same period knocked out 15 tanks and approximately 40 assorted
halftracks, trucks and other vehicles.
Elements of the 50th British Infantry Division relieved the Battalion on the 22nd and the
Companies then moved to reserve area near SURDON, France. While in this area all personnel went
through the usual schedule of COD, inspections, and hot chow. It was here that the Battalion enjoyed its
first visit from an ARC Clubmobile.
Early on the 26th of August, the Battalion moved out on its longest single day trip. In all, the
Battalion moved some 225 miles passing through SEES, MAMERS, LA FERTE BERNARD,
CHATEAUDIN, PITHIVIERS and MALASHERBES. Troops stopped at 1800 in the Foret de
Fontainebleau just 25 miles south of Paris – which regrettably was the closest the Battalion got to that
famed city. At 1830 the troops loaded up again and after passing through NAMOURS moved across the
Seine river at MONTEREAU where we relieved a Battalion of the 10th Infantry, 5th Division. No
enemy action was encountered during the entire trip. As the Battalion passed through NAMOURS it
saw for the first time the way the French treated women who consorted with Germans. These girls made
a spectacular sight as they paraded dejectedly down main street, dressed in their nightgowns and
completely shorn of their locks. Civilians lined both side of the street and loudly booed each girl as she
passed.
At 1400 25 – August, the Companies moved out again – this time to the town of
DONNEMARIE EN MONTISE. The town was reportedly not yet cleared so Company L entered it in
approach march formation. Just as they reached the edge of town, a two star General complete with MP
motorcycle escort came blaring on through. It seemed that XX Corps was in the next town up. So, all
Companies promptly settled down. That night, the townspeople threw a street dance in our honor. It
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