| Regiment | 5th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | Xanten (area), Germany |
| Entry | [28-30th] Activities normal. OBSERVATIONS METEOROLOGICAL. The weather during April was variable, colder towards the end of the month than at the beginning. There were spells of exceptionally warm weather mid month. GENERAL The Operational duties of the Bn can roughly be split up into three categories: (1) Supplying 24 hour guards on Rhine bridges (2) Supplying Guards at DP Camps (3) Battlefield Clearance. In addition all training was kept up at top level, particularly specialists. Cadres were run for Signallers and Snipers. As far as Category One above is concerned a large number of people who attempted to cross the bridges, most of them Displaced Persons, did so in ignorance of existing regulations. A close co-operation with the local Burgomaster prevents a great deal of un-necessary waste of time in dealing with these people, as a great many of them are semi-domestic problems. The Burgomaster should be fully informed of all regulations, such as times of curfew, necessary passes and travel restrictions. Three SAS paratroopers who were dropped in the Amsterdam area for special operational work obviously had no means of identification. When they came into the Battalion area they were apprehended for investigation. One of them, a Lieutenant, pointed out that it would have saved much time if Units had previously been informed that such personnel might be crossing into their lines. It would facilitate their speedy movement, which might be of the utmost importance. As it was they were stopped at many points and held until their identity was established. |
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