Men of Steel by Colonel Bernd Horn

Author:Colonel Bernd Horn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JNF000000, JNF025000
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2010-05-20T04:00:00+00:00

The patrol tasks fell to all companies within 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. “I was on some night patrols,” reminisced Private Harold Croft, “which was not my favourite pastime.” Others enjoyed the challenge and proceeded with an almost reckless abandon. Although impressed with the enthusiasm and zeal of some of the paratroopers, Brigadier Hill nevertheless reminded the airborne soldiers to use caution, patience, and stealth in order to limit unnecessary casualties and return with information that could prove useful in future operations. After all, accurate information on the enemy’s locations, movements, and intentions was critical for developing the necessary plans for an effective defence and, more importantly, for the breakout battle that was to come.

Despite the many difficulties of combat in the Normandy boscage, one of the most demoralizing things was the sniping. Stymied in their attempts to push back the paratroopers, the Germans very quickly made use of the natural surroundings to enhance their own ability to harass and isolate the Canadian airborne soldiers. The sniping had begun almost immediately upon their arrival in Le Mesnil. In fact, as soon as the sun came up on 6 June the entire Battalion defensive position came under a very accurate and sustained stream of deadly fire from enemy snipers. And it remained so up until the present. And the fire rarely let up. In a short time the precision marksmanship of the German snipers resulted in several casualties, including one officer.

The German snipers were so effective that there were no secure areas within the Battalion’s perimeter. In fact, the number of officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) that were wounded by sniper fire was exceptionally high. “I was the fifth to take over as the Company Sergeant-Major,” recalled John Kemp. “It was mostly snipers picking them off.” The German snipers knew the Canadian paratrooper rank insignia and made a point of specifically targeting those in command and leadership positions. “It got so we didn’t wear ranks anymore,” explained Kemp.

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